During World War II, the Jeep became one of the most sought-after and popular implements of the military. Jeeps were often the very first vehicles to land on shore.
A Jeep gave you mobility - often the mobility to save your life. It also gave you the means to get back to hot food and maybe a shower. Jeeps were loved.The standard government-issue vehicle didn't need an ignition key - it simply had an on/off switch, which caused more than a little consternaton. More than a few Jeeps disappeared in a cloud of dust to be repainted, renumbered and reused by some other outfit.
After the war, surplus Jeeps flooded the market, but in spite of this there was still an emerging market for new ones. There was also a demand for more creature comforts, and as time went on they were added.
Today's very strong sport utility market is a direct result of the Jeep, and Jeep-brand products, now a division of Chrysler Corp., remain strong in sales.
Jeeps are built, in a joint agreement, in China. Jeeps with right-hand drive are exported from the United States to Britain and Japan. The success of Jeep in the world marketplace is now leading Chrysler's global plans.
Chrysler currently assembles minivans and the Grand Cherokee in Europe. Plans were announced last month for a return to the South African market after an absence of nearly 13 years.
Chrysler is also gearing up for production in Argentina and planning to design and build a vehicle smaller than the current Neon for sale in Third World nations.
The Neon is being produced with right-hand drive for export, and Chrysler's popular minivan is now being built with rear sliding doors on both sides, which permits it to be built with either right- or left-hand drive.