Ford opens the attack on the Jeep Wrangler with the new Bronco, but Jeep seems to be one step ahead of Ford with the arrival of an electric Wrangler. Or not?
The reincarnation of the Ford Bronco, almost a year ago now, is Ford’s answer to the Jeep Wrangler. An off-roader with classic looks and modern technology. In the US, they are licking their fingers off it, so it is a wise move by Ford anyway. So there is work to be done for Jeep to have the last word with this new competitor. The arrival of an electric Wrangler, which we were previewed in the form of the Wrangler Magneto Concept, seems like a masterstroke.
A self-proclaimed Ford shareholder asked on Twitter to Ford CEO Jim Farley why the Bronco is quiet when it comes to electrification. “… Ford is determined to move to electric in the future, but why doesn’t Ford have an opinion on an electric version of a new product like the Bronco yet?” He asked. Farley was forced to to respond. He says, roughly translated, “What makes you think we don’t have it?” That could mean, of course, that Ford doesn’t believe an electric Bronco is necessary, but that would be easier to say than to announce that an electric version is actually coming. So there is a good chance that something is being prepared behind the scenes.
Ford is increasingly focusing on electrification in its home country of the US. Of course there is the Mustang Mach-E which is also available in the Netherlands, but in addition there will be an electric F-150 and there is now also an electric Transit. The fact that the Mustang name and the F-150 are linked to electric drive shows that Ford is not afraid to put names on EVs that previously symbolized large combustion engines. The Bronco would fit in well with that list. An electric Bronco could also be interesting for the European market, especially now that Ford in our part of the world is transforming into a purely electric brand in the coming years. Undoubtedly to be continued.