Bronco production update 8/9: Commodity issues far beyond MIC tops. Chip shortage reaches Bronco supply chain (NO COVID TALK)

[GoTigersGoBronco]

It would seem to me that it's in Ford's best interest to work with Webasto on the quality problems. You can't just turn suppliers on a dime (at least not at the quantity that would be required). An outright dumping of Webasto creates multiple problems - 1) Webasto has no incentive to help, 2) A new supplier has to come up to speed (will their quality be better, can they achieve the needed scale, etc.), and 3) Customers selected the Webasto top on their orders - I doubt you could just make a switch and not give a customer some options.

They’re the world leader in convertible tops and removable tops. They own the market. It’s like if ZF had a problem making transmissions. If the world’s largest manufacturer is struggling, then what makes anyone think a new guy is going to do dramatically better.

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[mpeugeot]

Wow, you're a hero. Do you want a prize?

Maybe a nice limited edition poster... LOL. And a complimentary can of MIC wax.

 

[WillisC’onnors]

So basically, those of us in purgatory are going to get our replacement tops after the entire fleet of FE's is built? We could be looking at January or February delivery if that's the case.

Probably. @txozpilot What was the number mentioned for the tops, 12k? 7k FE's, who knows what the % of good tops from that number is. Was that 12k all hard tops? There are soft tops sitting too, who knows what the other constraints are....yikes

 

[Tricky Dick]

They’re the world leader in convertible tops and removable tops. They own the market. It’s like if ZF had a problem making transmissions. If the world’s largest manufacturer is struggling, then what makes anyone think a new guy is going to do dramatically better.

This is a lot of people's first time becoming aware of Webasto, even though there's a great chance you've satisfactorily used their products in the past without even knowing. They're everywhere.

 

[WhiteMamba]

They’re the world leader in convertible tops and removable tops. They own the market. It’s like if ZF had a problem making transmissions. If the world’s largest manufacturer is struggling, then what makes anyone think a new guy is going to do dramatically better.

This, beginning to feel like it is a poor design and Webasto while a dumpster fire is only half the reason it is a failure, so many problems with a redesign though.
Anyone know how heavy a Jeep hard top is compared to the MIC top?
That could mess up all the cog and GVWR stuff that is already an issue.

 

[Pitpup]

... there is no rhyme or reason to how these things are getting pushed out...

There was a time when I would have thought this was a silly statement. But then I got older, which is code for... ' I wised the ph*ck up!'

 

[txozpilot]

Probably. @txozpilot What was the number mentioned for the tops, 12k? 7k FE's, who knows what the % of good tops from that number is. Was that 12k all hard tops? There are soft tops sitting too, who knows what the other constraints are....yikes

12k was what I’ve been told. Who knows if that’s 12k “good” tops or just send 12k and we will sort through them? Don’t know if that was Hard or Soft only or a mix?
As mentioned above, Webasto is an industry leader, so who’s going to replace them and how good will their product be?
Ford is caught in a tough spot. We’re the ones wearing it.. I took advantage of a once in lifetime market to offload my second vehicle. I thought I’d have my Bronco by now like most people.
I can get by without a second car for a while but it’s a pain in the arse! Plus I don’t want an inferior product!
I’d love to see Ford offer an incentive for our loyalty. 0% finance or something for sticking around. C’mon Ford!!

 

[Lucchese]

. . . And a complimentary can of MIC wax

To make sure your MIC warranty is VOID

 

[PecOBX]

Lol Love it!
I have my sources for my post. We will see I guess. Only time will prove if it’s right

Does your source have any insight on the soft tops that are sitting? Mine was built 7/19 and its been crickets since. I have a 4dr OBX with a soft top and there are a few others from the 7/19 week in the same boat.

 

[Mango&Moose]

The top issue has been known for the MIC, it makes you wonder what else is being labeled as 'BAD.'

I feel gaslighted, I didn't know Webasto made the soft top, I thought it was Bestop.

 

[Stroopaloop]

Some people were dumb enough to put thousands down with no Guarantee of delivery, some also sold their car, went and got financing, insurance quotes and made a bunch of other poor life decisions none of which are Ford’s problem. Until my dealer called and said we picked it up and that was after truck driver fell off truck at depot and broke his ankle I didn’t do anything but wait, patiently. This is a want, not a need that I could have lived without indefinitely. If a Bronco is a need for you,you have already messed up.

I personally didn't put down thousands on the bronc. But I don't think people who did were "dumb" to do so. I think those are the enthusiastic folks that brought it back. Ford made a statement last year about delivery times and failed to communicate changes until it was too late for some to not put money down. Then they stated they would update us in May with delivery times. We all know how that worked out. I want a Bronco. Don't need. But once I get it, that's the last dollar ford gets from me. I'm tired of excuses on why the pandemic prevents companies from being transparent.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57734808

 

[SVTLightning]

Careful with the Bad Batch badges, Disney might run you through the copyright ringer on that!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_The_Bad_Batch

 

[FernieSanders]

I've caught wind of several alternatives being considered... some more drastic than others.

What is the possibility that they deliver a MIC with a free soft-top and send the hardtops when they're ready and all the kinks are worked out? The thought of getting a defective top like other deliveries is keeping me up at night.

 

[Ksjrb03]

What is the possibility that they deliver a MIC with a free soft-top and send the hardtops when they're ready and all the kinks are worked out? The thought of getting a defective top like other deliveries is keeping me up at night.

0.0%

 

[WillisC’onnors]

12k was what I’ve been told. Who knows if that’s 12k “good” tops or just send 12k and we will sort through them? Don’t know if that was Hard or Soft only or a mix?
As mentioned above, Webasto is an industry leader, so who’s going to replace them and how good will their product be?
Ford is caught in a tough spot. We’re the ones wearing it.. I took advantage of a once in lifetime market to offload my second vehicle. I thought I’d have my Bronco by now like most people.
I can get by without a second car for a while but it’s a pain in the arse! Plus I don’t want an inferior product!
I’d love to see Ford offer an incentive for our loyalty. 0% finance or something for sticking around. C’mon Ford!!

I know, sheesh. If the issue is process, maybe there is hope changes have been made to increase the number of potential good tops from the remaining 12k~. If its product x just doesn't mix with product y and we (Ford/Webasto) have realized that it WILL FAIL no matter how we make them....oof

Possible solution? Get with dealers and Bestop to offer a deal for affected hard top users, add more Ford pass points to cover the cost for a soft top. Does that exclude it from ever becoming a warranty replacement if that happens? I really don't like the idea of a soft top, but I could live with one for 1-1.5 years.

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