It’s been nearly a year since the 2021 Ford Bronco was revealed to the masses, marking the return of the iconic model following a quarter-century absence. However, the Bronco’s launch has been delayed twice and riddled with supply chain issues in the months since then. Regardless, 2021 Ford Bronco production is officially underway at the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant, which is the same facility (formerly known as the Ford Truck Plant) that produced the Bronco from 1966-1996 and churned out 1.1 million of them. To prepare it for the new Bronco, Ford invested $750 million and added 2,700 jobs to the plant.
It’s been almost exactly 25 years to the day since production of the last Ford Bronco ended on June 12th, 1996. Thus, the start of 2021 Ford Bronco production is a historic occasion, to say the least, and one that’s been a long time in the making.
“We know the fans have been waiting for the Bronco – and we’re so excited to bring it back,” said Suzy Deering, Ford’s chief marketing officer. “And this Bronco is better than ever. We’re staying authentic to Bronco’s goes-over-any-terrain heritage and have leveraged the brand’s Built Wild innovative design, durability, and advanced off-road capability to get the most out of every adventure in the wild.”
In addition to announcing the start of Bronco production, Ford also revealed that the former Ford Wayne Assembly Plant, located right next to MAP, will be transformed into what it calls the Modification Center. There, Ford will install customer-ordered Bronco modifications including safari bars, graphics packages, and roof racks, to name a few.
It’s unclear how many Broncos will be produced over the coming weeks and months, as much of that will be dictated by the supply chain. Currently, Ford is having trouble securing hardtops and is experiencing higher-than-expected demand for Wildtrak and Badlands trims, the Sasquatch Package, Tow Package, and 2.7L EcoBoost V6.
A handful of order holders have received scheduled for production emails with VIN numbers and estimated production dates, but many more recently received an email update with bad news, or no news, really. Ford admitted in that communication that it cannot provide order holders with any specific delivery window, but it also provided a bit of a consolation prize for those waiting – priority access to the Bronco Off-Roadeo.
For those that are holding out for a Bronco with a MIC hardtop or one of the aforementioned trim levels or option packages, it’s currently unclear how much longer they might be waiting. Ford said that it is “investing millions of dollars to fix our roof supply issue,” but admits “that investment, unfortunately, won’t materialize overnight.” But at least for now, it appears that it won’t be much longer before we see at least a handful of new Broncos on the road.
We’ll have much more on the Bronco soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Bronco news and around-the-clock Ford news coverage.
Comments
Is the Flat Top Mustang Plant back in operation ?
Give me a 7.3L option and I’d buy one. Broncozilla!
Please, please, it looks like Ford Authority is either using writers from outside of the automotive field or hired some new ones. I am probably wasting my time but this error is found almost everywhere. I’m highlighting the term: “VIN number.” Think about it. When you use the term “VIN number,” you are actually saying: Vehicle Identification Number Number.
Just say VIN. That’s it! Don’t add “number” after the abbreviation. If you don’t have any proofreaders, just add the incorrect term to your software list of things that it should pop up and show you that the term is incorrect.
Just to let you know why this gets my attention, I will let you know that I am a retired professional writer and proofreader. I am not posting this to complain but to help make your informative and interesting articles correct in their composition.
Also, please tell your internet tech staff that your web pages are not fully compatible with computers using Ubuntu instead of Windows. I had to switch computers to get this to post.
I’m neither new nor did I come from outside of the automotive field, as I’ve been working as an automotive journalist for eight years now and also worked in the auto industry prior to that as well. I appreciate the input, but the term “VIN number” is commonly used in my field, as you’re obviously aware of.
I’ll have more to say as soon as I’m done getting cash from this ATM machine.
:-{)}}}
Ok The big,, bulbous Ford Bronco is on the way to clog up our roads and parking lots. Oh yes and the big clown tires and removable doors! How nice! Now you can drive around town looking like a half-assed Mad Max road warrior.
Please go hug a tree and leave us blissful Neanderthals alone.
He’s upset because she can’t get parts for her Th1nk anymore.
Sounds more like the EV1 variety of derangement.
