When the United States entered World War II, three companies - Bantam, Ford and Willys - vied for the jeep contract with Bantam producing a vehicle closest to the required specifications in 45 days.

How WWII Helped Build The Jeep Empire ... in response to a request by the U.S. Army during World War II, ... best-selling auto brand in the United States more than 80 years after the ...

I have owned for many years (since 1987)a 1944 Ford version of the Willys Jeep. It is only in recent years that I have found out the this particular vehicle was used by the Royal Navy during WW2.