Ford confirms smaller Bronco spin-off is coming

Ford has confirmed a new off-road oriented SUV will reach production in the next 18 months and will sit below its upcoming Bronco.

Detailing its forward vision in the US overnight, the Blue Oval outlined plans to drive growth with “two all-new off-road models”: “the new Bronco and a yet-to-be-named off-road small utility [are] both designed to win a growing number of people who love getting away and spending time outdoors with their families and friends,” the car-maker said in a statement.

The off-road push suggests Ford will go head-to-head with Jeep in the US, and perhaps globally. The sub-Bronco model looms as a rival to Jeep’s Renegade.

“Ford helped start the off-road phenomenon and has majored in off-road capability for decades – from the Bronco to the Raptor,” said Ford president Jim Farley. “Now, we’re ready to reclaim our rightful place as the off-road vehicle leader.”

Ford’s future strategy goes far beyond off-road vehicles. The car-maker said it would replace more than 75 per cent of its current portfolio by 2020, while also adding four new trucks and SUV models.

Spearheading the attack will be the introduction of next-generation Escape and Explorer models, Ford said.

Performance SUVs will be another key conduit, thanks to the upcoming Edge (Endura), followed by the Explorer. And the company’s Ford Performance division will be heavily involved in future plans, too, committing to 12 separate new models by 2020 including the much-vaunted Shelby GT500.

Ford will also ramp up its green push by introducing hybrid versions of the F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Escape and Bronco. On the F-150, Ford is developing a hybrid powertrain that features as a mobile generator, along with updates to the current 3.0-litre Power Stroke diesel engine.

Beyond hybrid, Ford is promising six new pure-electric models by 2022, as part of an $11 billion investment.

Along with new technologies under the bonnet, Ford committed to the installation of new driver aids in all its vehicles, scope for over-the-air updates and 4G LTE across all models.

Ford Australia has been contacted for comment.