In a memo to employees on Nov. 18, a Ford spokesperson confirmed that the company will reduce production line rates early next year to better meet consumer demand for Ford Bronco models. At that time, about 400 workers at Ford’s Michigan assembly plant will be reassigned to either the Dearborn engine plant in the United States or the Monroe Parts warehouse in the United States, starting in the first quarter of next year. The spokesman said the affected employees would not be laid off and that the number of employees represented about 6 percent of the plant’s total hourly work force.

Ford also said its Michigan assembly plant will reduce production during the first two weeks of January for the updated iteration of the 2025 model year. But despite this, the plant will maintain a shift pattern of three teams of employees. In addition to the Bronco model, the plant also produces the Ford Ranger midsize pickup truck.

“We are encouraged by the momentum we have at the end of the year, and with production adjustments and the introduction of 2025 models, 2024 model inventory should be further balanced,” Ford said in a statement.

Ford Bronco sales were down 10% in the first 10 months of the year compared with the same period last year. Inventory of the once-hot off-road vehicle is rising and dealers are extending sales hours, but most say they’re not worried about sales of the model.

Roof Systems developer Webasto Roofing Systems’ Plymouth plant is providing sunroofs and hardtops for Ford’s Bronco project. Earlier this year, it was reported that in early November, Webasto had notified the state of Michigan that it planned to lay off 218 employees in Detroit due to production cuts by customers. However, Weibast did not disclose the name of the customer at the time. A Ford spokesman said at the time that production of the Ford Bronco was unchanged.