Jeep could revive Willys after launching new Renegade

Jeep is planning an onslaught on new models in Europe, with "up to six" new models due on Continent by 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, 610,000 were sold in Europe.

The new Renegade will be sized to fit between the 4.08m Avenger and 4.55m Compass. Xavier Peugeot, Jeep's new boss, told AutoExpress, 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, a large EV being developed in conjunction Chinese automaker Dongfeng, and a small SUV to slot in slightly above the Avenger.

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

Speaking with Autocar, Mr Peugeot said the vehicle had yet to be officially confirmed, but noted "one of our main assets to counter [the Chinese automaker] offensive is our DNA".

Specifics about the car have yet to 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 its 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. Given its name, it will also likely feature retro styling heavily influenced by the original Jeep.

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