When in 1938 the United States armed forces needed a new mobile car instead of the usual motorcycle with a sidecar, Willys Overland took over the development. The very first drawings of the new car were submitted by the end of 1939. The car was developed by an American engineer Arthur Herrington. The car was named Willys MB. After the war, Willys Overland decides to change the model Willis MB and make it suitable for use in civilian life.
The new car was named CJ. He became the basis for the production model. Car sales began in the middle of the summer of 1945. The Jeep logo was supposed to be depicted on the updated model, but the company began to sue American Bantam Car for using the Jeep name. In this regard, until 1950 the car was produced under the name Willis. In June 1950, the company won
a lawsuit and registered the name Jeep.
In 1946, Willis launched the Willis Jeep Station Wagon, a civilian minibus. The rear-wheel drive car could accommodate up to seven people, however, it developed a speed of only one hundred kilometers. But his main advantage was in the highest cross. Three years later, an all-wheel drive SUV was released. He became the progenitor of the current, modern Grand Cherokee.
At the very end of the eighties, Jeep was in a difficult situation. Pressure was exerted on the automotive market by the Japanese, who offered their very high-quality jeeps. First of all, Japanese cars exceeded American ones in terms of comfort.
In 1992, Jeep achieved revenge in the struggle for consumer acceptance.
The luxurious
Grand Cherokee was introduced to the world community
, replacing the “old man” Wrangler, which has been produced for over 28 years. The novelty immediately pleased consumers; critics appreciated it. Comfortable interior, elegant and austere design and excellent technical specifications. From 1992 to 1998,
the first generation Grand Cherokee
cars were sold in the amount of 1.5 million copies.
In 1998, the company introduced the new generation Grand Cherokee. The design of the car has slightly changed. The body lines have become softer, the shape of the block headlights has changed. Fog lights appeared on the front bumper.
1999 Jeep was equipped with two engines - a 3.1-liter V5, power - 140 hp. and gasoline 4.7 liters.
In 2004, a representative of the third generation Grand Cherokee appears. He became the owner of new gasoline and diesel engines. The design of the car has not changed much - there were large headlights and an updated windshield.
However, the change of generations did not give Jeep the expected results - the sales level could not be increased. Despite the difficulties and increasing competition, Jeep continues to work hard to create new models. Confirmation of this is the appearance of Grand Cherokee 2013.
A brutal and respectable car received softer streamlined body lines, which gives it an additional charm. The front grille has become much smaller, the front has become smoother and more curved. The interior has also changed - a new dashboard, the leather trim, the shape and design of the seats have changed.
The official presentation of the new 2018-2019 Grand Cherokee SUV took place at the Detroit Auto Show, which opened on January 14, 2013. The start of sales of the new car in North America is scheduled for late summer 2013.