Why Ford won't release the Bronco in Europe -- for now

Motoring websites across Europe carried detailed coverage of Ford’s bold new revival of the Bronco, and positive reaction to the reveal suggested the off-roaders would be well received in the region.

Ford, however, has said that it has no plans “at the present time” to offer either the Bronco SUV or the more Europe-friendly Bronco Sport crossover, which uses the new Kuga's platform and not the body-on-frame architecture of the Bronco.

The company gave no official reason for keeping the Bronco out of Europe, but privately it pointed to the European Union’s tough CO2 regulations as the main barrier.

Automakers selling in Europe need to keep their CO2 levels down to an industry average of 95 grams per kilometer starting this year or face fines.