Bronco Set to be Produced in China for Chinese Market

Looking to capitalize on the Bronco's worldwide appeal and to make greater inroads into the world's largest automotive market, Ford Motor Company will locally produce a Chinese-spec model through the Jiangling Ford joint venture in the coming year. Ford hasn't yet made a formal announcement, but photos of the vehicle have recently appeared on the website for China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in conjunction with its application for license.

 Based on the available photos, the Chinese-spec version will have a few notable differences, the biggest of which is the squared off fenders, which look to be taken straight from the Everglades/Heritage parts bin. Note the clear side markers in place of the amber US-spec lenses.

There is also additional badging front and rear, with a small "FORD" added to the grille and "JAINGLING FORD" (in Chinese text) and "BRONCO" added to the tailgate.  

Another Chinese-spec difference is the additional brake light located in the center of the rear bumper.

As seen in these photos, it looks like the modular steel bumper of the Chinese-spec model will have tow hooks similar to the tow hooks of the steel bumper.

As we have no official announcement from Ford yet, details regarding equipment packages and trim models have not been released. Based on these photos however, it looks like the Chinese market can at least expect Outer Banks, Black Diamond, and Badlands models with or without the Sasquatch package. Chinese 2 Door fans might be out of luck though, as there were no photos or specifications included for the 2 Door Bronco.

 Details are scarce, but we do have word that the engine will be a turbocharged 2.3L manufactured by another Chinese Ford joint venture, Changan-Ford, producing 271 hp and a maximum peak torque of 336 lb-ft. The transmission is also expected to be an 8-speed automatic in place of the US-spec 10-speed, but without a manual option.

Although US-spec Broncos are currently imported into the Chinese market for the equivalent of $96,000 to $165,000, as reported by Car News China, it is estimated that domestic production could bring the entry level price down to around $41,000.