There has been a lot of news this week revolving around the debut of the 2021 Ford Bronco. Right now, Ford is basking in all the attention the Bronco is receiving. But, do not look at its tires too closely. One of the most popular offroad tires is the Goodyear Wrangler. Ford does not want anything associated with the Wrangler to be easily evident on its new SUV. So, changes are happening for the Bronco, or at least for its shoes. 

Goodyear knows its stuff

As we all know, Goodyear is an international tire and airship manufacturing company. Drivers and sports fans alike have enjoyed the company’s tires and airships for a century. Goodyear is also the go-to manufacturer for multiple racing series. There is a reason for that. It is because Goodyear does extensive testing in all conditions.

That testing includes offroad terrains. So, when it comes time to replace tires on a vehicle, many people immediately think of the Goodyear. Additionally, those consumers looking for offroad tires are also acquainted with the Goodyear Wrangler specifically, which itself has proven to be an offroad capable tire line. 

Wrangler Tires on a Ford Bronco is a Problem

That is a problem for Ford. Having the name Wrangler emblazoned on the sidewalls of every tire on a Ford Bronco is not going to fly. It speaks too much of the Bronco’s main competitor, the Jeep Wrangler. So, our friend at Motor1 have discovered that Ford and Goodyear had discussions about the concern and came up with a solution.

The Goodyear Wrangler is too popular of a line for Goodyear to simply rename. So, instead of wiping it from existence, Goodyear and Ford made the decision to minimalize the Wrangler dressing. This means that the outboard sidewalls of the tires on the Bronco will not wear the Wrangler name. It will still be a Goodyear Wrangler tire, but the only way to see the Wrangler name on the tire will be to look on this inside sidewalls. 

The custom tires for the Bronco are not a new thing

It is not unusual for tire manufacturers and auto manufacturers to cooperate with custom tire design. So, changing the look of a sidewall is not a big deal. In fact, coming up with a new tire altogether is everyday business for a tire manufacturer trying to meet the protocols of an auto manufacturer or aspiring young company. 

Just a few years ago, the hosts of the Diesel Brothers cable show launched their own tires series. The tires were made by a company in Taiwan to match the specifications the Diesel Brothers were expecting. Unfortunately, after launching Patriot tires as their own brand, it came to light that there were trademark issues. So, the Diesel Brothers went to another company, this time in the USA, and had Cooper make them a custom tire for them to brand. There is a video clip below that summarizes that ordeal. 

In a nutshell, Ford does not want anything with the Bronco to point to the Wrangler. So, Goodyear and Ford have worked together to remove the Wrangler name from the outside sidewall of the tire. So the Wrangler name has been wiped out, sort of. But, does that mean that Ford will come after me if I wear Wrangler jeans to drive a Bronco? Or, will they rename the Wrangler jeans as Bronco Jeans?