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Will There be a 2020 Ford Bronco from Michigan?

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Tony Maples Photography

 

What was once considered a scheduled concept-car release for 2017, and then thought to be a scheduled full release 2020 Ford Bronco and Ranger out of assembly plants in Michigan, may now be up for debate. Recent press releases on investment changes by Ford indicate that full concept, viability, and appeal may still be reviewed as work to invest in opportunities to assemble in Michigan move ahead, and sales for smaller cars (such as the Focus) continue to decline.

The Hopes of Many…

Will There be a 2020 Ford Bronco?

Photo: Pinterest/Ron Cabrera

While Bronco and Ranger fans tried to connect with the company over recent years to provide would-be concept designs or petition for a larger crossover model with the iconic vehicles’ looks, message boards speculated on their return. Bloggers released more information throughout the fall of 2016, included quotes from the United Auto Workers revealing bits and pieces of what many had hoped – that the two new vehicles being prepped for assembly in Michigan were the Ford Bronco and the Ranger.

2016 Press References

Will There be a 2020 Ford Bronco?

Photo: Pinterest/Michael Williams

In an interview with the Detroit Free Press in late September 2016, UAW representative Bill Johnson was quoted as saying, “…with the Ranger and the Bronco coming to Michigan Assembly, that absolutely secures the future for our people a lot more than the Focus does.” This statement was in reference to the prior discussion regarding compact car assembly from Ford moving to Mexico. The plan to move the Focus to Mexico has since been canceled, and a $700 million investment has been announced by Ford into existing production lines in Michigan, which was what Bronco/Ranger fans had been waiting to hear. However, Ford CEO Mark Fields stated, “We expect a big change in the next decade on not only the growing affordability but also the consumer acceptance of electrified vehicles,” in reference to current production lines.

Plans for Michigan Assembly Lines

Will There be a 2020 Ford Bronco?

Photo: Pinterest/Mary Dunn

For the time being, Fields has said Ford is going to produce a new, fully electric SUV with a 300-mile range which will be launched in 2020 as well as a fully autonomous (or self-driving) vehicle at their Flat Rock, Michigan plant. This is all part of a plan for Ford to introduce seven of its 13 new electrified vehicles within the next five years. No reference to the Bronco or Ranger has yet been made in an official press release by the company. However, further details on their proposed Michigan production products (electric and hybrid) was provided in the Detroit Free Press on January 3.