USAJeep is studying a compact, affordable electric off-roader inspired by the Willys MB, the original military Jeep. Xavier Peugeot, Head of Jeep Brand Europe, told Autocar at the Paris Motor Show that the Willys is the brand’s “key attention” for the future. The project is at an early stage, and Peugeot said “we are not confirming any concrete launch for this year or that year”.
What Jeep has said
Jeep’s release says that beyond 2030 the brand is exploring compact, capable and electrified vehicles, drawing on iconic models such as the Willys. Peugeot gave Autocar the attributes he sees in it: “BEV affordability” and compactness. Asked about Jeep’s plans in the B-segment, where it sells the Avenger, he pointed to the Willys project. He also said each model in Jeep’s future range will be 4x4-compatible.
Peugeot framed the idea as a response to Chinese brands in Europe, calling it “a key card to play in the fightback against the Chinese newcomers”. His argument is that Jeep’s main asset is its history: “People want the original.”
Timing
Nothing is decided. Peugeot suggested the Willys comes after Jeep’s current Road to 2030 plan, which includes the return of the Renegade, and that ideas around it will be confirmed by the turn of the decade. Jeep has not announced a platform, a powertrain or a production plan.
What the teaser shows
Jeep released an image showing a new silhouette behind an original MB. Autocar describes a short, boxy shape with bluff ends and a spare wheel on the tailgate. Autocar also notes that Citroën and Fiat are working on a 2CV and a small Panda-family model for the EU’s planned small-electric-car rules, and that a similar brief could apply here. Jeep has not said so. Our report on Stellantis’ E-Car programme covers that class.
