If you were hoping to receive and begin building your dream Bronco overland rig this spring, we have some bad news. Ford has punted the Bronco launch to the summer. This is due to COVID-19 delays from a parts supplier.
The Blue Oval has decided to push the first deliveries of the all-new Bronco from spring to summer out of an abundance of caution.
“The all-new Bronco two-door and four-door customer deliveries will begin in the summer rather than the spring due to COVID-related challenges our suppliers are experiencing,” spokesman Jiyan Cadiz told The Detroit News last Friday. “We are committed to building Broncos with the quality our customers expect and deserve.”
The quality Cadiz is referring to is a brand-friendly nod to that botched Explorer launch last year. Ford pushed the Explorer to market before it was really ready and suffered stutter steps during the launch cycle, which retarded sales.
READ MORE: 2021 FORD BRONCO: HOW WE’D BUILD IT
Rather than face a similar fate with the Bronco, Blue Oval brass decided to push to summer. Although this may annoy some customers, and force a few to cancel their orders, it’s a better move for Ford and its dealers in the long run.
If you were on the list of those who put a deposit down for an order reservation, don’t fret. In the grand scheme of things, a few months isn’t that long. What’s more, it gives you even more time to save up a couple extra bucks for your gear and modifications.
To that end, the delay gives aftermarket brands additional time to develop and manufacture their Bronco accessories. That means you’ll have a broader selection of mods to choose from when you finally do put your Bronco in the driveway.
In the meantime, if you’re champing at the bit to own a Bronco, the first-ever Bronco Sport is in dealerships now.
Header image: Ford Motor Company