Difference between revisions of "Jeep" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
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There are many stories about where the word "jeep" came from. Although they make for interesting and memorable tales, they are difficult to verify.  
 
There are many stories about where the word "jeep" came from. Although they make for interesting and memorable tales, they are difficult to verify.  
  
−
Probably the most popular notion has it that the vehicle bore the designation "GP" (for "General Purpose"), which was phonetically slurred into the word ''jeep''. [[R. Lee Ermey]], on his television series ''[[Mail Call]]'', disputes this, saying that the vehicle was designed for specific duties, was never referred to as "General Purpose," and that the name may have been derived from Ford's nomenclature referring to the vehicle as GP (G for government-use, and P to designate its 80-inch [[wheelbase]]). "General purpose" does appear in connection with the vehicle in the WW2 TM 9-803 manual, which describes the vehicle as "''... a general purpose, personnel, or cargo carrier especially adaptable for reconnaissance or command, and designated as ¼-ton 4x4 Truck''," and the vehicle is designated a "GP" in TM 9-2800, Standard Military Motor Vehicles, September 1, 1943, but whether the average jeep-driving [[GI (term)|GI]] would have been familiar with either of these manuals is open to debate.
+
Probably the most popular notion has it that the vehicle bore the designation "GP" (for "General Purpose"), which was phonetically slurred into the word ''jeep''. [[R. Lee Ermey]], on his television series ''[[Mail Call]],'' disputes this, saying that the vehicle was designed for specific duties, was never referred to as "General Purpose," and that the name may have been derived from Ford's nomenclature referring to the vehicle as GP (G for government-use, and P to designate its 80-inch [[wheelbase]]). "General purpose" does appear in connection with the vehicle in the WW2 TM 9-803 manual, which describes the vehicle as "… a general purpose, personnel, or cargo carrier especially adaptable for reconnaissance or command, and designated as ¼-ton 4x4 Truck," and the vehicle is designated a "GP" in TM 9-2800, Standard Military Motor Vehicles, September 1, 1943, but whether the average jeep-driving [[GI (term)|GI]] would have been familiar with either of these manuals is open to debate.
  
 
This version of the story may be confused with the nickname of another series of vehicles with the GP designation. The [[Electro-Motive Diesel|Electro-Motive Division]] of [[General Motors]], a maker of railroad [[locomotives]], introduced its [[List of GM-EMD locomotives#Four-axle GP .22General Purpose.22 series|"General Purpose"]] line in 1949, using the GP tag. These locomotives are commonly referred to as Geeps, pronounced the same way as "Jeep."
 
This version of the story may be confused with the nickname of another series of vehicles with the GP designation. The [[Electro-Motive Diesel|Electro-Motive Division]] of [[General Motors]], a maker of railroad [[locomotives]], introduced its [[List of GM-EMD locomotives#Four-axle GP .22General Purpose.22 series|"General Purpose"]] line in 1949, using the GP tag. These locomotives are commonly referred to as Geeps, pronounced the same way as "Jeep."
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Many, including Ermey, claim that the likelier origin refers to the character [[Eugene the Jeep]] in the ''Thimble Theater'' ([[Popeye]]) comic strip. Eugene the Jeep was dog-like and could walk through walls and ceilings, climb trees, fly, and just about go anywhere it wanted; it is thought that soldiers at the time were so impressed with the new vehicle's versatility that they informally named it after the character. The character "Eugene the Jeep" was created in 1936.
 
Many, including Ermey, claim that the likelier origin refers to the character [[Eugene the Jeep]] in the ''Thimble Theater'' ([[Popeye]]) comic strip. Eugene the Jeep was dog-like and could walk through walls and ceilings, climb trees, fly, and just about go anywhere it wanted; it is thought that soldiers at the time were so impressed with the new vehicle's versatility that they informally named it after the character. The character "Eugene the Jeep" was created in 1936.
  
−
The term "jeep" was first commonly used during [[World War I]] (1914–1918) by soldiers as a slang word for new [[recruit]]s and for new unproven vehicles. This is according to a history of the vehicle for an issue of the U.S. Army magazine, ''[[Quartermaster Review]]'', which was written by Maj. E. P. Hogan. He went on to say that the slang word "jeep" had these definitions as late as the start of [[World War II]].
+
The term "jeep" was first commonly used during [[World War I]] (1914–1918) by soldiers as a slang word for new [[recruit]]s and for new unproven vehicles. This is according to a history of the vehicle for an issue of the U.S. Army magazine, ''[[Quartermaster Review]],'' which was written by Maj. E. P. Hogan. He went on to say that the slang word "jeep" had these definitions as late as the start of [[World War II]].
  
 
"Jeep" had been used as the name of a small tractor made by [[Modine]].
 
"Jeep" had been used as the name of a small tractor made by [[Modine]].
  
