Jeep could revive Willys nameplate as affordable EV

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 03:31 · Archive

Jeep is investigating a revival of the Willys nameplate after 2030, potentially as an affordable electric vehicle.

Jeep is planning to expand its European lineup to up to six models by 2030, with a potential revival of the Willys nameplate being investigated for beyond that date. The company confirmed at the 2026 Paris motor show that it will relaunch the Renegade before the decade ends, a model originally made in Italy and sold 610,000 examples across Europe since its 2014 launch.

Other models confirmed for Europe include the Recon EV and a large SUV developed with Chinese automaker Dongfeng. Jeep's European head of product planning indicated the Renegade will also be sold outside Europe with a 'wide offering of powertrains'. The new Renegade will sit between the Avenger and Compass in terms of size.

Jeep's European boss Xavier Peugeot described the company's strategy, saying 'one of our main assets to counter [the Chinese] offensive is our DNA'. He noted that a key selling point of the potential Willys would be 'BEV affordability'. The vehicle has not been officially confirmed, but is expected to be based on the low-cost EV platform Stellantis is developing to align with planned EU 'E-car' regulations.

How it is being reported

• Jeep could revive iconic Willys nameplate on an affordable EVRetro EVs are the rage in Europe, and Jeep could join the party with one that harks back to the brand's first vehicle.The West Australian · 19 Oct, 03:08
• Jeep could revive iconic Willys nameplate on an affordable EVRetro EVs are the rage in Europe, and Jeep could join the party with one that harks back to the brand's first vehicle.Perth Now · 19 Oct, 03:08

In this story: Jeep · Willys · Stellantis · Dongfeng · Europe · Xavier Peugeot

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