Ford to Goodyear: Take a ‘Wrangler” off the Bronco’s tires

Ford to Goodyear: Take a 'Wrangler" off the Bronco's tires

Ford to Goodyear: You got me, boo.

Automakers are like politicians: they don’t want to admit a competitor. Other brands and their products are considered “the competition” or similar. The 2021 Ford Bronco was designed to defeat the Jeep Wrangler. However, the Blue Oval encountered an issue. One of the most loved off-road tires is the Goodyear… Wrangler. Oh dear.

Ford’s most important new product in years would not feature the arch-rival’s name five times on its exterior. How silly would a Mustang appear with ” Camaro“, or an F150 with multiple logos from ” Ram?” Exactly. The new Bronco will arrive in spring 2021 with specially designed Goodyear tires. They won’t have the Wrangler badge. But that’s not all.

We mentioned that the Goodyear Wrangler off-road tire is very popular. Ford says that the name will not be visible on the Bronco. However, small Wrangler markings should be placed on the tire’s inside.

Ford to Goodyear: Take a 'Wrangler" off the Bronco's tires

Ford confirmed the news to Motor1.com with Sam Schembari, a spokesperson, saying that “[The Wrangler] will be removed form the Goodyear’s sidewall on the outboard side.” Bronco customers will not be able to see it unless their tires have been removed from the vehicle, and the inboard side is visible.

Why not just remove the word entirely? Schembari says it is because the Wrangler name “still forms part of [Goodyear’s] aftermarket branding.”

While there will be occasional instances of Jeep’s off-roader-like performance on every Bronco model, it won’t be a constant reminder for owners.

It’s not clear at this time which Bronco versions will be equipped with these Goodyear tires. The Bronco can wear one of six sizes of Goodyear tires depending on its trim. These include 30-inchers on Base, 35-inch Wildtraks and vehicles equipped with the optional Sasquatch packs. In press images we have seen Goodyear Wrangler-shod Broncos, but some shots show vehicles with BFGoodrich rubber (below).Check out our main debut post about the eagerly awaited Ford Bronco.