−
The term "jeep" would eventually be used as slang to refer to an airplane, a tractor used for hauling heavy equipment, and an [[autogyro]]. When the first models of the jeep came to [[Camp Holabird]] for tests, the vehicle did not have a name yet. Therefore the soldiers on the test project called it a jeep. Civilian engineers and test drivers who were at the camp during this time were not aware of the military slang term. They most likely were familiar with the character Eugene the Jeep and thought that Eugene was the origin of the name. The vehicle had many other nicknames at this time such as Peep and Pygmy and Blitz-Buggy, although because of the Eugene association, Jeep stuck in people's minds better than any other term.
+
The term "jeep" would eventually be used as slang to refer to an airplane, a tractor used for hauling heavy equipment, and an [[autogyro]]. When the first models of the jeep came to [[Camp Holabird]] for tests, the vehicle did not have a name yet. Therefore the soldiers on the test project called it a jeep. Civilian engineers and test drivers who were at the camp during this time were not aware of the military slang term. They most likely were familiar with the character Eugene the Jeep and thought that Eugene was the origin of the name. The vehicle had many other nicknames at this time, such as Peep and Pygmy and Blitz-Buggy, although because of the Eugene association, Jeep stuck in people's minds better than any other term.
  
−
''Words of the Fighting Forces'', a dictionary of military slang, published in 1942, in the library at [[The Pentagon]] gives this definition:
+
''Words of the Fighting Forces,'' a dictionary of military slang, published in 1942, in the library at [[The Pentagon]] gives this definition:
−
:'''Jeep''': A four-wheel drive car of one-half to one-and-one-half ton capacity for reconnaissance or other army duty. A term applied to the bantam-cars, and occasionally to other motor vehicles (U.S.A.) in the Air Corps, the Link Trainer; in the armored forces, the ½ ton command car. Also referred to as "any small plane, helicopter, or gadget." <ref>Saunders, Clinton A and Blackwell, Joseph W ''Words of the Fighting Forces'', 1942 no publisher or location given.</ref>
+
:'''Jeep:''' A four-wheel drive car of one-half to one-and-one-half ton capacity for reconnaissance or other army duty. A term applied to the bantam-cars, and occasionally to other motor vehicles (U.S.A.) in the Air Corps, the Link Trainer; in the armored forces, the ½ ton command car. Also referred to as "any small plane, helicopter, or gadget."<ref>Clinton A. Saunders and Joseph W. Blackwell, ''Words of the Fighting Forces'' (1942).</ref>
  
−
Early in 1941, [[Willys-Overland]] demonstrated the vehicle's ability by having it drive up the [[U.S. Capitol]] steps, driven by Willy's test driver Irving "Red" Haussman, who had recently heard soldiers at [[Fort Holabird]] calling it a "jeep." When asked by syndicated columnist Katherine Hillyer for the ''[[Washington Daily News]]'' (or by a bystander, according to another account) what it was called, Irving answered, "It's a jeep."   
+
Early in 1941, [[Willys-Overland]] demonstrated the vehicle's ability by having it drive up the [[U.S. Capitol]] steps, driven by Willy's test driver, [[Irving "Red" Haussman]], who had recently heard soldiers at [[Fort Holabird]] calling it a "jeep." When asked by syndicated columnist Katherine Hillyer for the ''[[Washington Daily News]]'' (or by a bystander, according to another account) what it was called, Irving answered, "It's a jeep."   
 +
 
 +
Katherine Hillyer's article was published on February 20, 1941, around the nation and included a picture of the vehicle with the caption:
 +
:LAWMAKERS TAKE A RIDE—With Senator Meade, of New York, at the wheel, and Representative Thomas, of New Jersey, sitting beside him, one of the Army's new scout cars, known as "jeeps" or "quads," climbs up the Capitol steps in a demonstration yesterday. Soldiers in the rear seat for gunners were unperturbed.
  
−
Katherine Hillyer's article was published on February 20, 1941 around the nation and included a picture of the vehicle with the caption:
 
−
:LAWMAKERS TAKE A RIDE- With Senator Meade, of New York, at the wheel, and Representative Thomas, of New Jersey, sitting beside him, one of the Army's new scout cars, known as "jeeps" or "quads," climbs up the Capitol steps in a demonstration yesterday. Soldiers in the rear seat for gunners were unperturbed.
 
 
This exposure caused all other jeep references to fade, leaving the 4x4 truck with the name.
 
This exposure caused all other jeep references to fade, leaving the 4x4 truck with the name.
  
 
[[Willys-Overland]] Inc. was later awarded the sole privilege of owning the name "Jeep" as registered [[trademark]], by extension, merely because it originally had offered the most powerful engine.
 
[[Willys-Overland]] Inc. was later awarded the sole privilege of owning the name "Jeep" as registered [[trademark]], by extension, merely because it originally had offered the most powerful engine.
  
−
''(Compare "[[mayhem (crime)|mayhem]]" and "[[commando]]" for words which changed their main meanings because of newspaper misunderstandings.)''
+
===The origins of the vehicle: The first jeeps===
−
 
 
−
===The origins of the vehicle: the first jeeps===
 
  
 
[[Image:WW2jeep.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Dashboard of WWII jeep]]
 
[[Image:WW2jeep.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Dashboard of WWII jeep]]
  
−
The first jeep prototype (the [[Bantam GP|Bantam BRC]]) was built for the Department of the Army by [[American Austin Car Company|American Bantam]] in [[Butler, Pennsylvania]], followed by two other competing prototypes produced by Ford and Willys-Overland. Design was said to have been inspired by the Spartan Army uniform. The American Bantam Car Company actually built and designed the vehicle that first met the Army's criteria, but its engine did not meet the Army's [[torque]] requirements. Plus, the Army felt that the company was too small to supply the number needed and it allowed Willys and Ford to make second attempts on their designs after seeing Bantam's vehicle in action. Some people believe that Ford and Willys also had access to Bantam's technical paperwork.
+
The first jeep prototype (the [[Bantam GP|Bantam BRC]]) was built for the Department of the Army by [[American Austin Car Company|American Bantam]] in [[Butler, Pennsylvania]], followed by two other competing prototypes produced by Ford and Willys-Overland. Design was said to have been inspired by the Spartan Army uniform. The American Bantam Car Company actually built and designed the vehicle that first met the Army's criteria, but its engine did not meet the Army's [[torque]] requirements. Plus, the Army felt that the company was too small to supply the number needed and it allowed Willys and Ford to make second attempts on their designs after seeing Bantam's vehicle in action. Some people argue that Ford and Willys also had access to Bantam's technical paperwork.
  
