DETROIT – Ford Motor is delaying the launch of its upcoming Bronco SUV from spring to summer season of subsequent yr as a result of coronavirus-related issues in its provide chain, the corporate advised its sellers Friday afternoon.

Prospects who had reserved automobiles had been anticipated to start the ordering course of Monday. That has now been delayed till mid-January, Ford spokesman Jiyan Cadiz advised CNBC.

“We’re dedicated to constructing Broncos with the standard our prospects anticipate and deserve,” he mentioned, declining to debate particular issues with its provide chain.

The postponement of the Bronco is a troubling signal for Ford, and doubtlessly the U.S. auto business if issues with suppliers re-emerge as a result of rising coronavirus circumstances.

Within the spring, as Covid-19 quickly unfold throughout North America, automakers needed to delay a number of merchandise by months, if not a yr, as a result of provider issues or to preserve capital. In addition they shutdown home factories for about two months.

The 2021 Bronco is among the most extremely anticipated automobiles from Ford in years. The corporate has mentioned more than 150,000 people have positioned reservations for the automobiles.

As a part of the delay, prospects will now have till March 19 to position their order and comply with a ultimate worth, Cadiz mentioned. Additionally, a extremely anticipated “Sasquatch package deal” with guide transmission has been pushed again to the 2022 mannequin yr.