Jeep History - 50's
The CJ is launched.
The Jeep CJ
Willys realised that the Jeep vehicle could be as popular in the civilian market as it was in the military, and floated the notion of the Jeep as a delivery, work and recreational vehicle.
Soon after, a new vehicle was introduced to the market - the CJ or Civilian Jeep. The CJ was a much modified version of the MB and was immediately popular despite the glut of MBs on the war surplus market. It continued to evolve right up until the 1980's.
A new owner and name
In 1950, Willys-Overland registered Jeep as a trademark both in the US and internationally. 1954 saw a new owner - the Henry J. Caiser Corporation. And with a new owner came a new company name: Willys Motors Inc.
During the 1950's, the brand began to consolidate internationally, with extensive research and engineering initiatives and the establishing of manufacturing and marketing programs worldwide.
