Ford Working on New Bronco Hybrid
» Posted May 20, 2019 • Resources | Share This Post
It seems like every other day a classic car is getting an electric facelift. Ford Motor Co. isn’t wasting any time getting in on the action.
Ford Chief Executive Officer Jim Hackett announced in early May that the company is working on a hybrid version of the Ford Bronco. Some true crime fans will best remember the sport utility vehicle as O.J. Simpson’s getaway car, but gear heads have been pining for a look at the new version of the car that helped popularize SUVs.
The company plans to begin selling the hybrid Bronco next year, according to Motor Trend. It’s also working on a “Mustang-inspired” electric SUV called the Mach 1, which Ford says will be able to travel up to 300 miles per charge.
Both new vehicles are part of Ford’s broader push to widen its electric fleet. The company is pouring $11.1 billion into the effort, aimed at rolling out 40 vehicles that are at least partially powered by electricity by 2022. At least 16 of those models will be fully electric, according to Ford.
The new Bronco will be offered in two- and four-door versions, with front- and rear-wheel drive models. The doors will also be removable, giving the car a Jeep Wrangler feel.
Changes Ahead at Ford
Hackett and other company officials told investors during the annual shareholder meeting that changes in the nearly two years since the new chief came onboard are starting to pay off.
That includes cutting sedan production in favor of trucks and SUVs, in addition to the push to go electric.
Hackett ran a trio of Michigan office furniture supply businesses before being tapped to lead Ford. He has been hailed for embracing “design thinking,” an approach that focuses on how consumers actually use a product.
Legal Protections for California Car Buyers
Ford’s decision to change gears in favor of electric vehicles is all well and good if the cars actually work as expected. Many new cars come off the assembly line with significant defects that can pose serious safety hazards.
Ford recently announced, for example, that it was recalling some 1.5 million Focus models over fuel tank defect concerns. The company said the problem could cause some cars to unexpectedly stall in the middle of traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fortunately, the California lemon law gives car buyers and lessors some important protections. The law requires manufacturers to repair cars while they’re under warranty. If the carmaker fails to do so, the company is forced to take the vehicle back and compensate the owner or lessor or replace the car. The law also makes the manufacturer on the hook for any legal fees that an owner or lessor incurs in enforcing California lemon law rights.
How Our California Lemon Law Attorneys Can Help You
The California lemon law attorneys at the Bickel Law Firm represent people across the state in defective vehicle cases. We have a strong track record of success and we do not charge upfront fees in most cases.
Our offices are conveniently located in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an attorney.
