Jeep has nine key vehicles that have defined the brand, from the very first Willy's to today's Renegade.

• Nine key vehicles mark fundamental stages in the history of the legendary Jeep_® brand
• From utility to recreational: a true pioneer in terms of ability to anticipate market trends
• The first stage of a gripping “journey” exploring the Jeep brand, which will be enhanced by new texts, photos and videos every month. The next episode will be devoted to the iconic Wrangler

The Jeep_® brand history can be traced through 9 fundamental vehicles that not only marked milestones in the Jeep legend, but also allowed to have a pioneering role in terms of introduction of new models and segments in the automotive industry.

These 9 milestone models showcase how the Jeep brand has been a key player in the evolution of the SUV industry and of its sub-segments. From 1941, when the first Willys-Overland rolled off the assembly line to today, the ‘Jeep’ vehicles have been transformed into a faithful work companion in farmhouses, recreational family vehicle and premium car for city customers, anticipating the needs of the customers and introducing important elements of innovation in the market place.

The Jeep legend starts with the Willys-Overland MA/MB (1941-1945). In 1940, with war raging in Europe, the U.S. Government issued a requisition for a ‘light reconnaissance vehicle’ for the Army and invited 135 manufacturers to bid on production. Willys-Overland won the contract with its “MA” design of 1941 (where ‘M’ stands for military and ‘A’ indicates the series number). This early prototype led to the production of the Overland MB: the authentic forerunner of the Jeep legend. Willys trademarked the name after the war and turned the Jeep into an off-road civilian utility vehicle for the farm.

With the 1945-1949 Jeep CJ-2A, the Jeep brand introduced the first modern mass production off-road vehicle, (where CJ stands for Civilian Jeep) and in the same years found inspiration to create the first SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), thanks to the launch of the (Jeep) Willys  Wagon (1946-1965).

First introduced in 1946, the Willys Wagon made an important contribution to the evolution of the SUV, being the industry’s first all-steel-bodied station wagon, sold as a non-commercial vehicle. Featuring room for 7 passengers, the Wagon also introduced the concept of a multifunctional sports vehicle, offering functionality, versatility and 4x4 capability, all in the same package. In 1949, the four-wheel drive system was introduced for the first time to this model, allowing to combine for the first time four-wheel drive to a station wagon body, and therefore to pioneer the category of the Sport utility vehicles.

In 1955, the CJ-5 is launched (1955-1983). Improvements in engines, axles, transmissions and seating comfort contributed to make it the ideal vehicle to satisfy the public's growing interest in off-road vehicles for recreational usage, allowing the brand to pioneer this vehicle category. But a milestone innovation was still to come: when in 1963, the Jeep Wagoneer (1963-1983) was launched, the brand could proudly claim the creation of the premium Large SUV. An all-new vehicle from the ground up, the Wagoneer represented also the first time a manufacturer mated an automatic transmission to the four-wheel-drive system. And this was not the only revolution. The Jeep Wagoneer was also the first four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with an independent front suspension and it also featured the first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system (Quadra-Trac®) introduced in 1973. Later in 1984, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer (1984-1991) was introduced, replacing the Wagoneer. This model became a premium lifestyle vehicle, popular with celebrities and the general public until the end of its run.

In 1974, the first Cherokee model (SJ  -1974-1983) is produced. This two-door off-road vehicle was based on the Wagoneer, without offering all premium features of that model. Indeed, the Cherokee aimed at attracting a younger public than the Wagoneer and was built to answer the requests of the growing recreational vehicle market.  A next major step in the evolution of the Jeep SUV came with the launch of the second generation of Cherokee in 1984 (XJ - 1984-2001). With this model, that was the first SUV with a uni body, the Jeep brand introduced a further revolution in the market and created the new category of the compact SUVs .

The last step taken from the Jeep brand was to reinvent the SUV that it had created almost 45 years before. With its introduction in mid-1992, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee model set a new standard in terms of craftsmanship and refinement in the premium Large SUV market. This vehicle, meant to become the flagship of the brand, was the first SUV to be equipped with a standard driver-side air bag, as well as the first to offer three different four-wheel-drive systems. Another major feature was the Quadra-Trac, a four-wheel-drive system that reacted automatically to road conditions without the driver’s need to shift. Grand Cherokee defined in the years the new standard in terms of style, craftsmanship and performance in the premium Large SUV segment. Through three generations of Grand Cherokee (1999, 2005 and 2010), the Jeep brand enhanced its flagship with new technological features and refined its on and off-road driving performance to reach the excellence of the current model.