 
Quantities (1,500) of each of the three models were then extensively field tested. During the bidding process for 16,000 "jeeps," Willys-Overland offered the lowest bid and won the initial contract. Willys thus designed what would become the standardized jeep, designating it a model '''MB''' military vehicle and building it at their plant in [[Toledo, Ohio]].  
 
Quantities (1,500) of each of the three models were then extensively field tested. During the bidding process for 16,000 "jeeps," Willys-Overland offered the lowest bid and won the initial contract. Willys thus designed what would become the standardized jeep, designating it a model '''MB''' military vehicle and building it at their plant in [[Toledo, Ohio]].  
  
−
Like American Bantam, Willys-Overland was a small company and, likewise, the military was concerned about their ability to produce large quantities of jeeps. The military was also concerned that Willys-Overland had only one manufacturing facility: something that would make the supply of jeeps more susceptible to sabotage or production stoppages.
+
Like American Bantam, Willys-Overland was a small company and, likewise, the military was concerned about their ability to produce large quantities of jeeps. The military was also concerned that Willys-Overland had only one manufacturing facility: Something that would make the supply of jeeps more susceptible to sabotage or production stoppages.
  
 
Based on these two concerns, the U.S. government required that jeeps also be built by the [[Ford Motor Company]], who designated the vehicle as model '''GPW''' ('''G''' = governmental vehicle, '''P'''  showed the [[wheelbase]], and '''W''' = the Willys design). Willys and Ford, under the direction of [[Charles E. Sorensen]] (Vice-President of Ford during World War II), produced more than 600,000 jeeps.
 
Based on these two concerns, the U.S. government required that jeeps also be built by the [[Ford Motor Company]], who designated the vehicle as model '''GPW''' ('''G''' = governmental vehicle, '''P'''  showed the [[wheelbase]], and '''W''' = the Willys design). Willys and Ford, under the direction of [[Charles E. Sorensen]] (Vice-President of Ford during World War II), produced more than 600,000 jeeps.
−
Besides just being a "truck" the jeep was used for as many purposes as you can think of.
 
  
−
The jeep was widely copied around the world, including in France by [[Hotchkiss et Cie]] (after 1954, Hotchkiss manufactured Jeeps under licence from Willys), and by [[Nekaf]] in the [[Netherlands]]. There were several versions created, including a [[railway]] jeep and an [[amphibious vehicle|amphibious]] jeep. As part of the war effort, Jeeps were also supplied to the Soviet [[Red Army]] during World War II.
+
Besides just being a "truck" the jeep was a vastly multi-purpose vehicle.
 +
 
 +
The jeep was widely copied around the world, including in France by [[Hotchkiss et Cie]] (after 1954, Hotchkiss manufactured Jeeps under license from Willys), and by [[Nekaf]] in the [[Netherlands]]. There were several versions created, including a [[railway]] jeep and an [[amphibious vehicle|amphibious]] jeep. As part of the war effort, Jeeps were also supplied to the Soviet [[Red Army]] during World War II.
  
−
In the United States military, the jeep has been supplanted by a number of vehicles (e.g. Ford's [[M151 MUTT]]) of which the latest is the [[High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle]] (HMMWV or "[[Humvee]]").
+
In the United States military, the jeep has been supplanted by a number of vehicles (for example, Ford's [[M151 MUTT]]) of which the latest is the [[High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle]] (HMMWV or "[[Humvee]]").
  
 
=====The M715=====
 
=====The M715=====
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===The Jeep marque===
 
===The Jeep marque===
−
The marque has gone through many owners, starting in 1941 with [[Willys]], which produced the first [[Jeep CJ|Civilian Jeep (CJ)]]. Willys was sold to [[Kaiser (automobile)|Kaiser]] in 1953, which became Kaiser-Jeep in 1963. [[American Motors Corporation|American Motors]] (AMC) purchased Kaiser’s money-losing Jeep operations in 1970. The utility vehicles complemented AMC’s passenger car business by sharing components, achieving volume efficiencies, as well as capitalizing on Jeep’s international and government markets.
+
The marque has gone through many owners, starting in 1941, with [[Willys]], which produced the first [[Jeep CJ|Civilian Jeep (CJ)]]. Willys was sold to [[Kaiser (automobile)|Kaiser]] in 1953, which became Kaiser-Jeep in 1963. [[American Motors Corporation|American Motors]] (AMC) purchased Kaiser’s money-losing Jeep operations in 1970. The utility vehicles complemented AMC’s passenger car business by sharing components, achieving volume efficiencies, as well as capitalizing on Jeep’s international and government markets.
  
