Bronco "Paper Launch" makes media headlines

[North7]

Very interesting article, it summarizes well a number of the things that have been said on the forum for months, here are a few quotes, but you really have to read the full article.

Ford Bronco availability making you sick? There's a cure, and it's called Wrangler

We finally drove the 2021 Ford Bronco, and it was everything we dreamed it could be, and we understand completely if you're fully on board the hype train. But before you decide to take the plunge yourself, there's an egregious shortcoming that Ford cannot quickly or easily address: Bronco may be "here," but from a customer perspective, it basically doesn't exist.

This entire situation is vaguely similar to the concept of a "paper launch." That happens when a manufacturer announces the availability of a new product that you can't actually purchase or use because it hasn't made its way into the hands of customers yet.

And while the Bronco is ostensibly available, the reality is that even those holding early reservations may have to wait until the 2023 model year to take delivery unless they settle for a different build.

The term "paper launch" is often used with derision, so I want to be clear: I don't believe that there has been any deliberate duplicity on Ford's part. The Bronco launch debacle has been one of coincidence, not incompetence or even negligence. The timing sucked, plain and simple, and even if Ford can't seem to get its story straight on availability, I don't believe it's for lack of trying.

So, yes, I do believe that the Ford Bronco is the better 4x4. But is it the better buy? Right now, in this environment? Absolutely not. If you must buy at all, buy a Wrangler. Take advantage of their slow depreciation and get on the Bronco bandwagon when the market settles down. Your wallet will thank you.

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[indio22]

Basically, yes. For the person buying based on some image, Bronco fits. But for the utility type buyer, I haven't even seen a 2-door in person, much less driven any of the variants. So yeah it's kind of nice vapor-ware for now.

 

[Lab00Rat]

So I have Bronc-itus?

Meh. I can live with that.

 

[Newbie]

Bronco "Paper Launch" makes media headlines

 

[Carolina Jim]

This is really the sad part for Ford...there will undoubtedly be increased interest as more units hit the road - but lotts'a folks will quickly conclude its like lusting after a movie star....ain't gonna happen.

 

[swooshdave]

Very interesting article, is summarizes well a number of the things that have been said on the forum for months, here are a few quotes but you really have to read the full article.

Ford Bronco availability making you sick? There's a cure, and it's called Wrangler

Stupid article. They are saying it's not a real launch because not everyone who preordered got their's yet. It's a real launch as customers are receiving their Broncos. And yes, if you haven't ordered this high demand item you will need to wait. Pretty much how reality works.

 

[Rick Astley]

To confirm, how many cup holders does a paper-launch-edition Bronco have?

Over/Under 27? Because there's a beverage here, man!

 

[CCross]

Queue up the FoMoCo apologists. You can’t say those things on here.

 

[Bronco4lyfe85]

Weird article.

 

[soonerfreak]

I don't understand, do they think Ford should have delivered 50k Broncos at once or something?

 

[Lilj4425]

Why do I have this odd feeling the author of this article drives a Wrangler?

 

[jjack50]

Basically, yes. For the person buying based on some image, Bronco fits. But for the utility type buyer, I haven't even seen a 2-door in person, much less driven any of the variants. So yeah it's kind of nice vapor-ware for now.

That's not what vaporware is. Vaporware is soft- or hard-ware that doesn't exist not that's difficult to get ahold of. Even since last year Ford has told customers that you would not get delivery of your Bronco until summer at the earliest. That seems to be what is happening. There ARE end-users who have taken delivery of their Broncos.

 

[Rick Astley]

Queue up the FoMoCo apologists. You can’t say those things on here.

Queue up the folks stuck in February 2020.

It's as if nothing has happened, yet somehow only FoMoCo is affected by manufacturing issues!

Meanwhile, i'm over here walking into any Chevy/Jeep/Honda/Toyota/Nissan/Any-non-Ford dealership in the nation staring at a lot with 120 days supply and an abundance of UAW employees basking in the glory of overtime, 3rd shifts and a lean management structure!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Queue up the folks stuck in February 2020.

It's as if nothing has happened, yet somehow only FoMoCo is affected by manufacturing issues!

Meanwhile, i'm over here walking into any Chevy/Jeep/Honda/Toyota/Nissan/Any-non-Ford dealership in the nation staring at a lot with 120 days supply and an abundance of UAW employees basking in the glory of overtime, 3rd shifts and a lean management structure!

LOL, I'm glad you left Subaru out.

No joke, the plant is not horribly far from here and in the past two weeks they have started restocking their dealers.
Saw many trucks full on a nearby Interstate rollin out.
The local dealers have a good many now, where two weeks ago they were basically single digits new and a dozen used cars.
Seems like it'd be safe to say the mass production machine for everybody is starting to rumble back to life!

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