In Brief : Ford to Supply Mazda With Broncos

In a turnaround of their relationship, Ford Motor Co. plans to supply its Japanese partner Mazda Motor Corp. with a new version of the Bronco II sport utility vehicle beginning in 1991, Ford Vice Chairman Harold Poling said today.

Ford owns 25% of Mazda, which produces the Ford Probe along with the Mazda MX6 at its only U.S. plant in Flat Rock, Mich. Trade publications previously reported that Ford would supply Mazda with up to three vehicles to be sold by the Japanese auto maker in the United States.

Poling confirmed that the auto maker will supply a new version of the sport utility vehicle to its partner for 1991. He acknowledged that the deal was partly because about 80% of capacity at the Flat Rock plant is taken up by the popular Probe, which has been a sellout since its May introduction.

“At the present time, the amount purchased from them is more than what they purchase from us. It’s good to see a turnaround,” Poling said.