−
The French automaker [[Renault]] began investing in AMC in 1979. However, by 1987, the automobile markets had changed and even Renault itself was experiencing financial troubles. At the same time, [[Chrysler Corporation]] wanted to capture the Jeep brand, as well as other assets of AMC. Chrysler bought out AMC in 1987, shortly after the [[Jeep CJ]] was replaced with the AMC-designed [[Jeep Wrangler]] or YJ. Chrysler merged with [[Daimler-Benz]] in 1998 to form [[DaimlerChrysler]]. DaimlerChrysler eventually sold most of their interest in Chrysler to a [[private equity]] company in 2007. Chrysler and the Jeep division now operate under the name Chrysler Holding LLC.
+
The French automaker [[Renault]] began investing in AMC in 1979. However, by 1987, the automobile markets had changed and even Renault itself was experiencing financial troubles. At the same time, [[Chrysler Corporation]] wanted to capture the Jeep brand, as well as other assets of AMC. Chrysler bought out AMC in 1987, shortly after the [[Jeep CJ]] was replaced with the AMC-designed [[Jeep Wrangler]], or YJ. Chrysler merged with [[Daimler-Benz]] in 1998 to form [[DaimlerChrysler]]. DaimlerChrysler eventually sold most of their interest in Chrysler to a [[private equity]] company in 2007. Chrysler and the Jeep division now operate under the name Chrysler Holding LLC.
  
−
[[Toledo, Ohio]] has been the headquarters of the Jeep marque since its inception, and the city has always been proud of this heritage. Although no longer produced in the same [[factory]] as the [[World War II]] originals, two streets in the vicinity of the old plant are named Willys Parkway and Jeep Parkway.
+
[[Toledo, Ohio]], has been the headquarters of the Jeep marque since its inception, and the city has always been proud of this heritage. Although no longer produced in the same [[factory]] as the [[World War II]] originals, two streets in the vicinity of the old plant are named Willys Parkway and Jeep Parkway.
  
−
American Motors set up the first automobile-manufacturing [[joint venture]] in the [[People's Republic of China]] on January 15, 1984 The result was Beijing Jeep Corporation, Ltd., in partnership with Beijing Automobile Industry Corporation, to produce the [[Jeep Cherokee (XJ)]] in [[Beijing]]. Manufacture continued after Chrysler's buyout of AMC. This joint venture is now part of DaimlerChrysler and DaimlerChrysler China Invest Corporation. The current model is the Jeep 2500, an updated XJ Cherokee.
+
American Motors set up the first automobile-manufacturing [[joint venture]] in the [[People's Republic of China]] on January 15, 1984. The result was Beijing Jeep Corporation, Ltd., in partnership with Beijing Automobile Industry Corporation, to produce the [[Jeep Cherokee (XJ)]] in [[Beijing]]. Manufacture continued after Chrysler's buyout of AMC. This joint venture is now part of DaimlerChrysler and DaimlerChrysler China Invest Corporation. The current model is the Jeep 2500, an updated XJ Cherokee.
  
−
Jeep vehicles have "model designations" in addition to their common names. Nearly every civilian Jeep until the mid-2000's has a 'xJ' designation, though not all are as well-known as the classic [[Jeep CJ|CJ]]. Chrysler has now changed to an "xK" designation.
+
Jeep vehicles have "model designations" in addition to their common names. Nearly every civilian Jeep until the mid-2000s has an "xJ" designation, though not all are as well-known as the classic [[Jeep CJ|CJ]]. Chrysler has now changed to an "xK" designation.
  
 
A division of [[Chrysler|Chrysler Holdings]], the most recent successor company to Willys, now holds trademark status on the word "Jeep" and the distinctive 7-slot front grille design. The original 9-slot grille associated with all WW2 jeeps was designed by Ford for their GPW, and because it weighed less than the original "Slat Grille" of Willys, (an arrangement of flat bars) was incorporated into the "Standardized jeep" design.
 
A division of [[Chrysler|Chrysler Holdings]], the most recent successor company to Willys, now holds trademark status on the word "Jeep" and the distinctive 7-slot front grille design. The original 9-slot grille associated with all WW2 jeeps was designed by Ford for their GPW, and because it weighed less than the original "Slat Grille" of Willys, (an arrangement of flat bars) was incorporated into the "Standardized jeep" design.

Revision as of 15:23, 12 March 2008

Copyediting in Process!
Bantam BRC 40

Jeep is an automobile marque (and registered trademark) of Chrysler. It is the oldest Sports utility vehicle (SUV) brand. Land Rover is the second oldest.

The word "jeep" is often used as a generic term, uncapitalized, for any vehicle of this shape and function. It was use by the United States military during World War I that brought the Jeep to the world's notice. Subsequently, its off-road ability, its rugged but light characteristics, have helped to open up inaccessible places, facilitating transport and communication in some of the most isolated locations in the world. It has often been the first type of vehicle to penetrate some terrains, where it provides an essential life-line for those who live there. A house-hold name across the globe, the Jeep is an example of a technology that can be put to good use, or to less ideal uses, according to the circumstances. In one location, it carried troops, in another emergency supplies. Here, it transports narcotics, there it carries medicine. However, it has perhaps been as widely used by humanitarian agencies to reach disaster zones as it has been by the military in the prosecution of armed conflict.

