There's been a lot of talk regarding Ford's upcoming so-called Baby Bronco, an off-road-focused crossover that could receive the Bronco Scout nameplate. While its final name still remains a mystery, we know for sure it will ride on the same platform underpinning the latest-generation Ford Escape, though features such all-wheel drive will likely be standard. What's for certain is it won't be rear-wheel drive and will come with optional 4x4 capabilities like its also upcoming Bronco big sibling. The Bronco, of course, will be a heavily restyled SUV version of the Ford Ranger midsize pickup truck. Think of the Bronco Scout as a more ruggedly-styled Escape.

While this may not be all that controversial but rather smart business, a new report from Automotive News Mexico could stir some debate.

Supposedly, a supplier is claiming the Bronco Scout will be built at Ford's Hermosillo manufacturing complex in Sonora, Mexico. Space is being opened up for both the Bronco Scout and the Transit Connect van. If this turns out to be the case, some backlash could come from President Trump, who has made his disdain known of domestic automakers outsourcing production outside of the US. Ford has not confirmed where Bronco Scout production will take place, but suppliers are already assembling its parts.

For example, Gestamp, a Spanish manufacturer of chassis and body components, has confirmed it will build parts for the Edge and Escape platforms in San Luis Potosí and, as we already know, the Bronco Scout rides on the Escape platform.

If all goes to plan, sources claim production will get underway for both the Transit Connect and Bronco Scout in the last quarter of 2020, exactly one year from now. If so, that would mean the Bronco Scout, or whatever Ford ultimately ends up calling it, should debut sometime next year. The Bronco will debut this spring, most likely in April at the 2020 New York Auto Show.