History of the SUV
Reviewitonline.net, an online resource for the most current automobile information, is dedicated to providing driving information about sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, which are an extremely popular segment of the current auto market. In the last few years, crossover SUVs, (which have the utility and function of an SUV but drivetrains that are more similar to cars) have been in especially high demand. However, to understand the current SUV market it’s important to closely study its past. So, how did this segment of the market come to fruition?
Others say the idea of the SUV as we know it today began during the Second World War. During World War II, there was a growing need for rugged, yet lightweight vehicles that could travel on all types of terrains. These vehicles are often referred to as off-road vehicles, due to the fact that they can travel on and off gravel or paved surfaces easily. Three manufacturers attempted to win contracts to build these automobiles for the armed forced during this time: Willy-Overland, Ford, and Bantam.
Willy-Overland won the contract from the U.S. government and went on to produce over 300,000 Government Pygmy Willys (GPWs) by the time the war was over. The GPW was christened with the “Jeep,” which is where that auto marque got its name.
After the war ended in 1945, soldiers liked the Jeep models so much they desired them for personal use upon returning home. Willy-Overland began manufacturing civilian Jeep models, such as the Jeep Wagon (1946) and Jeepster (1948). These vehicles were given the nickname “Utility Vehicles.”
Inception
Some say that the true birth of the SUV began when the vehicle was called a “depot hack.” Similar to today’s taxi, these vehicles carried people and their luggage to and from train stations. This led specifically to today’s idea of the station wagon/suburban.
Others say the idea of the SUV as we know it today began during the Second World War. During World War II, there was a growing need for rugged, yet lightweight vehicles that could travel on all types of terrains. These vehicles are often referred to as off-road vehicles, due to the fact that they can travel on and off gravel or paved surfaces easily. Three manufacturers attempted to win contracts to build these automobiles for the armed forced during this time: Willy-Overland, Ford, and Bantam.
Willy-Overland won the contract from the U.S. government and went on to produce over 300,000 Government Pygmy Willys (GPWs) by the time the war was over. The GPW was christened with the “Jeep,” which is where that auto marque got its name.
After the war ended in 1945, soldiers liked the Jeep models so much they desired them for personal use upon returning home. Willy-Overland began manufacturing civilian Jeep models, such as the Jeep Wagon (1946) and Jeepster (1948). These vehicles were given the nickname “Utility Vehicles.”