JEEP has always been one of the strongest motor industry brands around.

Now the 4×4 specialist will spearhead the international expansion of the enormous Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Group (FCA), which makes cars carrying the Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep badges. 

Jeep, which pioneered the market for off-roaders, was the world leader for such vehicles until 1990 but now it’s only Number 6 – although it does better in North America where it is still the third largest SUV brand.

FCA wants to put Jeep back on top.

Some progress has already been made, with sales growing from 337,000 in 2009 to 732,000 in 2013, thanks to new models such as last year’s all-new Cherokee.

But fresh plans have seen this year’s sales target lifted from 800,000 to an ambitious 1 million, with Jeep hoping that the new Renegade, a smaller SUV that borrows a name from company’s past and slots in at the bottom of today’s range, will help make up the numbers. The new Jeep Renegade was first seen at the Geneva Motor Show in March.