History

The origin of the term "jeep"

There are many stories about where the word "jeep" came from. Although they make for interesting and memorable tales, they are difficult to verify.

Probably the most popular notion has it that the vehicle bore the designation "GP" (for "General Purpose"), which was phonetically slurred into the word jeep. R. Lee Ermey, on his television series Mail Call, disputes this, saying that the vehicle was designed for specific duties, was never referred to as "General Purpose," and that the name may have been derived from Ford's nomenclature referring to the vehicle as GP (G for government-use, and P to designate its 80-inch wheelbase). "General purpose" does appear in connection with the vehicle in the WW2 TM 9-803 manual, which describes the vehicle as "… a general purpose, personnel, or cargo carrier especially adaptable for reconnaissance or command, and designated as ¼-ton 4x4 Truck," and the vehicle is designated a "GP" in TM 9-2800, Standard Military Motor Vehicles, September 1, 1943, but whether the average jeep-driving GI would have been familiar with either of these manuals is open to debate.

This version of the story may be confused with the nickname of another series of vehicles with the GP designation. The Electro-Motive Division of General Motors, a maker of railroad locomotives, introduced its "General Purpose" line in 1949, using the GP tag. These locomotives are commonly referred to as Geeps, pronounced the same way as "Jeep."

Many, including Ermey, claim that the likelier origin refers to the character Eugene the Jeep in the Thimble Theater (Popeye) comic strip. Eugene the Jeep was dog-like and could walk through walls and ceilings, climb trees, fly, and just about go anywhere it wanted; it is thought that soldiers at the time were so impressed with the new vehicle's versatility that they informally named it after the character. The character "Eugene the Jeep" was created in 1936.

The term "jeep" was first commonly used during World War I (1914–1918) by soldiers as a slang word for new recruits and for new unproven vehicles. This is according to a history of the vehicle for an issue of the U.S. Army magazine, Quartermaster Review, which was written by Maj. E. P. Hogan. He went on to say that the slang word "jeep" had these definitions as late as the start of World War II.

"Jeep" had been used as the name of a small tractor made by Modine.

The term "jeep" would eventually be used as slang to refer to an airplane, a tractor used for hauling heavy equipment, and an autogyro. When the first models of the jeep came to Camp Holabird for tests, the vehicle did not have a name yet. Therefore the soldiers on the test project called it a jeep. Civilian engineers and test drivers who were at the camp during this time were not aware of the military slang term. They most likely were familiar with the character Eugene the Jeep and thought that Eugene was the origin of the name. The vehicle had many other nicknames at this time, such as Peep and Pygmy and Blitz-Buggy, although because of the Eugene association, Jeep stuck in people's minds better than any other term.

Words of the Fighting Forces, a dictionary of military slang, published in 1942, in the library at The Pentagon gives this definition:

Jeep: A four-wheel drive car of one-half to one-and-one-half ton capacity for reconnaissance or other army duty. A term applied to the bantam-cars, and occasionally to other motor vehicles (U.S.A.) in the Air Corps, the Link Trainer; in the armored forces, the ½ ton command car. Also referred to as "any small plane, helicopter, or gadget."[1]

Early in 1941, Willys-Overland demonstrated the vehicle's ability by having it drive up the U.S. Capitol steps, driven by Willy's test driver, Irving "Red" Haussman, who had recently heard soldiers at Fort Holabird calling it a "jeep." When asked by syndicated columnist Katherine Hillyer for the Washington Daily News (or by a bystander, according to another account) what it was called, Irving answered, "It's a jeep."

Katherine Hillyer's article was published on February 20, 1941, around the nation and included a picture of the vehicle with the caption:

LAWMAKERS TAKE A RIDE—With Senator Meade, of New York, at the wheel, and Representative Thomas, of New Jersey, sitting beside him, one of the Army's new scout cars, known as "jeeps" or "quads," climbs up the Capitol steps in a demonstration yesterday. Soldiers in the rear seat for gunners were unperturbed.

This exposure caused all other jeep references to fade, leaving the 4x4 truck with the name.

Willys-Overland Inc. was later awarded the sole privilege of owning the name "Jeep" as registered trademark, by extension, merely because it originally had offered the most powerful engine.

The origins of the vehicle: The first jeeps

Dashboard of WWII jeep

The first jeep prototype (the Bantam BRC) was built for the Department of the Army by American Bantam in Butler, Pennsylvania, followed by two other competing prototypes produced by Ford and Willys-Overland. Design was said to have been inspired by the Spartan Army uniform. The American Bantam Car Company actually built and designed the vehicle that first met the Army's criteria, but its engine did not meet the Army's torque requirements. Plus, the Army felt that the company was too small to supply the number needed and it allowed Willys and Ford to make second attempts on their designs after seeing Bantam's vehicle in action. Some people argue that Ford and Willys also had access to Bantam's technical paperwork.

Quantities (1,500) of each of the three models were then extensively field tested. During the bidding process for 16,000 "jeeps," Willys-Overland offered the lowest bid and won the initial contract. Willys thus designed what would become the standardized jeep, designating it a model MB military vehicle and building it at their plant in Toledo, Ohio.

Like American Bantam, Willys-Overland was a small company and, likewise, the military was concerned about their ability to produce large quantities of jeeps. The military was also concerned that Willys-Overland had only one manufacturing facility: Something that would make the supply of jeeps more susceptible to sabotage or production stoppages.

