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Jeep enthusiasts can be tough to impress, but arm yourself with these Jeep facts, and you’ll be closing the deal in no time.
If you sell Jeeps, you know it’s not just “another” vehicle brand — it’s a lifestyle for many proud Jeep owners. There are dedicated fan websites, forums, clubs, and accessories. Jeep lovers attend events and congregate for off-roading adventures around the country. They make fantastic modifications to their Jeep Wranglers and show off to each other, trying to figure out who customized their rides the best.
Needless to say, if you sell Jeeps at your auto dealership, you better brush up on your Jeep facts if you want to sell to devoted fans of the brand. In addition to knowing every Jeep on your lot inside and out, it’s good to have some exciting trivia in your back pocket that you can pull out when necessary. These little nuggets of knowledge show that you didn’t just read the owner’s manual — you have a real interest in Jeeps and the people who drive them.
Sharing some of these lesser known details can help you gain trust with potential buyers, get you “in” with the Jeep-buying crowd, convert customers into first-time Jeep owners, and maybe even close a deal for an individual who’s on the fence.
The top 20 Jeep facts every auto salesperson should know
1. The first Jeep was a byproduct of World War II.
In June 1940, the U.S. Army asked automakers to create a quarter ton “light reconnaissance vehicle” specifically for the Army’s unique needs. Of the 135 automakers solicited, only 3 responded — Bantam, Willys, and Ford. It took about a year, but contributions from each company ended up creating the template for the first Jeep vehicle. The prototype was finished in only 75 days and delivered to the U.S. Army on November 11, 1940, by Willys-Overland, who won the primary contract.
2. Ford gets the credit for the Jeep’s grill.
The iconic flat slotted grill with integrated headlights is a big part of the Jeep’s design, and Ford is responsible for it. The company’s Pilot Model GP-No.1 “Pygmy” started with 13 slots, then went to nine, and ended at seven in 1945.
3. The exact origin of the Jeep name is a mystery.
The first Jeeps used by the Army were Willys MA and Willys MB, but eventually, the name changed to Jeep. Some people believe it’s a play on General Purpose Vehicle (GP), while others say it’s the name of Ford’s version, GPW; G stood for “government,” P was the distance between the wheels, and W was Willys since Willys held the license. Other people say the name for any military prototypes was “jeep” and it just stuck.
4. A Jeep received a Purple Heart.
A Marine Corps Jeep that was the first to land on Guadalcanal and one of the first on Bougainville received a retirement order and a Purple Heart for bullet holes in its windshield.
5. Jeep isn’t a stand-alone company.
The Jeep brand has had eight different owners, with Fiat-Chrysler as the current company in charge. Before that, it belonged to Chrysler LLC, Daimler Chrysler, Chrysler Corporation, Renault, American Motor Corp., Kaiser Jeep, and Willys-Overland.
6. The first civilian Jeep was the CJ-2A.
It came out in the late-1940s and offered features the military versions didn’t have, like a tailgate, external fuel cap, and a side-mounted spare tire. The company was hoping it would appeal to farmers and construction workers.
7. The 1963 Jeep Wagoneer featured a lot of “firsts.”
The Wagoneer was the first “luxury SUV”, boasting the first independent front suspension and automatic transmission in a 4X4 vehicle, the first overhead-cam six-cylinder truck engine, and the first automatic full-time 4WD system.
8. The Jeep Wrangler has great resale value.
The 2016 Jeep Wrangler was named Best Resale Value in its class (Compact SUV Crossover) and one of the top 10 cars overall by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com.
9. You may save money on insurance if you drive a Jeep Wrangler.
In a nationwide comparison of auto insurance rates, Insure.com named the Jeep Wrangler one of the ten least expensive vehicles to insure.
10. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is popular.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee was named the 2016 Most Popular Traditional Midsize SUV on Edmunds.com. Their definition of “most popular” was the vehicle in its segment that attracted the most “car-shopper consideration” on the research and inventory pages.
If you’re like most car salespeople, you aren’t just selling one brand all the time. In addition to knowing plenty of Jeep facts, it’s also a good idea to read up on facts about other big auto companies like Honda and Ford. By sharing these fun facts, you’ll hopefully see an increase in commission that will impress your boss and maybe even put you in line for a promotion.
