Who Owns Jeep?

Who owns Jeep? Jeep is a subsidiary of Stellantis, one of the world’s largest automotive groups. Stellantis was formed in 2021 by merging Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA. As part of Stellantis, Jeep is a company of well-known automobile brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ram, and Maserati.

Jeep, a renowned brand in the automotive industry, has a rich history dating back to its origins as a military vehicle during World War II. Over the years, it has become synonymous with ruggedness, off-road capabilities, and iconic design. Today, Jeep produces a range of SUVs and trucks that cater to the needs of adventure enthusiasts and urban drivers. 

Under the umbrella of Stellantis, Jeep benefits from the automotive group’s resources, expertise, and global presence. Stellantis encompasses well-known brands such as Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel/Vauxhall.

This diverse portfolio allows for synergies and cross-collaboration among the various brands, driving innovation and technological advancements within the automotive industry.

Top Jeep Shareholders in 2024

Stellantis N.V

Stellantis, a prominent entity in the global automotive industry, emerged from the January 2021 merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group. As a publicly traded company, Stellantis is the sole shareholder of Jeep, an iconic brand renowned for its rugged and versatile vehicles.

Stellantis created a diverse portfolio of automotive brands, positioning it as a significant force in the industry with a broad reach across multiple markets and segments.

Despite Stellantis’s singular ownership of Jeep, the company has diverse shareholders, each playing a vital role in shaping its strategic direction and ensuring its operational success.

These shareholders include institutional investors, private equity firms, and other significant stakeholders who provide the capital and stability necessary for Stellantis to compete effectively in a highly competitive market with the likes of Toyota, BMW, Honda, Nissan, Tesla, etc.

Understanding Stellantis’s top shareholders can provide valuable insights into the company’s financial health, governance practices, and future growth prospects, particularly regarding the Jeep brand.

Brief Overview of Top Stellantis Shareholders

Exor N.V.

Exor N.V., the holding company of Italy’s Agnelli family, is the largest shareholder in Stellantis. As a long-time investor in the automotive industry, Exor played a critical role in the merger that created Stellantis. The Agnelli family’s deep-rooted history in the automotive sector, dating back to the founding of Fiat in 1899, gives Exor a unique perspective on the industry.

With 449.4 million shares, Exor N.V. holds a significant 15.16% stake in Stellantis, making it the largest institutional shareholder. This ownership stake not only underscores Exor’s confidence in Stellantis’ long-term potential, but also ensures that it remains actively involved in the company’s strategic decisions.

Exor’s influence extends to the highest levels of Stellantis’ corporate governance, where it has a strong voice in shaping the company’s direction, from product development and market expansion to sustainability initiatives and technological innovation.

Peugeot Family

The Peugeot Family owns 224 million shares of Stellantis (7.563%) worth about €3.738 billion. The family also holds an 80% stake in Peugeot Invest SA, a long-term investment company. Peugeot is the second-largest shareholder of Stellantis.

Bpifrance Participations SA

Bpifrance Participations SA is a French public investment bank that crucially supports and finances businesses across France. It operates under the umbrella of Bpifrance, a government-backed entity focused on providing funding, investment, and support to French companies at various stages of their development, from startups to large enterprises.

With a total private equity of 192.7 million shares at a valuation of €3.212 billion, Bpifrance Participations SA owns a 6.5% stake in Stellantis N.V.

CPR Asset Management SA

CPR Asset Management SA is a notable institutional shareholder of Stellantis, holding approximately 3.237% of the company’s equity, which equates to 95.98 million shares valued at around €1.6 billion. 

CPR Asset Management SA is a French asset management company known for its expertise in managing a wide range of investment portfolios, including equities, bonds, and diversified funds.

Historical Overview of Jeep Ownership

The Willys

Jeep was born around 1941, when it was used solely as a government and military vehicle. At the beginning of World War II, the U.S. Army wanted a four-wheel-drive reconnaissance car for battlefield transport.

The Willys-Overland company (with the assistance of Ford and Bantam) produced the first model of the vehicle, which would later be known as the Jeep, the Willys MB. The car was solid and could tackle nearly any terrain or task.

Created for military purposes during World War II, Jeep garnered recognition for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities. In 1944, after WWII, the Jeep began its life as a civilian vehicle. Willys-Overland retained the Jeep trademark.

They built the Jeeps until 1953, when Kaiser bought Willys-Overland and changed the company name to Willys Motors. In 1963, it became Kaiser Jeep Corporation. In 1970, American Motors Corporation (AMC) purchased the company and continued the line until 1987.

Chrysler

Jeep ownership changed hands again in 1987 when Chrysler Corporation acquired AMC for $1.5 billion. This acquisition allowed Jeep to expand its product range and global presence under Chrysler’s guidance.

Chrysler was merged with Daimler-Benz in 1998 for $36 billion, becoming DaimlerChrysler. In 2007, Daimler Chrysler sold most of its stake to a private equity firm, Cerberus Capital Management, which renamed Chrysler LLC.

Chrysler LLC owned the Jeep brand until it went bankrupt in 2009. Chrysler sales had decreased, and gas prices were skyrocketing, making it difficult for the company to compete against Ford and General Motors.

Fiat

In 2009, Chrysler faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy. During this period, Chrysler formed an alliance with the Italian automaker Fiat in a deal fostered by the U.S. government.

Fiat bought an initial 20% stake in Chrysler in 2009. If they met specific fuel-efficiency standards, their ownership interest could increase to 35%. Fiat kept purchasing shares until it acquired the remaining ownership interest in early 2014.

After Fiat bought the remaining shares of Chrysler, the merged companies became Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Under FCA, Jeep thrived, capitalizing on its strong brand appeal and introducing popular models such as the Wrangler, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee.

Stellantis

The most recent development in Jeep’s ownership occurred in 2021 with the merger between FCA and Groupe PSA, culminating in the establishment of Stellantis. Chrysler and Jeep are now brands under the Stellantis umbrella, benefiting from the conglomerate’s collective expertise, resources, and global presence.

Conclusion

Jeep is a subsidiary of Stellantis, an automotive conglomerate resulting from the 2021 merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA. 

While Fiat Chrysler Automobiles played a significant role in shaping Jeep’s success and global presence, the integration with Groupe PSA has brought Jeep additional resources, expertise, and opportunities.

This ownership structure positions Jeep to leverage synergies, economies of scale, and collaborative innovation to deliver the rugged, capable, and adventurous vehicles cherished by enthusiasts worldwide.