At this point, it’s old news that the Ford Bronco is a highly coveted vehicle, and has been one since it’s introduction in 2021. As Ford Authority previously reported, that will also be the case for the 2023 model year, as the order banks will not open to new retail customers. Essentially, anyone who hasn’t already reserved or placed an order for one is out of luck, unless they happen to snag one sitting at their local Ford dealer. As The Blue Oval’s October 2022 U.S. sales report illustrates, that may have gotten a bit easier for buyers last month.
According to the official release, 91 percent of Ford Bronco sales in October came from previously placed orders, which means that nine percent of Bronco buyers were able to pick one up from dealer stock. While that figure is likely far too low for shoppers wanting to snag the off-road SUV, it represents an improvement from September, when 99 percent of retail orders came from previously placed orders. While this metric is hardly scientific, it is a rough barometer of how many units are arriving at dealers without preexisting buyers.
Broadly speaking, the availability of Ford trucks and SUVs has been, and is currently impacted by the ongoing supply chain debacle that has resulted in The Blue Oval simply parking nearly complete vehicles on various lots until the company receives the parts needed to complete them. The automaker expects its current “vehicles on wheels” to roll into dealers by 2023, but per recent trends, those vehicles are most likely destined for buyers who ordered them.
Going forward, the situation around the 2023 Ford Bronco will likely remain the same. As Ford Authority previously reported, CEO Jim Farley has all but stopped saying when vehicle production will satisfy demand, as shortages beyond microchips have hampered manufacturing efforts. Additionally, 2023 Ford Bronco production has already added a heated mirror removal option, an indication that there is no light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to shopping for the extremely hot SUV.
We’ll have more on the Bronco soon, so subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford Bronco news, and for comprehensive Ford news coverage.
Comments
Good Luck. The extremely few in stock units that haven’t already been titled are generally marked-up by thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars. Dealers are pushing pre-owned but very low mile units at about 10k over their original MSRP as well. Even reservation orders are still precarious,, my two local NW Florida Ford dealers quoted me $5000 or $30000 over MSRP to even convert my reservation into an order. I found a dealer (Town & Country in Bessemer AL) who happily accepted my reservation at list price. Whenever possible I try to shop local but the excessive greed of these local dealers drove me across the state line and a few hours away.
Said before…. Ford dealerships will be the end of Ford if they don’t move to factory direct ordering. Feel bad for the small number of stores that have maintained a reputable business practice and developed a loyal customer following. Ford needs to cull the flock and eliminate abusive dealership practices. It will feel like a slow-motion car crash unfortunately…. the days of tire kicking are coming to an end.
My reservation will finally be put into production in 2 weeks. By the time I take ownership it will be nearly 800 days from date of registration to actually taking ownership. Keep that in mind if you order one. Luckily I was one of the original 2020 reservation holders so I am price locked. I’m getting a 2023 for the price of a 2021. My Bronco, if I ordered it today, is 8000 dollars more, apples to apples.
I won’t buy a Ford simply because the company is dishonest. Tell me a product is 40k and I expect to pay 40k not 50, 60, or 70k. Blame it on the dealers but that’s part of the company. If they can’t be honest with me about the initial cost, then how do I trust anything else they claim about their product?