Yahoo Autos Ford Bronco models will get a blitz of 150 accessories at launch
Ford's new Bronco may be ready to go toe-to-toe with the Jeep Wrangler in terms of capability, but the Blue Oval wants to make sure its dealer network is prepared for another key component of the 4x4's launch: accessory merchandizing.
To that end, Ford has cleaned house at its accessory distribution network, Automotive News reports (subscription required). The initiative reportedly came about as a result of less-than-stellar accessory availability during the launch of the Ford Ranger pickup. Ford wants to have more than 150 accessories available for the Bronco on day one, its dealer representatives said.
Ford hopes to sell as many as 200,000 Bronco and Bronco Sport models combined each year. Each one that leaves the dealership with accessories on it is a win for Ford.
The Ranger launch was reportedly fouled by poor availability and delivery delays, which ultimately cost dealers money. Every set of all-weather floor mats or bed-mounted racks is almost pure profit.
Perhaps more important, factory off-road accessories have the potential to boost Ford's credibility as the company looks to carve out a niche for the Bronco in a market that currently favors the well-established Jeep Wrangler, which has both a robust factory parts catalog and a massive aftermarket following.