Based on these two concerns, the U.S. government required that jeeps also be built by the Ford Motor Company, who designated the vehicle as model GPW (G = governmental vehicle, P showed the wheelbase, and W = the Willys design). Willys and Ford, under the direction of Charles E. Sorensen (Vice-President of Ford during World War II), produced more than 600,000 jeeps.

Besides just being a "truck" the jeep was a vastly multi-purpose vehicle.

The jeep was widely copied around the world, including in France by Hotchkiss et Cie (after 1954, Hotchkiss manufactured Jeeps under license from Willys), and by Nekaf in the Netherlands. There were several versions created, including a railway jeep and an amphibious jeep. As part of the war effort, Jeeps were also supplied to the Soviet Red Army during World War II.

In the United States military, the jeep has been supplanted by a number of vehicles (for example, Ford's M151 MUTT) of which the latest is the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or "Humvee").

The M715

In 1965, Jeep developed the M715 1 1/4 army truck, which served extensively in Vietnam. Today it serves other countries, and is being produced by Kia under license.

Jeep M715

The Jeep marque

The marque has gone through many owners, starting in 1941, with Willys, which produced the first Civilian Jeep (CJ). Willys was sold to Kaiser in 1953, which became Kaiser-Jeep in 1963. American Motors (AMC) purchased Kaiser’s money-losing Jeep operations in 1970. The utility vehicles complemented AMC’s passenger car business by sharing components, achieving volume efficiencies, as well as capitalizing on Jeep’s international and government markets.

The French automaker Renault began investing in AMC in 1979. However, by 1987, the automobile markets had changed and even Renault itself was experiencing financial troubles. At the same time, Chrysler Corporation wanted to capture the Jeep brand, as well as other assets of AMC. Chrysler bought out AMC in 1987, shortly after the Jeep CJ was replaced with the AMC-designed Jeep Wrangler, or YJ. Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz in 1998 to form DaimlerChrysler. DaimlerChrysler eventually sold most of their interest in Chrysler to a private equity company in 2007. Chrysler and the Jeep division now operate under the name Chrysler Holding LLC.

Toledo, Ohio, has been the headquarters of the Jeep marque since its inception, and the city has always been proud of this heritage. Although no longer produced in the same factory as the World War II originals, two streets in the vicinity of the old plant are named Willys Parkway and Jeep Parkway.

American Motors set up the first automobile-manufacturing joint venture in the People's Republic of China on January 15, 1984. The result was Beijing Jeep Corporation, Ltd., in partnership with Beijing Automobile Industry Corporation, to produce the Jeep Cherokee (XJ) in Beijing. Manufacture continued after Chrysler's buyout of AMC. This joint venture is now part of DaimlerChrysler and DaimlerChrysler China Invest Corporation. The current model is the Jeep 2500, an updated XJ Cherokee.

Jeep vehicles have "model designations" in addition to their common names. Nearly every civilian Jeep until the mid-2000s has an "xJ" designation, though not all are as well-known as the classic CJ. Chrysler has now changed to an "xK" designation.

A division of Chrysler Holdings, the most recent successor company to Willys, now holds trademark status on the word "Jeep" and the distinctive 7-slot front grille design. The original 9-slot grille associated with all WW2 jeeps was designed by Ford for their GPW, and because it weighed less than the original "Slat Grille" of Willys, (an arrangement of flat bars) was incorporated into the "Standardized jeep" design.

AM General

The history of the Humvee has ties with Jeep. In 1971, Jeep's Defense and Government Products Division was turned into AM General, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Motors Corporation, which also owned Jeep. In 1979, while still owned by American Motors, AM General began the first steps toward designing the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle. AM General also continued manufacturing the DJ, which Jeep created in 1953.

Jeep Model List

Historical models

Historical Jeep models:

