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Jeep_® ^- The Ultimate 4x4

A Jeep 4x4 is designed to handle just about every role you care to throw at it. This is thanks to clever design and pure rugged ability. But where did it all begin? And what makes today's models worthy of the Jeep_® name?

The Jeep heritage began back in the late 1930's when the US military needed a small vehicle that would be quick on-road, dependable off-road and handle all the battlefield dramas the Second World War could throw at it. Two companies entered bids to produce a vehicle that would meet these requirements, one being Willys-Overland Motors, with the Willys MA.

After arduous testing, Willys-Overland was awarded the contract in July of 1941 calling for the production of 16,000 revised MB models at a unit price of $738.74. Most of the MA's were sent to the United States Allies in Russia and England under the Lend-Lease program. Today, the MA is the rarest of all pre-production Willys, with only about thirty models known to exist.

Over the years, a series of corporate take-overs and mergers resulted with Jeep_® (part of Chrysler Group LLC.) owing the tradmark rights to the "jeep" name and seven slot grille.

Quick to realise they'd created something special, the company brought out nine civilian models during the 1950s. But it was perhaps in the next decade, with the Wagoneer, that the multi-role vehicle evolved to suit the family.

And with the arrival of the Jeep Cherokee in 1 975, off-road workhorse met luxury tourer in a partnership that lasts to this day.



The brand has evolved but models are clearly defined: Jeep Patriot, with its urban good looks mated with full-time four-wheel-drive for light off-road capability; Jeep Wrangler, the closest in design and function to the original Willys, packed with heavy-duty, mud-plugging power but now with all the comfort needed for everyday use; the Jeep Cherokee mid-range SUV; and the most luxurious of the range, the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

So what makes today's Jeep worthy of such a distinctive title?

Well, Jeep has continued to pioneer the technology that guarantees you can take the rough as easily as the smooth. Each vehicle is based around the latest 4x4 transmissions - the most advanced uses multiple sensors to help direct all the drive to whichever axle needs it most, there's even an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD) that guarantees the best possible traction.

Each Jeep 4x4 has a range of engines to deliver the right balance of power and efficiency. And now with real world luxury and adaptability, the brand has a global following loyal to the innovation and engineering first pioneered in the Willys MB.

To find out about our multi-award winning Jeep 4x4 Grand Cherokee click here.

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