Who Owns Jeep?
Last Updated February 5, 2020 | Alison SmithThere’s no doubt that Jeep is one of the most patriotic automobile brands out there. Originally used as military vehicles, Jeeps date back to the 1940s and the beginning of World War II. While Willys-Overland produced the first vehicles to be called Jeeps, it wasn’t until June 13, 1950, when Willys was able to trademark the official “Jeep” name. Shortly after, in 1953, Henry J. Kaiser bought the company for $60.8 million, rebranding it as Willys Motors Inc., which eventually became Kaiser Jeep Corporation in 1963.
In 1970, the company was sold to American Motors Corporation, this time for $75 million. The Jeep brand once again changed hands in 1987, the same year the first-generation Wrangler replaced the CJ series. This time, Chrysler bought out a large portion of American Motors Corporation, including the iconic Jeep brand. After Chrysler declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009, Fiat swooped in to save the company from failing. Fiat eventually purchased all the assets from Chrysler in 2014 and merged the two companies together, resulting in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Who owns Jeep?
Jeep is owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which is one of the world’s biggest automakers. The Jeep brand is a division of FCA US LLC, a subsidiary of the Italian-American parent company. Rumors surfaced in 2017 that Fiat Chrysler was going to sell Jeep to a Chinese automaker but have since been debunked. According to Reuters, Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne said in early 2018 that Jeep alone could help FCA’s net profit double.
Where are Jeeps Made?
While Jeeps are largely made in America, FCA US has manufacturing facilities located in several other countries. FCA US has 37 manufacturing facilities total, with one in Venezuela, six in Canada, seven in Mexico, and the remaining 23 in the United States. Many of the international facilities produce parts such as transmissions and powertrain components, while most of the assembly occurs in the United States. An exception to that is the Jeep Renegade, which is assembled in Melfi, Italy, along with the Fiat 500X. Fiat Chrysler as a larger parent company operates over 159 manufacturing facilities globally, including some factories that produce Jeeps for international consumers.
Where are Jeep Wranglers Made?
Jeep Wranglers are made in Toledo, Ohio, where they have been produced for the past several decades. The last JK Wrangler finally rolled off the assembly lines in early 2018 to make way for the Jeep Gladiator along with continuing production for the JL Wrangler. Around $700 million was invested to retool the plant for the JL Wrangler, while it will take another $1 billion to retool the plant for the Jeep Gladiator pickup truck along with the retooling of the Warren Assembly Plant in Michigan, which has plans to build the new Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. In addition to the extra investments, over 2,000 jobs will be added in order to support the production of these models. The Toledo Assembly Complex has 3.64 million square feet of floor space on 312 acres, employing nearly 6,000 workers for various shifts.
Located on the site that used to be the Stickney Plant, the Toledo factory has a rich history. The Stickney Plant was built in 1942 and converted for vehicle production in 1981. The plant was acquired by Chrysler after buying American Motors Corporation back in 1987 and has been producing the Wrangler ever since. Now over 30 years later, the Toledo Assembly Complex remains the starting point for Jeep’s famous off-roading vehicle and provides the area with steady employment opportunities as well as economic benefits.
Sources: FCA, Jeep.com | Image Credit: Cars.com, FCA, Jeep.com
Several companies have owned the Jeep line over the years, but who owns Jeep today? Jeep is owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, having acquired the division from American Motors Corporation in 1987. While most Jeeps are made in America, there are a few exceptions for certain models that do have production facilities in other countries. However, the Wrangler is fully assembled in America at an FCA factory in Toledo, Ohio.
