Kaiser phased out both the Kaiser and Willys passenger car lines, and shipped the dies to Argentina where the joint venture with the Argentina Government owned Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA) continued to build cars through 1977 when Renault took over. New Kaiser era models Under Kaiser management, Jeep introduced the Forward Control vans, as well as the groundbreaking Wagoneer, that offered an unprecedented level of comfort and available (luxury) options, combined with serious off-road capability. Under the name "Willys Motors", the Jeep-based truck line continued in the United States including the CJ (Civilian Jeep) Series, all steel Willys Jeep Wagon (station wagon) and Jeep Forward Control FC-150 and FC-170 models that were introduced in 1957. In 1962, Willys introduced the Jeep Wagoneer as a 1963 model to replace the 1940s-style Jeep station wagons. Designed by industrial designer Brooks Stevens, the Wagoneer (later known as the Grand Wagoneer) would remain in production with the major architecture totally unchanged, for two more decades after AMC's 1970 purchase of Jeep – until 1991 – and is often credited as the first true sport utility vehicle (SUV). Also, in 1962, The original Jeep Gladiator full-sized pickup truck was introduced to replace the previous, also Brooks Stevens designed Willys Jeep Truck. As part of a general push to place all of their corporate holdings under the Kaiser name, in 1963, the company changed the name of Willys Motors to Kaiser Jeep Corporation. In 1967, Kaiser Jeep resurrected the Jeepster (in concept; the vehicle was all-new, albeit loosely based on the Willys Jeepster), which had been produced by Willys-Overland from 1948 to 1950. It was available in three models (roadster, convertible, and pickup) and proved to be moderately popular (see Jeepster Commando). American Motors Corporation (AMC), looking to expand their product line, had on a couple of occasions entered into negotiations with Kaiser executives with the intent of purchasing the company. The deal was finalized in 1970, and Kaiser Jeep became "Jeep Corporation," a wholly owned subsidiary of AMC. Chrysler Corporation in turn acquired AMC in 1987, again (just like in the Kaiser-Willys merger) mainly for the Jeep brand. Notes References Jeep Kaiser Motors Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of the United States Defunct truck manufacturers of the United States American Motors Chrysler American companies established in 1953 Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1953 Vehicle manufacturing companies disestablished in 1970 Defunct manufacturing companies based in Michigan