After more than 24 years, US automaker Ford is finally bringing back one of its more iconic sports utility vehicle (SUV) models, the Ford Bronco. While there is much excitement in the re-release of the popular SUV, Ford's decision to launch the 2021 model on the birthday of O.J. Simpson has managed to raise some eyebrows.
O.J. Simpson is perhaps one of SUV's most popular riders after he rode as a passenger of a white Bronco in 1994 while cops chased him for several hours on the streets of Southern California. Driving the 1993 Ford Bronco was Simpson's friend and former teammate, Al Cowlings. The incident happened on the same day when Simpson was charged with two counts of murder over the death of his ex-wife and their friend Ron Goldman.
Ford initially planned to release its new 2021 Ford Bronco in the spring of this year. However, due to the spread of the coronavirus in the United States, Ford had decided to postpone its plans. On Saturday, the automaker announced that it will now be releasing the new model on July 9, the same day as Simpson's birthday.
The internet was quick to notice the connection of the release date, with some criticizing Ford's decision. One user lambasted Ford for trying to capitalize on one of the most-watched events in TV history and the murder of two people to market its new vehicle. Another user stated that the release of the new model on Simpson's birthday is a slap in the face to the families of Ron Goldman and Simpson's ex-wife, Nicole Brown.
In response to the criticisms over its decision, Ford had stated that the timing was "purely coincidental" and the decision to release the new model on July 9 was in no way influenced by the famous Simpson trial. Ford North America product communications manager, Mike Levine, mentioned in an interview that the new Bronco was supposed to be released in April, but the pandemic had resulted in the shutdown of the company's factories, resulting in the delay. He added that the date coincidence was not intentional and they actually didn't realize that the date was Simpson's birthday.
Simpson's name had forever been linked to Ford's SUV after the US and the world watched police officers chase a white Bronco for more than two hours on television. Over 95 million had reportedly watched the chase, which was broadcasted live by several networks. Simpson was eventually apprehended and was later brought in for trial.
