The midsize SUV would be built upon the same platform as the Ranger and produced alongside the pickup at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, unnamed sources have told Bloomberg.
Not coincidentally, the unofficial reports have surfaced as Ford continues contract renegotiations with the United Auto Workers. An earlier rumor ahead of talks claimed that Ford was planning to shift Focus and C-Max production from Wayne to Mexico. The Focus leak was viewed as posturing to strengthen the company’s position during negotiations, though the company publicly denied that a final decision had been made.
The original Bronco was introduced in 1966 and kept alive through five generations spanning three decades. Ford presented a futuristic Bronco concept at the 2004 NY Auto Show, however the idea did not immediately move toward production. Later rumors suggested Ford was planning a launch for the 2009 model year, but again the allegations failed to materialize.
A new Bronco is expected to be larger than the Escape, closer in size to the Explorer but more rugged than both existing models. It will likely be presented as a rival to the Jeep Wrangler.
If the new reports prove accurate, the US-market Ranger and Bronco could begin production in Wayne after the Focus and C-Max head elsewhere in 2018.
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