Technological innovation is also the hallmark of the Jeep models that were introduced after the Grand Cherokee. As a matter of fact, in 2013 with the launch of the new generation of Jeep Cherokee, the Jeep brand introduced the first rear axle disconnect in the mid-size SUV segment. This system reduces energy losses when it is not necessary to use the 4x4 mode, thus resulting in increased fuel efficiency. The new Cherokee is also the first mid-size SUV to feature a 9-speed automatic transmission. One year later the same technological innovations – rear axle disconnect and 9-speed gearbox - was introduced in the small SUV segment by the all-new Jeep Renegade, the compact SUV the marks the debut of the brand in the small SUV category. A ‘game changer’ as it has been defined, the Renegade fully represent the new ‘Jeep era’ and further confirm the brand’s pioneering role in the automotive history and its capability to anticipate trends and customers’ needs.

But this will be all in a new chapter of our ‘journey’ of exploration of the legendary Jeep brand.

Stay tuned!

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is looking forward to a busy time at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2016.

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is looking forward to a busy time at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2016. The UK's fastest-growing mainstream brand for the past three years will be showcasing a range of car-derived commercial vehicles at the show, which takes place from April 26th to 28th at the Birmingham NEC. 

The award-winning Outlander PHEV commercial model will be on display, along with the new L200 Series 5 and both short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase Shogun. 

Clive Messenger, Head of Corporate Sales and Used Cars at Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: 'The recent launch of the L200 Series 5 has been extremely well received by both the retail and fleet operators. In addition to this popular model we are also looking forward to displaying our full range of car-derived commercial vehicles, which I think will be of interest to many fleet operators. 

'We will be showcasing some examples of the conversions that we can do at our Specialist Vehicle Operations, which can be anything from simple racking solutions to full-blown adaptations of vehicles. The CV Show is a high-profile event and we are looking forward to a busy few days.' 

The CV Show is the largest road transport and logistics event held in Britain, providing commercial vehicle operators with far greater choice than any other exhibition serving the sector. The show attracts close to 20,000 business visitors and its central location in Birmingham ensures a nationwide attendance. 

Statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has been the fastest-growing mainstream car manufacturer for the past three years. The company saw sales growth in passenger cars of 44 per cent in 2015 compared with the previous year, against an overall market up by six per cent.

Latest Brand Ambassador joins JEEP, Andrew Cotton, Big wave surfer joins Jeep to promote the brand.

• Andrew Cotton signs as ambassador for Jeep
• Latest in a line of extreme sports stars already associated with Jeep including Olympic snowboarder, Aimee Fuller, and downhill mountain bike champions Rachel, Gee and Dan Atherton
• Cotton will appear alongside his Jeep in a three-part web series that explores hidden surf spots along the west coast of Ireland

Extreme big wave surfer, Andrew Cotton, has been announced as the latest ambassador to join automotive giant, Jeep.

Cotton is now part of an impressive roster of adventure and extreme sports athletes including Olympic snowboarder, Aimee Fuller, downhill mountain bike champion, Rachel Atherton, and her brothers, Gee and Dan, who compete in the same sport.

“I’m really excited to have signed with Jeep,” said Cotton, 36, from Braunton, North Devon.

“I spend a lot of time driving my Jeep Renegade on coastal roads, finding the perfect place to pitch up and surf. The car’s off-road capability allows me to go anywhere and hunt out the best surf. I can stick the surfboard on top, fill the car with family or friends, and still have plenty of room for surfboards and other kit.”

Cotton and his Jeep Renegade are set to appear in a new web series called Andrew Cotton: Wild Atlantic Way.

The three-part series will see Cotton explore the epic coastal road – Wild Atlantic Way – which runs the length of Ireland’s western coast, in his Jeep, taking in some of the country’s finest scenery.

“Signing one of the world’s bravest surfers embodies Jeep’s spirit of: Go Anywhere, Do Anything – he is certainly pushing the boundaries in his sport,” said Damien Dally, head of brand, Jeep UK.

“The Andrew Cotton: Wild Atlantic Way series demonstrates the off-road driving ability of the Renegade.

“With surfing becoming one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, Jeep's global sponsorship of the World Surf League and now Andrew coming on board, it’s an exciting time for Jeep and our involvement in the world of surfing.”

Volkswagen adds two new EU6-Compliant engines to it's popular small Commercial vehicle, the Caddy.

• Two more Euro 6 engines added to the new Caddy range
• Euro 6 engines will be at the same price as Euro 5 until 31 December 2015
• Contract Hire^ and Finance Lease* offers available from £185 a month

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has added two new Euro 6 engines to its new Caddy panel van range. These engines are now available to order at Volkswagen Van Centres.  Prices start at £13,500 (excl. VAT and OTR charges) for the C20 Startline short wheelbase model with a 2.0-litre TDI 75 PS Euro 6 engine.