WWII Willys jeep
  • 1940 Bantam Pilot- Prototype
  • 1940 Bantam BRC-60- Prototype
  • 1940 Willys Quad- Prototype
  • 1940 Ford Pygmy- Prototype
  • 1940 Budd Ford- Prototype
  • 1941 Ford GP
  • 1941 Willys MA
  • 1941 Bantam BRC-40
  • 1942 Willys MB (slat grille)
  • 1942-1945 Willys MB (stamped grille)
  • 1942-1945 Ford GPW
WWII jeep built by Ford, using the Willys-Overland design
  • 1942-1943 Ford GPA
  • 1944 Willys MLW-1- Prototype (Never Finished)
  • 1944 Willys MLW-2- Prototype
  • 1944 Agrijeep CJ-1
  • 1944-1945 CJ-2
  • 1945-1949 CJ-2A
  • 1946-1965 Willys Jeep Wagon
  • 1947-1965 Willys Jeep Truck
  • 1948-1950 VJ—Willys Jeepster
  • 1949-1953 CJ-3A
  • 1950 CJ-V35
  • 1950-1955 M-38 (MC)
  • 1950 X-98- Prototype
  • 1950 CJ-4- Prototype
  • 1950 CJ-4M- Prototype
  • 1950 CJ-4MA- Prototypes
  • 1952-1957 M38A1 (MD)
  • 1952-1957 M38A1C
  • 1953-1963 M170
  • 1953-1968 CJ-3B
  • 1953 B.C.E. Bobcat- Prototype
  • 1954-1983 CJ-5
    • 1961-1963 Tuxedo Park Mark III
    • 1969 Camper
    • 1969 462
    • 1970 Renegade I
    • 1971 Renegade II
    • 1972-1983 Renegade Models
    • 1973 Super Jeep
    • 1977-1983 Golden Eagle
    • 1977 Golden Eagle California Edition - limited production that were only available through California AMC Dealerships
    • 1979 Silver Anniversary CJ-5 Limited Edition - estimated that perhaps only 1,000 were ever built
  • 1955 USAF DJ
  • 1955 M38A1D
  • 1955-1975 CJ-6
  • 1955-1964 DJ-3A
    • Surrey Gala Package
  • 1955-1968 CJ-3B Long- Spain
  • 1956-1965 Jeep Forward Control
    • FC-150
    • FC-160- Spain, India
    • FC-170
    • M676
    • M677
    • M678
    • M679
  • 1959-1978 M151 MUTT
    • M151A1
    • M151A1C
    • M151A2
    • M718 Ambulance
    • M718A1 Ambulance
    • M825
  • 1960-1968 Jeep M606
  • 1960-1977 Jeep Rural- Brazil
  • 1961-1975 Fleetvan
    • FJ-3
    • FJ-3A
    • FJ-6
    • FJ-6A
    • FJ-8
    • FJ-9
  • 1963-1983 SJ Wagoneer
  • 1963-1986 J-Series
    • Jeep Gladiator
    • Jeep Honcho
  • 1964-1967 CJ-5A/CJ-6A Tuxedo Park
  • 1965-1975 DJ-5
  • 1965-1973 DJ-6
  • 1966-1969 SJ Super Wagoneer
  • 1966-1971 C101- Jeepster Commando
  • 1972-1973 C104—Jeep Commando
  • 1974-1983 SJ Cherokee
1974 Cherokee S in action.
    • S
    • Limited
    • Classic
    • Chief
    • Sport
    • Pioneer
    • Laredo
  • 1967-1975 DJ-5A
  • 1970-1972 DJ-5B
  • 1973-1974 DJ-5C
  • 1975-1976 DJ-5D
  • 1976 DJ- 5E Electruck
  • 1976-1986 CJ-7
    • 1982—Jamboree Limited Edition (2500 examples)
  • 1977-1978 DJ-5F
  • 1979 DJ-5G
  • 1979—CJ-5 Silver Anniversary Limited Edition - estimated that perhaps only 1000 were built)
  • 1981-1985 CJ-8 Scrambler
1981 Jeep Scrambler
  • 1981-1985 CJ-10
  • 1982 DJ- 5L
  • 1984-1991 SJ Jeep Grand Wagoneer
    • 1991 Final Edition
  • 1984-2001 XJ Cherokee
    • 1984-2001—Base "SE"
    • 1984-1988—Chief
    • 1984-1990—Pioneer
    • 1985-1992—Laredo
    • 1987-1992/1998-2001—Limited
    • 1988-2001—Sport
    • 1991-1992—Briarwood
    • 1993-1997—Country
    • 1996-2001—Classic
  • 1984-1990 XJ Wagoneer
    • 1984-1985—Broughwood
    • 1984-1990—Limited
  • 1986-1992 MJ Comanche
    • 1986—Custom
    • 1986—X
    • 1986—XLS
    • 1987-1992—Base SE
    • 1987-1990—Chief
    • 1987-1992—Laredo
    • 1987-1990—Pioneer
    • 1987-1992—SporTruck
    • 1987-1992—Eliminator
  • 1987-1995 Wrangler YJ
    • 1991-1993 Renegade
    • 1988-1995 Wrangler Long- Venezuela
  • 1993-1998 ZJ Grand Cherokee
First generation ZJ
    • 1993–1995 – Base SE
    • 1993–1998 – Laredo
    • 1993–1998 – Limited
    • 1995–1997 – Orvis "Limited Edition"
    • 1997–1998 – TSi
    • 1998 - 5.9 Limited
  • 1993 ZJ Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • 1997-2006 Wrangler TJ
1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ
    • 2002 TJ Long
    • 2003 TJ Rubicon
    • 2004 TJ Unlimited
    • 2004—Columbia Edition
  • 1999-2004 WJ Grand Cherokee
    • 2002–2003—Sport
    • 2002–2004—Special edition
    • 2002–2004—Overland
    • 2004—Columbia Edition

Current models

The Jeep brand currently produces six models:

  • Jeep Wrangler
    • JK—The current version of the Wrangler, released as a 2007 model.
    • JK—The long wheelbase, 4-door version of the 2007 Wrangler.
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee—Large family-oriented SUV.
    • WK—The newest Grand Cherokee, 2005-present ("WK" is the designator for the new Grand Cherokee, it is one of the few non-J-designated Jeeps).
    • 2005–present – Laredo
    • 2005–present – Limited
    • 2006–present – Overland
    • 2006–present – SRT-8
  • Jeep Liberty—KJ—A small SUV (replaced the Cherokee and kept the name outside North America).
  • Jeep Commander—XK—Newest model in the Jeep line, it is a seven passenger SUV.
  • Jeep Compass—A small crossover SUV based on the Dodge Caliber.
  • Jeep Patriot—A small SUV based on the Dodge Caliber, slated to begin production for 2007 model year.

