Ford Bronco order book frozen solid
Searing demand and delays force Bronco hiatus as thousands parked in snow waiting computer chipsFord will officially close its order book for the 2022 Ford Bronco across the US next month as the car-maker scrambles to keep up with demand for the retro-inspired off-roader.
An Australian launch remains a pipe dream for would-be owners of the Ford Bronco Down Under, with the Blue Oval brand unable to fulfil orders in its home market – let alone contemplate tooling up for right-hand drive production – due to the ongoing global semi-conductor shortage.
This has seen thousands of near-complete examples of the Ford Bronco being stockpiled in open yards awaiting computer chips, with the icy conditions causing angst among buyers who have managed to place an order.
In a pair of videos published by YouTuber KenStevens5150, vast numbers of snow-covered Broncos can be seen sitting idly at a holding facility at Ice Mountain near Ford’s Michigan assembly plant awaiting completion.
According to US industry journal Automotive News, some of the vehicles seen in the videos have been sitting there for months.
“I am concerned about my vehicle sitting out in the elements,” one customer told AN. “Its value is depreciating even before I take delivery.”
A Ford spokesperson told the outlet that the brand was hoping to deliver these vehicles to customers within three months.
A March 7 deadline has been put in place for Bronco customers holding a reservation (or who have made an expression of interest) to move to a concrete order, however Ford has reportedly said there are “no guarantees” every order will be fulfilled with an MY22 vehicle.
In an attempt to meet demand, all MY22 Broncos – besides the Wildtrak – will be produced and sold without factory paint protection, while Ford has encouraged customers to have the hugely popular ‘Trailer Tow’ package dealer-fitted rather than factory-fitted, claiming these two concessions should help speed up production.
Ford says orders for the Bronco will resume “later this year” for the 2023 line-up which is set to gain at least two new variants in the form of the Ford Bronco Everglades and range-topping Ford Bronco Raptor.
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