Does Fiat Chrysler Own Jeep?
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.
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?
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.
“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
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.
