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The first Ford Bronco comes off the line at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne.
Bronco rolling off Wayne’s Ford Assembly line again

By Sarah Shurge the original. The fifth and last generation With the public hungry for the re-
In 1965 the Ford Bronco was first The Bronco saw a total of five (1992-1996) got rid of the removable turn of the Bronco, Ford decided to
introduced as a 1966 model. These generations from 1966-1996. hardtop making it a fixed roof. do something different with how they
models were built at the Ford Michi- The first generation (1966-1977) In mid 1996, Ford officially made built the new Bronco. This time
gan Assembly Plant here in Wayne. was intended to compete with the the decision to discontinue the around, they have designed each
For 30 years the Bronco continued Jeep CJ and the International Har- Bronco and the last Bronco rolled off Bronco series around different types
production in Wayne until 1996. vester Scout. The original 1966 Ford the assembly line in Wayne on June of adventure and you choose the se-
Now, after a 25 year absence, the Bronco was an ORV (Off-Road Vehi- 12th, 1996. ries that fits you and your adven-
Bronco is back. cle). Ford offered three body types. “The Bronco was one of the best tures best.
The original Bronco became an The Bronco sold approximately selling vehicles of all time but some- There are eight series to choose
icon for an adventurous lifestyle and 24,000 vehicles the first year. times you have to miss something from; Base, Big Bend, Black Dia-
its off-road capabilities. The second generation (1978- for people to appreciate it when it mond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wild-
“It’s not always ‘out with the old 1979) introduced a new Bronco sta- comes back,” said Walker. trak, First Edition, and Bronco
and in with the new,’” said Dwayne ple, the rear window that lowered The public has shown its desire Sport. As all Ford products are, the
Walker, United Auto Workers Local into the door. for the Bronco’s return with the Bronco was designed, engineered
900 president. “We like our iconic The third generation (1980-1986) amount of reservations Ford has al- and Built Ford Tough.
things. The Bronco is iconic.” redesign included an actual Ford ready received. “When you’re in a Bronco, you
Walker has been working at the logo, instead of F-O-R-D being According to the Ford website, can conquer anything,” said Walker.
Wayne location for 31 years. spelled out like it was common with reservations for the Bronco were “You’re not even worried about pot-
“The Bronco is the pride of trucks and SUVs during that time. able to be converted into an order in holes here in Michigan.”
Wayne. It’s built here with the pride The third generation also made the beginning of this year. Summer If you can’t wait to see the new
of workers in the community,” said the off-road vehicle more compatible 2021 is when initial Bronco deliver- Bronco in person, you’re in luck.
Walker. “We have the best work force for on-road driving. ies are targeted to begin. The Bronco is on display in front
in Wayne. Anything they bring us, we The fourth generation (1987- However, due to the extremely of the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant
can build it and build it right.” 1991) looked like an SUV version of high number of reservations, deliver- in Wayne and will also be on display
With the much anticipated return the F-series pickups and upgraded ies will extend into 2022. Because of at Jack Demmer Ford during the
of the Bronco, it's important to re- the interior elements to help the SUV this, some customers will receive a Cruisin’ US12 event on July 10th. Be
member the history and heritage of hit its top speed at 100 mph. 2022 Bronco. sure to stop by and check it out.
The Wayne Dispatch · July 2021 · 3