Jeep could revive iconic Willys nameplate on an affordable EV

Jeep is planning an onslaught of new models in Europe, with the lineup expanding to "up to six" models there by 2030, followed by a potential revival of the Willys nameplate beyond 2030.

At the 2026 Paris motor show, Jeep confirmed it will relaunch the Renegade before the decade is out.

Made in Italy, the original Renegade was launched in 2014, and during its decade-long life in Europe, Jeep sold 610,000 examples.

The new Renegade will be sized to fit between the 4.08m-long Avenger and 4.55m Compass. Marco Montepeloso, Jeep’s European head of product planning, hinted to Auto Express the Renegade will be sold in markets outside of Europe and, as such, will have a "wide offering of powertrains".

Other Jeeps confirmed for Europe include the rugged Recon EV and a large SUV being developed in conjunction with Chinese automaker Dongfeng.

After 2030, Jeep is investigating more models that are "capable, compact and electrified vehicles designed to meet tomorrow’s mobility needs", including one inspired by the original Willys Jeep.

Speaking with Autocar, Jeep's new European boss Xavier Peugeot said the vehicle had yet to be officially confirmed, but noted "one of our main assets to counter [the Chinese] offensive is our DNA".

Specifics about the car have yet to be locked down, but the Jeep boss said one of the car's key selling points will be "BEV affordability".

This means the Willys could be based on the platform Stellantis is developing for low-cost EVs that align with the EU's planned 'E-car' regulations. This architecture is set to underpin a production version of the Citroen 2CV concept unveiled at this year's Paris motor show, as well as a similarly sized model from Fiat wearing the Panda name.

Like the 2CV and Panda, the Willys will honour its namesake by being affordable and utilitarian. From the teaser image issued by Stellantis, the Willys looks set to feature retro styling heavily influenced by the original Jeep.

The image depicts a Willys MB military vehicle sitting in front of a box bearing the silhouette of an only slightly larger SUV with an externally mounted spare tyre.

If the new Willys does go ahead, it won't be the first time Jeep has used the name of its former parent brand in a modern vehicle, with Willys employed as a trim designation for the Wrangler.

Jeep's European lineup currently comprises just the Avenger and Compass and, in some countries, the Wrangler. Its Australian lineup is no larger, comprising the Avenger, Wrangler and Gladiator.

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