The United Auto Workers (UAW) Union has reached a tentative agreement that would bring the U.S. one step closer to having a new Ford Ranger and Bronco built at the Michigan assembly plant. Pending final approval of UAW members, the new agreement would provide a commitment by Ford to start production of the Ranger in 2018, followed by the Bronco no later than 2020. Gone from the Michigan plant’s production lines would be the Focus and C-Max, which would both be sent south of the border to Mexico.
Hailed by UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles as “one of the richest agreements in the history of UAW-Ford,” the tentative agreement includes, among other items:
- A $10,000 signing bonus for every worker
- A Retirement bonuses of $70,000 for some workers
- A signing bonus of $2,000 for temporary workers with at least 90 days on the job
- A starting salary of $15.78 per hour for temporary workers which increases to $19.28 after four years
- $9 billion in new U.S. product investments
Following the releases of the new Chevy Colorado / GMC Canyon trucks and the redesigned 2016 Toyota Tacoma, the Ford Ranger should reach the market not a moment too soon. The recent increase in popularity of less-than-full-sized pickups is creating new segment demand driven by consumers who want a vehicle with occasional truck capabilities without the hassle of trying to maneuver into a parking space at their local Costco on a Saturday afternoon (free samples!).
Although recently released images of a Bronco concept appear to be a variant on the F-150, a Ranger-based Bronco would make more sense given their shared manufacturing facility. The Bronco would likely compete with the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Wrangler. In either case, we can’t wait for more information to come from Ford confirming these vehicles. Until then check out this video of a classic Bronco off-roading with it’s younger, bigger brother… the Raptor.
