Ford Bronco: Blue oval asks Goodyear to hide Wrangler tyre branding
As sub-brand Bronco launches to compete with Jeep, Ford asks tyre supplier to make Wrangler markings less visible.
Goodyear has been asked by Ford to make Wrangler markings on its tyres less conspicuous, according to American car website Motor1.
Ford launched three new models under the Bronco sub-brand last week, aimed at competing with Jeep – and the Jeep Wrangler is directly in its sights.
Unfortunately for Ford, one of Goodyear's most popular off-road tyres shares the same name with Jeep's off-road vehicle, leading Ford to request the prominent competitor's name be made less obvious.
Official Bronco photos show two- and four-door models using both 35-inch BF Goodrich and Goodyear Wrangler tyres, with Bronco Sport models fitted with Falken tyres.
Ford spokesperson Sam Schembari told Motor1: "“[The Wrangler name] will be removed from the Goodyear's side wall on the outboard side. Bronco Customers will not see it unless their tires are off the vehicle and the inboard side is visible.”
It's understood the Wrangler name was not removed entirely, as the Wrangler branding remains an important product in Goodyear's range.
While the Bronco has reportedly been designed on a global platform (meaning it could theoretically be made in both left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive), Ford has so far declined to confirm any plans for a right-hand-drive production schedule.
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