Who is jeep made by

The Jeep brand manufactures one of the most iconic SUVs in the world. Military roots and off-road prowess make the Jeep Wrangler stand out. The new Jeep Gladiator is essentially a Wrangler with a truck bed. the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers family-style versatility. But who owns Jeep and makes all the Jeep parts? Which auto mogul is the power behind this powerhouse brand?

Fiat Chrysler Automotive group

First off, let’s note that there is a US-based Fiat Chrysler Automotive and one based in Italy. The two are part of the same group. However, according to Investopedia, the American FCA runs things over here for the USA-based brands, while the Italian FCA handles, well, the Italian side of things––Maserati for one.

RELATED: The Mahindra Thar Is the Compact Indian Wrangler We’ll Never Get

When it comes to Jeep parts and the manufacturing and production of Jeep vehicles, Fiat Chrysler Automotive runs the show. That new Jeep for sale that you have your eyes on is top to bottom and inside out an FCA product. Is that a good thing? Some say yes and some say no.

How long has FCA owned Jeep?

According to Consumer Reports, Fiat Chrysler Automotive owns many well known brands. These brands include big names like Chrysler (obviously), Dodge, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Jeep. There’s a merger with Peugeot on the horizon. The post-merge corporate name will change to Stellantis, but the familiar brand names will all stay the same. But how long has FCA owned Jeep?

RELATED: Maybe the Merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Won’t Happen After All

According to CJ Off-Road, the military Jeeps were originally produced by Willys-Overland. Although it began cranking out the military vehicles in the 1940s during World War II, Willys didn’t actually have the rights to the Jeep name yet. Despite the delay in trademark ownership, they were still called Jeeps back then. It became official on June 13, 1950. A few years later, Willys-Overland sold to Henry j. Kaiser for over $60 million. After that, American Motors Corporation bought what was at that point called the Kaiser Jeep Corporation for $70 million.

Then, in 1987 Chrysler acquired Jeep in the $1.5 billion purchase of AMC. More changing of hands ensued. Ultimately, Fiat bought Chrysler in 2014, and since then FCA has full ownership of Jeep. In fact, the Fiat purchase helped Chrysler after the company filed bankruptcy in 2009.

RELATED: An Overwhelming Amount of Most Complained About Vehicles Are FCA

“Fiat bought Chrysler on January 21, 2014, after acquiring the remaining ownership interest. Fiat swooped in to save Chrysler from failing after they declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009.”

CJ Off-Road

Who owns Jeep?

When Fiat and Chrysler became Fiat Chrysler Automotive, Jeep became an FCA brand. So, if you are wondering who owns Jeep, it’s still Fiat Chrysler. That merger was in 2014. So, for over half a decade Jeep remained property of the FCA corporate entity. However, that name will soon change to Stellantis.

What is Mopar?

“Mopar is frequently used as a term to describe any car designed and manufactured by Chrysler or its divisions since 1920.”

Investopedia

RELATED: Is the Mopar ‘Brodozer’ More Capable Than the Ram Rebel?

Mopar is the “original equipment manufacturer” for Chrysler, Ram, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles. This includes Jeep parts. According to Investopedia, Mopar operates with a full inventory of parts for repairs of these vehicles. Additionally, there are enhanced performance factory upgrade parts for projects and racing. These Mopar products have seen particular success for models like the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Gladiator. Plus, Mopar distributes American Fiat parts.

There is nothing like a Jeep if you are into powerful offroading vehicles that look just as tough as they perform. Ever since the Jeep came out in the 1940s, it has retained its recognizable style and charming good looks, but everything else has changed.

What started as a strictly practical vehicle now has many models that are as great for recreation as they are for work. Jeep calls them "luxuriously capable transportation," and for a good reason.

So what's changed for them over the years?

Let's look at where Jeeps are made these days and who owns this company.

Where are Jeeps Made?

Jeep parts are manufactured all around the world in ten plants in over six countries. Moreover, the vehicle itself is sold in more than 140 countries. However, the assembly takes place in the U.S.

Here's a quick look at where the individual models are made within the U.S.

Jeep Wrangler

These are made in Toledo, Ohio, at the original Jeep plant since 1992.

This plant runs 24/7 in tandem with another plant nearby that was developed a little later to keep up with the never-ending demand. These are called the Parkway Annex and Stickney Plant.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2-row Jeep Grand Cherokee is made in Detroit, Michigan, aka the industrial complex of the US. The Jefferson North Assembly Plant is where all the action happens for this vehicle. However, the new Grand Cherokee L will start getting assembled this year at the Mack Avenue Assembly that's also in Detroit.

Other Jeeps models such as Patriots and Compass are made in Illinois at the Belvidere plant.

Jeep Renegade

Jeep Renegade is assembled primarily in Melfi, Italy, but Fiat Chrysler has also set up production lines for them in China and Brazil. These vehicles are in high demand in these countries, hence the decision to set up plants there. However, many Renegades are also sent to the U.S. on container ships to be sold here.

Who Owns The Company?

Jeep has a colorful history of over 75 years. It started manufacturing its signature vehicle in 1941, then owned by Willys-Overland, later known as Willys Motors. In 1970, AMC acquired the company and sold their cars till 1987.

Then, Chrysler bought this brand and took care of it till 1998, after which Daimler Chrysler bought it out and produced Jeeps till 2007. After that, for the next two years, Chrysler Group LLC made Jeeps vehicles.

Since then, Jeep is owned and operated by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) who also owns Chrysler.

Fiat also owns other car and truck brands, such as Dodge Ferrari, Maserati, Abarth, and Lancia. This makes them an expert at manufacturing and marketing high-end automobiles. However, after the merger between PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Stellantis now owns Jeep. In fact, both Jeep and Chrysler come under the Stellantis banner.

In Conclusion

Jeeps is a well-known and well-established car brand that is celebrated the world over.

Chances are you have come across a Wrangler or Cherokee before, no matter where you live. Even though it started as an American brand, it has expanded nearly worldwide, and it is now made in over six countries even though most of the assembly still takes place in America.