The new engines are a 2.0 TDI 75PS and 2.0 TDI 150PS. These new engines are available across all three trim levels – Startline, Trendline and Highline - on the short wheelbase model.  The Caddy Maxi (longer wheelbase) version adds the 2.0 TDI 150PS engine to its line-up. The 2.0 TDI 102PS Euro 6 engine, that has been available since the launch of the new Caddy earlier in the year, is still offered on both the Caddy and Caddy Maxi models.

These new Euro 6 engines will be offered at the same price as their Euro 5 equivalents until 31 December 2015, making it a great time for customers to order their new Caddy. The Euro 6 models have BlueMotion Technology as standard, giving the customer low rolling resistance tyres, start/stop system, hill hold assist and regenerative braking at no extra cost.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Finance is also offering Contract Hire^ and Finance Lease* offers at the same price as the Euro 5 engines with the Caddy Panel van Short wheelbase 2.0 TDI 75PS model available from £185 a month. This too is available on orders placed by 31 December 2015.

The entry-level Startline model comes with an impressive array of standard equipment, including electric windows, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, a five-inch touchscreen Composition Colour radio system with DAB+ and Bluetooth capability, a lockable glovebox, plus safety features such as driver and front passenger front, side and curtain airbags, a new post-collision braking system and a seatbelt reminder.  

Moving up the range, Trendline, with prices starting from £15,670 adds (in addition to Startline) full wheel covers, body coloured bumpers, door handles and wing mirrors, rear parking sensors, cruise control, multi-function display, driver’s lumbar support, under-seat storage and sun visors with vanity mirrors.

At the top of the range, Highline, from £16,650, gains (in addition to Trendline) alloy wheels, front fog lights and daytime running lights, Climatic air conditioning, heated front windscreen, automatic dimming rear-view mirror, Thatcham category 1 alarm and windscreen wipers with intermittent control and rain sensor.

The Caddy sets a new benchmark in the class for its array of safety and convenience systems.  It is offered with optional Park Assist and a rear-view camera, as well as High Beam Assist and Driver Alert systems, all of which help to enhance safety and reduce damage to vehicles.

Customers will also be able to specify Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking.  This system monitors the space to the vehicle ahead and maintains a specified speed and distance to ensure safe stopping.  This technology has been used in Volkswagen Passenger Cars and is proven to reduce third party injury claims by 45 per cent. 

In the cabin, the Caddy feels comfortable yet robust, and boasts new upholstery and switchgear, as well as enhanced stereo and infotainment systems.  The standard five-inch touchscreen Colour Composition radio can be upgraded to Composition Media, or the Discover Navigation system.

For full details of the new range of Caddy panel vans and pricing, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk or your nearest Van Centre.

The Fourth Generation Caddy models are up and ready to order now, with better tech, and a similar look.

• New generation Caddy Life, Maxi Life, Maxi Kombi and Maxi Window van are now available to order
• Prices for Caddy Life start from £15,600 (excl. VAT and OTR charges)
• All have the latest generation Euro 6 engines

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced that the fourth-generation Caddy Life and the longer wheelbase Maxi versions - including Maxi Life, Maxi Kombi and Maxi Window van – are now available to order ahead of first UK deliveries in September. Prices for the short wheelbase Caddy Life 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS Euro 6 engine, start from £15,600; Caddy Maxi Life with the same engine starts from £17,985.

As with the new Caddy Panel van which opened for ordering at the start of July, these models come with the same new technology, comfort, convenience and safety systems. These include composition colour infotainment system with DAB, Bluetooth, heated windscreen, post-collision braking, daytime running lights and BlueMotion Technology modifications, for added efficiency and lower emissions, as standard. As well as additional systems such as Brake assist, City Emergency Braking and cruise control.

Caddy Life and Maxi Life come with a significant amount of standard equipment, but there are also some desirable options available to help with everyday life behind the wheel. These include; Park Assist, which makes light work of manoeuvring into parking spaces, or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which will keep you at a pre-set distance from the car in front by regulating your speed in accordance with the traffic around you.

These new models all come with the 2.0-litre TDI Euro 6 engines and are available with a 102 PS or 150 PS power output. They also have BlueMotion Technology modifications as standard, which include low-rolling-resistance tyres as well as regenerative braking and stop/start systems. The most economical 102 PS engine has a combined fuel consumption of up to 65.7mpg and a CO² output of just 114g/km.

Volkswagen’s Caddy Life offers flexible seating for up to seven passengers, including the driver. The two rear rows of seats can be folded, double folded or removed to leave a loading space of up to 3,030 litres. The Caddy Maxi Life, with its extra 420mm length, offers an additional 340 litres, bringing the total loading area up to 3,370 litres.

The new Caddy Maxi Kombi will be N1^* type approved and starts from £17,510 for the 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS Euro 6 engine. The new Caddy Maxi Window Van will start from £17,185 for the same engine and will be M1^*type approved.