Concept vehicles

  • 1958 DJ-3A Pickup
  • 1970 XJ001
  • 1970 XJ002
  • 1971 Jeep Cowboy
  • 1977 Jeep II
  • 1986 Cherokee Targa
  • 1987 Comanche Thunderchief
  • 1989 Jeep Rubicon Wrangler
  • 1990 Jeep JJ
  • 1990 Jeep Freedom
  • 1991 Jeep Wagoneer 2000
  • 1992 Jeep Concept 1
  • 1993 Jeep Ecco
  • 1997 Jeep Cherokee Casablanca
  • 1997 Jeep Wrangler Ultimate Rescue
  • 1997 Fender Jeep Wrangler
  • 1997 Jeep Dakar
  • 1997 Jeep Icon
  • 1999 Jeep Journey
  • 1999 Jeep Jeepster Concept
  • 2000 Jeep Cherokee Total Exposure
  • 2000 Jeep Varsity
  • 2000 Jeep Commander Concept
  • 2000 Jeep Willys
  • 2001 Jeep Willys 2
  • 2002 Jeep Wrangler Tabasco
  • 2002 Jeep Wrangler Patriot
  • 2002 Jeep Wrangler Mountain Biker
  • 2004 Jeep Treo
  • 2004 Jeep Rescue
  • 2004 Jeep Liberator CRD
  • 2005 Jeep Hurricane
  • 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept
  • 2005 Jeep Aggressor (the Rezo)
  • 2007 Jeep Trailhawk

Special vehicles

  • 1958 Oscar-Mayer Wienermobile

Jeeps around the world

Jeeps have been built and/or assembled around the world by various companies.[2]

  • Argentina - IKA Jeeps 1956-current; now owned by Chrysler [3]
  • Australia - Willys Motors Australia - 1940s-1980s [4]
  • Belgium -
  • Brazil - Willys Overland do Brasil, purchased by Ford - 1957-1985 [5]
  • Canada - Kaiser Jeep - 1959-1969[6]
  • China - Beijing-Jeep Corporation
  • Columbia - Willys Columbia - at least until 1999 [7]
  • Egypt.
  • France - Hotchkiss and Auverland - 1952-1962 [8]* India - Mahindra & Mahindra Limited - 1960s-current [9]
  • Israel.
  • Italy - 1950s [10]
  • Japan - Mitsubishi Jeeps - 1953-1998 [11]
  • Korea - Asia Motors, Ltd and SsangYong Motor Company. (does not use Jeep name) - 1980s-current [12]
  • Mexico - VAM Jeeps - 1946-1987 [13]
  • Netherlands - Nederlandse Kaiser-Frazer - 1954-1990s [14]
  • Phillipines - Jeepneys [15]
  • Portugal - Bravia - 1960s-1980s
  • Spain - VIASA, later sold to Nissan - 1960-1990s [16]
  • Turkey - Tuzla - 1954-1970s [17]

Notes

  1. ↑ Clinton A. Saunders and Joseph W. Blackwell, Words of the Fighting Forces (1942).
  2. ↑ "Jeeps Around ther World" Jeeps Around the World Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  3. ↑ "Jeeps in Argentina" Jeeps in Argentina Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  4. ↑ Jeeps in Australia" Jeeps in Australia Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  5. ↑ "Jeeps in Brazil" Jeeps in Brazil Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  6. ↑ "Kaiser Jeep in Windsor, Canada, 1959-69" Kaiser Jeep in Windsor, Canada, 1959-69 Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  7. ↑ "Jeeps in Columbia: YJ meets 3B " Jeeps in Columbia: YJ meets 3B Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  8. ↑ "Jeeps in France" Jeeps in France Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  9. ↑ "Mahindra Jeeps on The CJ3B Page" Mahindra Jeeps on The CJ3B Page Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  10. ↑ "Jeeps in Italy" Jeeps in Italy Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  11. ↑ "Mitsubishi Jeeps on The CJ3B Page" Jeeps in Japan Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  12. ↑ "Jeeps in Korea" Jeeps in Korea Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  13. ↑ "VAM Jeeps in Mexico" VAM Jeeps in Mexico Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  14. ↑ Hogendoorn, Jan and Redmond, Derek "NEKAF Jeeps in the Netherlands" NEKAF Jeeps in the Netherlands Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  15. ↑ "Jeepneys of the Philippines" Jeepneys of the Philippines Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  16. ↑ "Los Jeeps in Spain" Los Jeeps in Spain Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  17. ↑ "Jeeps in Turkey" Jeeps in Turkey Retrieved December 7, 2007.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Allen, Jim. 2001. Jeep. Osceola, WI: MBI Pub. Co. ISBN 9780760307977
  • Foster, Patrick. 2003. Standard catalog of Jeep, 1940-2003. Iola, WI.: Krause Pub. ISBN 9780873495226
  • King, Granville, and Willie Worthy. 2004. The Jeep bible 1941-1986, CJ history, repair, tuneup, mods : written personally for the Jeep cult! Holtville, CA: Quellen. ISBN 9780961847395
  • Mann, Jim. 1989. Beijing Jeep the short, unhappy romance of American business in China. New York: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9780671620271
  • Statham, Steve. 1999. Jeep color history. Osceola, WI: MBI Pub. ISBN 9780760306369

External links

Official sites

Other links

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