It’s mid size body on frame. Smaller than an f150. Guessing “clown tires” is the sasquatch package? Definitely a long way from being clown tires. Anything 40″+ would be cartoony looking. Removable doors upset you? Mad max vehicles had a combo of rust and v8s. These Ecoboost ice and aluminum bodies make it a poor choice for any mad max movies. Sounds like you should do better research and get enrolled for therapy/ anger management classes.
The broncos are not “big”, more like a ranger, smaller than an F150. They won’t actually be clogging up the roads, but will form small packs at the local malls, and other large parking areas, in order to compare “off road equipment”. they will not be swapping off road driving experiences in their new broncos, as they may scratch them or get them dirty! Eventually ford may bring out an f150 based, Big Bronco (BB), as they already have the BS bronco (bronco sport). Reminds me of Goldie Locks… I wonder how long it’s going to take before they have their first recall, my bed is on the 4 banger ford along with their chinese made 7sp manual.
Maybe you should not be concerned what the market wants and go back to your wimpy scooter. The Bronco is not huge, you have European Complex. The predisposition that everything small and wimpy is better than what we have here in the USA. If you don’t like it here you can move. I will help with my F350 Dually.
Word is the first truckloads of Broncos actually left MAP on Thursday, June 10th which means they have been in production for some time and were awaiting OKTB.
Wow you have the inside scoop your so cool
Nope. Just pointing out that production did not just start this week as most are reporting.
Funny, because this information came directly from Ford.
Not trying to make anyone look bad, just pointing out that when Ford issues an OKTB (OKay To Buy), which is what really just happened, that means that vehicles have already been produced and have passed the quality inspection processes and the production processes have also been vetted. In the case of the Bronco, this is a very important vehicle for Ford and I’m sure they are going out of their way to make sure the release is done properly. It doesn’t help that the Bronco has been known about for what, four years now? I’m sure Ford is also trying to satisfy customer expectations as best they can under the circumstances and not release any information that might give customers false hope concerning deliveries.
Yes Gary B I should have indicated that you can look like a half-assed Mad Max road warrior with a new paint job. Buckle up when you drive to the mall with the doors off. Is the Bronco meant to be a serious functional vehicle or a toy for some someone to play with on weekends.
What’s with you? Take your problems out on someone else.
My guess is: The VAST majority of broncos (when and if they ever get delivered) will be Mall Crawlers. The percentage of broncos that see actual off road and/or trail use will be very small. In fact, I’ll go a step further, most will see far more time getting washed and waxed, than seeing any dirt/mud (God forbid). The vast majority of the new owners are concerned with color, color coordination, heated seats/steering wheels, carpet, sound proofing, sound system etc. But as a mall crawler, it will interesting to see the competition between the rigs, you know, who has the most “off road” equipment, most color coordinated wench cover, etc. We shall see.
If that’s what happens to most Broncos so be it. Jeep has had a monopoly on this market segment for decades with little or no competition. Like any well managed company Ford saw an opportunity to grab some of that market share and took advantage of it. And the consumer will be the ultimate winner of this competition by having better vehicles from both companies to choose from.
Are you referring to the actual Bronco or the smaller Bronco Sport?
I know. Crazy. VIN number is how you say it. Same as ATM machine as someone else noted. There’s always gotta be someone with too much time on their hands.
Let me guess. You have two smokestacks coming out of the top of your dually short box.
Nope. Stock. Quad cab long bed.
So much anger in the comments. One of my most entertaining reads on this in some time lol.
Anyway, have you noticed the silver bronco with what looks like a silver top? I have checked other reports that show the same bronco and from all the different photos and video it looks silver.
Why don’t you get in your old high mileage police package P71 and drive around town playing cop with your Sears walkie-talkies. Then go home to Mommie and she’ll have a nice piping hot beef and cheese casserole waiting for you. Yum!
You guys need to stop feeding the troll. He (or she?) will eventually get bored and find some other forum to disrupt with this childish nonsense.
2012
Now that Ford has the Bronco line fired up, I’m wondering how long it will take before we see one on the Canadian side of the border. I’m looking at Jeep but I’d rather be in the Ford flock. C’mon Bronco.