DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. is trying to clear a backlog of unfulfilled Bronco orders by providing some folks on the ready record a $2,500 low cost in the event that they swap to a lower-priced trim or one other nameplate altogether.
The automaker says those that ordered a 2023 Bronco Wildtrak can obtain the low cost by switching to a Massive Bend, Outer Banks or Badlands trim with no molded-in colour hard-top roof, Sasquatch package deal or Lux package deal.
Alternatively, prospects can get the identical low cost by selecting one other Ford car. The automaker says prospects can go for any 2022 or 2023 in-stock mannequin or elect to order an Escape, Bronco Sport, Edge, Explorer, Expedition, Ranger or F-150.
If prospects don’t take any motion and their Bronco can’t be delivered in the course of the 2023 mannequin 12 months, Ford says the order can be canceled. If these prospects nonetheless needed to purchase a Bronco, they might then should order at 2024 model-year costs, a reversal of Ford’s prior dedication to price-protect orders that bought pushed into the following mannequin 12 months.
The automaker notified sellers of the choices this month in a “2023-Mannequin Bronco Cancel Order & Buy Substitute Supply” bulletin, which was first reported by CarsDirect. Ford has since despatched emails to prospects explaining their choices.
“We’re working arduous to ship each reserved or ordered Bronco to prospects,” a Ford spokesman mentioned in an emailed assertion.
“As a result of ongoing provide chain challenges, we’re notifying a small variety of present Bronco reservation and order holders that they will obtain a 2023 mannequin 12 months Bronco in the event that they take away sure constrained options, together with the Sasquatch package deal, Molded in Shade Arduous Prime and Lux Bundle. Prospects who take away constrained options are anticipated to obtain a 2023 mannequin 12 months Bronco together with a $2,500 rebate towards buy or lease along with present MSRP value safety they might have.”
The supply is Ford’s newest try to appease patrons because it struggles to maintain up with demand for the off-road SUV, which went on sale in 2021.
The launch initially was marred by provider high quality points that delayed manufacturing, and the worldwide microchip scarcity triggered additional manufacturing backlogs, leading to many Broncos sitting in holding tons for months awaiting elements.
Ford has tried to maintain prospects engaged by showering them with branded presents, reminiscent of posters, hammocks and backpacks. Ford additionally had promised to not enhance costs on present orders via the 2023 mannequin 12 months.