The Jeep Automobile has been around for decades. The brand had become a household name that even kids on the streets can distinguish and point out amongst other vehicles because of its unique look and authentic features.

We can agree that Jeeps are some of the coolest looking vehicles anywhere on earth, and quite possibly the most fun. It’s obvious that there is so much more to this automobile than meets the eye. Let’s dive in to see, shall we?

Here are 13 Amazing Facts about Jeep Automobile.

1. Of US origin.

A brand of American automobiles that is a division of FCA US LLC (formerly Chrysler Group, LLC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The division is headquartered in Toledo, Ohio.

2. Been into the hands of many owners.

In 1953, Willys-Overland was bought by Kaiser Motors (think Kaiser Permanente—same guy), which was eventually sold to American Motors Company. AMC was then bought by first Renault then Chrysler. Since then Chrysler has been owned (or merged with) by Daimler, a private firm whose investments are overseen by Dan Quayle, the U.S. and Canadian governments, and now Fiat.

3. Speculating theories suggest that Jeep is named after a cartoon character

This little guy’s name is Eugene the Jeep. He’s a character in “Popeye” that was first drawn up a few years prior to the Bantam 4x4.

4. The great-grandfather of all SUV vehicles

The first Jeeps of Willys MB model went into production in 1941 specifically for the military, arguably making them the oldest four-wheel drive mass-production vehicles now known as SUVs.

5. There’s actually a sport called “Jeeping”
A man named Mark A. Smith organized the first Jeep trek across the Rubicon Trail near Lake Tahoe in 1953. They’ve never stopped since, and today Jeep Jamborees are large enough to warrant Jeep bringing unique concept vehicles to thank the loyal fans.

6. Had a significant part in history.

While most people are aware of Jeep’s military history, not many realize the extent of the role that Jeep vehicles played in World War II. To give you an idea of their importance, the U.S. Army awarded a Jeep with the Purple Heart honor after it survived two different beach landings during the war. The Purple Heart is an honor bestowed upon brave American soldiers who were injured during combat and is among the military’s most prestigious awards. The fact that the ruggedly capable Jeep was able to storm two different beaches during World War II and keep soldiers safe in the process, speaks volumes to the role Jeep played during that time in the world’s history.

7. It’s got a signature look.

One of the most distinguishable traits of every Jeep model made is the signature front grille with integrated headlights. As unmistakable as this design theme is in the Jeep brand lineup, it was actually intended to be used on Ford models.

8. That same signature look: the Seven-Slot Grille was once 13

That same front grille design with integrated headlights was not only designed for Ford models originally, it also featured a total of 13 slots in the original 1940 design. In 1941, the number of slots was reduced to nine, before finally going down to seven, which is the Jeep look we all know and love today. To this very day, every single Jeep model features the iconic seven-slot grille design.

9. No doors? Not a problem

Jeep Wranglers are unlike any other vehicle in production. That goes without saying. As they stand out from every other SUV on the road, they are also the only vehicle in production that is made to have the doors taken off them. Jeep Wrangler models are able to transform from a commuter crossover to a ruggedly capable off-road machine, thanks to this one-of-a-kind design.

10. For tracks, not trails

After flirting with high-performance SUVs with its Grand Cherokee SRT, in late 2017 Jeep is launching what is set to be the world’s fastest SUV. The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is propelled by a 706.719hp V8 and capable of accelerating from rest to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 290km/h.

11. Hardcore through and through

Ever heard of the “The Expediciones De Las Americas”? If not, it’s just about the most badass road trip you've never heard of.

A couple of decades after starting the Jamboree, Mark A. Smith led an expedition of Jeeps on the longest off-road trip in history, trekking 21,000 miles over some of the world’s most inhospitable terrain from the southernmost tip of Chile to the northern reaches of Alaska.

12. It’s 75 years old as of 2016!

Back in July of 2016, the Jeep brand celebrated an important milestone – its 75th Anniversary. The off-road car brand is easily the most iconic in America. With an incredible line up of all-terrain SUVs and crossovers, Jeep has managed to adapt beautifully over the course of the past seven decades. Today's car shoppers are eager to get behind the wheel of their very own Jeep brand vehicle, whether it be a brand new Wrangler or a used Jeep Cherokee. Owning a Jeep is entirely different from owning other makes and models on the road because Jeep owners are part of a community and culture that drivers of other brands just don’t experience.

13. Currently, Jeep is selling its vehicles in more than a hundred countries.

The global financial crisis of 2007–08 took away many automakers, big and small alike, including Chrysler, the parent company of the Jeep Motors. Nevertheless, as of 2009 Jeep was one of the most stable and profitable divisions of Chrysler. In spite of parent company’s bankruptcy, the Jeep subdivision was still self-sufficient and was bought by the Italian auto giant Fiat. Thanks to financial support of the new owner, the company quickly recovered after the crisis of 2009. Remarkably, just three years later, Jeep has beaten its own record in terms of sales.

Jeep is also available here in New Zealand. If you’re an owner of one, then there is no denying your extreme nature and quality taste. And you’re in definite good cheer because there are experts in Jeep replacement parts and accessories, with the best range of new and recycled Jeep parts in NZ. Or visit www.www.hitechautoparts.co.nz and see what they've got in store for you.

Original article can be found here: https://www.hitechautoparts.co.nz/13-Amazing-Facts-About-Jeep-Automobile/