2021 Ford Bronco COVID-19 delayed supplier problems
The auto industry is again decomposing with COVID-19.
Ford confirmed late Friday that customer delivery of its all-new Bronco would be delayed.
“All-New Bronco two-door and four-door customer deliveries will begin rather than the spring due to COVID-related challenges that our suppliers are experiencing,” said Brian Cadiz, communications manager for Brianco.
“Reservation holders will be informed that their orders will now start in mid-January instead of Monday, December 7,” he said. “Reservation holders now have until March 19 to finalize their dealer selection, place their order and agree on the sale price.”
This means that, in particular, reservations can go to the dealer they choose and they can officially start selecting and submitting whatever Bronco they want. Currently, reservations are placed with only a $ 100 deposit.
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In addition, Cadiz said, the Sasquatch package with a manual transmission will now run in the 2022 model year instead of the 2021 model year. It was already planned for the year, but has now been pushed back.
At this time there is no specific time on delivery of manual transmission.
bad bad bad
“Oh my God,” said John McAlero, host of “Autolyn After Hours” and an experienced industry observer when he heard the news. “Wow, it hurt.”
Ford and its Bronco fans have been counting minutes until delivery.
“Look, from the day Ford said, ‘We’re bringing back the Bronco,’ the world went crazy. They delivered a vehicle that looked awesome and the world went crazy again. They got all these orders.” Are, very high expectations. And now it’s delayed, “said McElroy.
“It’s a total deflation. It’s going to be disappointing for everyone. They’re going to get revenue anyway, but it would be nice to make sure to start booking it right now. And if it’s affecting this launch , So about Mach-E or. F series? “
Ford declined to comment on whether supply chain problems would affect other launches or production in general. Ford also declined to say which part of the supply chain related to Bronco was disrupted.
Supply chain concern
Jeoff Burris, founder of Plymouth-based Advanced Purchasing Dynamics, a supply chain consultant primarily to auto suppliers in North America, said the industry is ready for new problems caused by coronoviruses.
“This is not surprising. I have been hearing stories for the past few months about COVID issues and the continued supplier disengagement due to auto manufacturers deploying resources to supplier facilities,” he said. “They will supply purchasing, quality, and engineering people to suppliers to help manage the situation. As a purchasing person at Ford Motor Company for 13 years, I was deployed many times. You can help with production issues. Develop a skill around solving. “
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But clearly, the current issues are overwhelming and devastating for a company with a new CEO eager to meet customer demand and Wall Street expectations.
“It’s a big deal,” Burris said. “It’s blowing the air out of a positive marketing balloon. Ford Mustang is on a roll with Mach-E and Bronco from a brand standpoint. The cost of having the assembly line offline and not being productive is in the millions.”
GM, Toyota, too
Autotrader executive analyst Michelle Krebs said Ford is not alone in feeling the pain.
“We’ve seen problems with the supply chain due to an epidemic that has slowed down and even forced a stagnation of production, so it’s no surprise,” she said. “It’s not horrifying. It makes sense.”
He pointed to General Motors shutting down Corvette production and said Toyota had a problem with its truck plants.
“It’s happening across the board,” Krebs said. “Ford has performed best to increase speed. It is clearly shocking that the supply chain as well as it is.”
The auto industry remains closed from March to May At the beginning of the COVID crisis.
Bronco nation reaction
Jeff King, vice president and general manager of Bojard Ford Lincoln in St. Augustine, Florida, returned from Birthday Golf to discover the Bron News.
“I haven’t paid attention to it,” King told the Free Press. “I wish it didn’t happen, but we’re going to be alright. And it’ll be great when we get here.”
Ford informed dealers via email just after 4pm Friday, he said.
Around the country in California, Mark Brooks said he is grateful for the head.
He said that the transparency of the company is always good. Branco communications from Ford have recently had a “hiccup” and enthusiasts appreciate knowing that their constructive criticism is heard more quickly for more information. They exchanged on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and the Bronco Nation Board sites late Friday night.
“I got my reservation back in July,” said Brooks, 50, of Sacramento’s credit union manager. “I’ve been on pins and needles.”
There have been a lot of changes in recent months. “We waited this long. I’m stunned. But this is not the end of the world.”
Brooks plans to order Velocity Blue. “I’m sure it’s going to be worth the wait.”
For now, he will plan to drive his 2016 Ford Mustang through the summer of 2021.
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