Even More Trouble Slams the Struggling 2024 Ford Ranger
Someone give the Ford Ranger a break! Its luck is just getting worse and worse. Declining sales and production delays keep piling on top. Can the 2024 Ford Ranger break free from this curse before 2024 Toyota Tacoma production ramps up?
Why is the 2024 Ford Ranger facing more delays?
We understood why 2024 Ford Ranger production was struggling earlier in the fall. The United Auto Workers (UAW) caused the Wayne assembly plant in Michigan to close. Not many vehicles can be assembled if the workers are out in the picket line.
But after the strike ended, things haven’t improved. Ranger production is still at a shocking low, and no evidence suggests that new product shortages are to blame. There is still a global semiconductor chip shortage, but it’s not as bad as it was in 2020.
In November, the factory was able to crank out 256 Ranger models, which is an improvement compared to October, when the plant was shut down. But in September, only 15 models were produced. July was the most productive month, with 681 models rolling off the line.
But the plant can do more. For example, in June, the Michigan Assembly Plant cranked out 5,731 previous-generation Ranger models.
Also, the Ford Bronco is assembled in the same plant. Roughly 10,771 Bronco models rolled off the line in November, which is a little low. During the first 11 months of the year, about 114,846 Broncos were assembled, but under 30,000 Ranger models came out.
So, could Ford be prioritizing the Bronco over the Ranger? Are these siblings facing growing pains while forced to share the same plant?
Is the Bronco better than the Ranger?
It’s difficult to declare a winner between the 2024 Ford Ranger and the Ford Bronco because they serve diverse purposes. One is a rugged SUV attempting to battle the Jeep Wrangler, and the other is a stout pickup truck trying to fight the Toyota Tacoma.
They actually have a lot in common, such as the same platform and even the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. But for family off-roading trips, go with the Bronco, and for towing, go with the Ranger.
But we sense that the Bronco has more pressure in America. It’s been behind schedule and delayed since it debuted in 2020. It never caught up on production, and some 2023 orders may get pushed back to 2024.
The Ranger may have fewer orders in America, and more importance is placed on the global model, which came out ahead of the American version.
Ford might be delaying the Ranger in America to focus on the Bronco. We will see how production continues. Stay tuned for updates.
