Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley said on Tuesday that a modernized free trade deal with Mexico and Canada is essential for sustaining the automaker’s North American manufacturing network and preserving the industry’s competitiveness. Speaking at a Detroit policy forum, Farley noted that integrated supply chains spanning three countries support more than 250,000 jobs across Ford’s U.S. factories and suppliers. He warned that without tariff-free access, Ford could face increased component costs of up to 8% per vehicle, eroding margins and threatening investments in electric and autonomous vehicle programs.

Ford confirmed the addition of the 2027 Bronco RTR to its SUV family, positioning it between the $51,475 Heritage Edition and the roughly $80,000 off-road Raptor. The eighth Bronco variant will feature bespoke suspension tuning, reinforced chassis components shared with the Raptor, and all-terrain tires, while retaining a street-tuned powertrain that Ford says delivers 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Ed Krenz, Bronco chief program engineer, described the RTR as an "access point" to premium performance for customers seeking Raptor-level capability in a more attainable package. Initial production is slated for early 2026 at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant.

President Donald Trump used remarks in Detroit to highlight Ford’s return to round-the-clock production at its Dearborn Truck Plant and the company’s announcement of $3.7 billion in new investment across midwestern facilities. Trump attributed this resurgence to his administration’s 25% tariff on imported autos, claiming it narrowed the U.S. trade deficit by 12% and redirected capital into American factories. Ford executives have not publicly linked these investments directly to tariff policy, but internal planning documents show that higher import duties factored into site selection for a new battery assembly line in Ohio and the repurposing of an engine plant in Michigan.