01-26-10: As the next generation Ford Explorer will share it's basic platform architecture with the Ford Flex, Taurus, MKS, MKT, it makes sense that Ford would build it on the same assembly line. Ford has announced today that it will use the extra capacity at the plant to build it's next version of the venerable Explorer by year's end.
The next generation Ford Explorer will be coming late this year and will be based loosely on the Explorer America concept that was shown in 2008. We anticipate the new SUV will be shown at the Chicago Auto Show in February or soon thereafter.
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Ford is investing nearly $400 million in its Chicago manufacturing facilities to launch production of the new Explorer and said that the move will add 1200 jobs. While the move from the Louisville, KY plant will create a vacuum there, Ford says a new model based on the C-platform will be built there, likely the new Focus C-Max people mover.
“The new Explorer will redefine the SUV for the modern era – retaining the capability customers want while delivering superb fuel efficiency, comfort and convenience,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “This investment underscores Ford’s commitment to building world-class, fuel-efficient vehicles in America and creating new jobs that will contribute to our nation’s economic recovery.”
Ford says the new Explorer will deliver at least 25 percent better fuel economy than the current model. This is in part due to the use of unibody construction and EcoBoost engines with six-speed transmissions. The new Explorer is said to be lighter, tighter and have better on road handling as well as it's expected off-road capabilities people have come to expect.
