The legacy of the Willys, iconic military vehicles of the 1940s, can inspire Jeep in the future, especially in the face of Chinese competition. But no production model is confirmed.
© Jeep
15/10/2026
by
News to Minutes
Willys became an iconic all-terrain military vehicle in the 1940s that would give rise to Jeep and its civilian models. A legacy that may serve as inspiration to the brand to face competition from China in Europe. However, there is no confirmed production model.
Willys-Overland is behind the first Willys (the Quad prototype, MA and MB), which gave way to Jeep's first civilian model in 1945 (the CJ-2A).
According to the publication Buscar, director Xavier Peugeot said regarding the Paris Motor Show that willys is “a key card to play” for the future, whereas looking at his story (“original values”, in his words) is essential in the mission to face the harsh chinese competition.
Having said this, the leader clarified that there is no confirmation that there will actually be a production model. And there are no indications on the segment to which an eventual Willys of modern times could be intended (or a model based on the legend of the 1940s).
Still, the Italian publication Quattroruote points to the possibility of going through a compact vehicle electrified with the spirit of Willys without being a pure all-terrain. It could be below Avenger and Renegade – who will return to Europe.
In a statement, Jeep also mentioned the utility of World War II: “This changing context paves the way for a new vision for the brand: a future inspired by Jeep icons, such as Willys, with capable, compact and electrified vehicles designed to meet the mobility needs of the future.”.