Ford Bronco gets the nod for Europe

Ford has confirmed the reborn Ford Bronco will be offered in Europe from the second half of 2023.

Following a sales blitz in its native US market – where Ford at one point temporarily closed its order books amid searing demand and supply chain issues – Ford now says the Bronco will join the Mustang and Explorer in European showrooms from the third quarter of next year.

Ford is yet to confirm final pricing for the European Bronco, but it has already stressed that production will be in “strictly limited numbers”.

It comes as Ford continues testing of the Bronco in Australia, which is the global development homeroom for its third-generation T6 ladder-frame vehicles led by the new Ford Ranger, and amid speculation that a local Ford F-150-style right-hand drive ‘remanufacturing’ program could be in the works for the Jeep Wrangler rival

In Europe, the Bronco will only be available in four-door trim and will boast standard features including a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, a 360-degree camera, and a 12-inch infotainment touch-screen – suggesting that Ford will offer a richer model mix rather than affordable entry options.

The European Bronco also promises strong off-road wares, with confirmation that Ford will offer a standard locking rear differential and an optional locking front differential and disconnecting anti-roll bar system. Euro buyers will also have a choice of a two-speed electronic transfer case or an electromechanical equivalent.

“The Bronco is Ford’s toughest and most versatile off-roader, and the new generation fuses the DNA of the original with the latest terrain-handling technologies and a vast range of accessories to create a new off-road icon,” said Matthias Tonn, chief engineer of Import Vehicles at Ford of Europe.

“Following the huge success of the new Bronco in the US, we are thrilled to be bringing some of the spirit of adventure to our customers in Europe.”

The European development does little to promote Australia’s prospects for a factory right-hand drive Ford Bronco; the Blue Oval brand ruled out RHD production as far back as 2020, arguing the business case simply doesn’t stack up.

However, confirmation of the new Ford F-150 remanufacturing program for Australia in March has buoyed enthusiasm around a similar program for the Bronco, plus other products including the Ford Maverick ute and perhaps even the Ford Explorer large SUV.

“We are going to learn a lot in the next 12 months as we go through this process, as we develop our muscle in this space,” Ford Australia chief Andrew Birkic said at the time.

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au