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USA Today: Ford Bronco SUV making slow-speed chase back into lineup


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http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2016/10/05/ford-bronco-suv-making-slow-speed-chase-back-into-lineup/91591336/

 

 

DETROIT -- Ford's brawny, off-road Bronco SUV is involved in a slow-speed chase back into the automaker's lineup, according to a United Auto Workers official.

Rumors about the Bronco's resurrection have persisted for the better part of a year even though Ford has steadfastly refused to confirm its plans or to confirm its plans to also make the Ranger pickup at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich.

UAW Local 900 Plant Chairman Bill Johnson said union officials learned last September that Ford definitely plans to build the Ranger in Michigan and also is likely to resurrect the Bronco SUV as the second vehicle at the plant.

"Its not a secret. ... it was announced to the entire leadership of the UAW a year ago," Johnson told the Free Press.

 

While it's unclear what the new Ford Bronco will look like, automotive enthusiast sites are rife with speculation. Many fans of the old Bronco hope Ford will bring back a two-door version but that's unlikely in an era where consumers value convenience and flexible design.

Some speculate Ford could refashion the seven-passenger Everest it makes in Australia into the Bronco. Or, Ford could restyle the Everest to look like the retro-styled Bronco Concept 2004.

 

 

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Bronco better be good - because it is far past fashionably LATE to the party. Wrangler sales strong for long time now and 4Runner sales have more than doubled in the last 3-4 years.

 

Both products have been on the market for a long-time and I'll bet part of the reason for the increase is the lack of a "real" SUV in the marketplace since everyone either replaced or added car based CUVs for better gas mileage.

 

The 4Runner sold about 97K units last year, a far cry from its numbers 20 years ago during the height of the SUV craze.

 

The Wrangler is more impressive...105K sales world wide in 2010 to 250K+ in 2015.

 

Between the Ranger and Bronco, I can see the Ford selling about 200K of them a year.

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Both products have been on the market for a long-time and I'll bet part of the reason for the increase is the lack of a "real" SUV in the marketplace since everyone either replaced or added car based CUVs for better gas mileage.

 

The 4Runner sold about 97K units last year, a far cry from its numbers 20 years ago during the height of the SUV craze.

 

The Wrangler is more impressive...105K sales world wide in 2010 to 250K+ in 2015.

 

Between the Ranger and Bronco, I can see the Ford selling about 200K of them a year.

 

I bet the majority of that sales increase was the 4 door model.

 

I agree on the 200K total for T6 NA.

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The 4Runner sold about 97K units last year, a far cry from its numbers 20 years ago during the height of the SUV craze.

 

 

If the 4Runner continues its growth streak, it may actually come close to its previous peak sales number by the end of 2017. In 1996 (first year of the N180 series), 4Runner sales were a tad over 99k units in the U.S.; sales grew to about 128k in 1997 as supply caught up to demand. The 1997 figure is the previous peak.

 

The first motor vehicle I purchased was a used '85 N60 Series 4Runner. It was crude, but amazingly capable off road. 4Runner resale values are generally very high. I actually sold mine for almost the same amount that I spent purchasing it five years prior.

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oddly enough the 4 door Wrangler went into production in 2007....not the best of economic times, which makes the rise in sales 3 years after that more impressive.

The Wrangler also has undergone a pretty impressive interior and power train improvement. It's a much more rewarding vehicle to drive daily than the model of 6-7 years ago.

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People see the Bronco name and have great expectations of a reboot of the original. They are going to be disappointed when they find out it is an Everest of a different name.

 

I don't think that is going to be a problem. The biggest image that sticks out the general public about the Bronco is this:

 

oj-simpson-white-bronco-chase.jpg

 

 

Not to mention all the rumors are pointing to a more civilized Wrangler type vehicle. Ford doesn't really need another "soft roader" CUV style vehicle. The next Bronco will be refined, but at the same time you don't have to worry about scratching up your interior if you do work with it.

Edited by silvrsvt
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I don't think that is going to be a problem. The biggest image that sticks out the general public about the Bronco is this:

 

oj-simpson-white-bronco-chase.jpg

 

 

 

 

There is an entire Generation of young drivers who envy Jeeps, Tacoma's and 4Runners that could not even tell you what this picture is.

Build a great Ranger and Bronco and young people might even consider to shop Ford.

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If the 4Runner continues its growth streak, it may actually come close to its previous peak sales number by the end of 2017. In 1996 (first year of the N180 series), 4Runner sales were a tad over 99k units in the U.S.; sales grew to about 128k in 1997 as supply caught up to demand. The 1997 figure is the previous peak.

 

The first motor vehicle I purchased was a used '85 N60 Series 4Runner. It was crude, but amazingly capable off road. 4Runner resale values are generally very high. I actually sold mine for almost the same amount that I spent purchasing it five years prior.

4Runner is very popular here in Colorado - I think it it ugly but the typical Toyota customer loves it. My dentist drives one. There is plenty of room to compete here with a great Bronco that could bring younger customers to Ford.

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4Runner is very popular here in Colorado - I think it it ugly - I don't like the Asian inspired design of bulging headlights and tail lights, but the typical Toyota customer loves it. My dentist (young hip mountain sports guy) drives one that he is pretty proud of. There is plenty of room to compete here with a great Bronco that could bring younger customers to Ford. Too bad the Ranger and Bronco are so late to the party - still waiting....

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There is an entire Generation of young drivers who envy Jeeps, Tacoma's and 4Runners that could not even tell you what this picture is.

Build a great Ranger and Bronco and young people might even consider to shop Ford.

 

Given that it happened 20+ years ago and my assumption that someone who is in their 20s that would maybe know about this event, wouldn't be able to afford it anyways. I'm speaking more about an older demographic that can actually afford a new one.

 

Not to mention I've never heard ANYONE be envious of a Tacoma or 4Runner...Jeeps are a completely different animal.

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Not to mention I've never heard ANYONE be envious of a Tacoma or 4Runner...Jeeps are a completely different animal.

 

Perhaps In New Jersey - But from the Mountain West to California Tacoma and 4Runner are very popular - look at the sales figures. Hey I hate them too, but I know a successful model when I see it.

Edited by Kev-Mo
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Not to mention I've never heard ANYONE be envious of a Tacoma or 4Runner...Jeeps are a completely different animal.

 

Envy, maybe not. Desire, definitely.

 

Both vehicles are quite popular here in North Texas, and the exceptionally high resale values for both testify to their strong demand in the used vehicle marketplace.

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