11. The Jeep Liberty was the first Jeep to offer two-wheel drive.
The Jeep Liberty, introduced in 2002, was the first Jeep vehicle to come with a two-wheel drive option, which was previously unheard of in the brand’s line-up. This was a bold step towards making Jeeps more accessible to a broader audience, not just off-road enthusiasts.
12. The Jeep Wrangler has roots in pop culture.
The Jeep Wrangler has been a staple in popular culture, famously featuring in the Jurassic Park movie franchise. This exposure helped cement the vehicle’s reputation as a versatile and rugged off-roader, ideal for any adventure – whether in a city or on a remote island.
13. The world’s longest parade of Jeeps.
In 2015, the world record for the longest parade of Jeeps was set in the United States. This record involved 2,420 Jeeps that gathered in Pennsylvania and drove in a single file line. The record reaffirmed the passion and dedication of the Jeep community.
14. The Jeep J8 was specifically designed for military use.
The J8 is a military-spec vehicle introduced in 2008, featuring heavy-duty rear leaf springs, a reinforced frame, and larger brakes. It is designed to be parachuted into action and can be configured as an ambulance, a troop carrier, and more.
15. The 1945 Jeep CJ-2A was the first to feature a seven-slot grille.
While Ford designed the first Jeep grille, it was the 1945 Jeep CJ-2A that introduced the iconic seven-slot grille. The company allegedly chose seven slots to represent Jeep as the first vehicle to be driven on all seven continents.
16. Jeep vehicles have served as popemobiles.
Jeep has a history of producing “popemobiles” – vehicles used by the Pope during public appearances. Both Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II have been seen in modified Jeep Wranglers.
17. The Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee have been recognized for their American origins.
Both the Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee have been recognized by Cars.com on its American-Made Index, which evaluates vehicles based on their domestic-parts content, country of engine and transmission origin, and U.S. manufacturing workforce.
18. Jeep has produced a vehicle with no doors and roof as standard.
The Jeep Wrangler model typically comes without doors and a roof as standard, underlining the brand’s ethos of freedom and open-air adventure. The doors and roof are optional extras and can be easily removed and reattached.
19. The ‘Easter Jeep Safari’ is a renowned event among Jeep enthusiasts.
Every year, Jeep enthusiasts gather in Moab, Utah, for the ‘Easter Jeep Safari.’ Jeep often unveils concept vehicles and new features at this event, which lasts for nine days and features trail rides for 4×4 vehicles.
20. Jeep vehicles are known for their hidden ‘Easter Eggs’.
An ‘Easter Egg’ in the automotive world refers to a hidden decorative design or feature, and Jeep vehicles are famous for them. These delightful surprises began with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which featured a tiny imprint of a Jeep Wrangler climbing up the edge of the windshield. Since then, Easter Eggs have become a unique Jeep tradition, with enthusiasts enjoying the treasure hunt to find them all. They vary from vehicle to vehicle and can include designs like tiny Jeeps hidden in the headlights, a gecko imprinted on the windshield cowl, or a vintage Willys Jeep climbing a hill in the corner of the windshield. Each Easter Egg is a nod to Jeep’s history and its spirit of adventure. It’s another fun way that Jeep connects with its dedicated fan base, infusing their vehicles with a sense of playfulness and joy that complements their rugged durability.
End of the Trail: Jeep’s Rich Heritage and What It Means Today
The Jeep brand is more than just a vehicle producer – it’s a community builder and a provider of adventurous experiences. From its humble origins in the battlefield to its current status as a lifestyle choice for many, Jeep has always maintained its reputation for rugged durability and reliable performance. The commitment to staying true to its roots while continuously innovating can be seen in every Jeep vehicle, from the hidden ‘Easter Eggs’ to the continuously improving performance features.
Each model carries a piece of history and an aura of adventure, making it not just a car but a symbol of freedom and exploration. Jeep doesn’t just make vehicles; it creates stories and invites everyone to be a part of them. With Jeep, the journey is just as important, if not more so, than the destination. And as these facts show, there is always more to learn and discover about this iconic brand. So whether you’re a salesperson, a potential buyer, or a Jeep enthusiast, these bits of trivia can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of what it truly means to ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’ with Jeep.
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