Confirming what we have already expected for months, Ford announced on Tuesday that it will produce its next-generation Explorer SUV at the company’s Chicago Assembly Plant. Ford made the announcement at a press conference held by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn.
The decision to build the Ford Explorer at the Chicago Assembly plant will generate 1,200 new jobs for the Chicago-area. The new Explorer is set to begin production during the second half of this year. The Explorer is currently built at Ford’s Louisville, Kentucky plant.
Codenamed U502, the next Explorer will ditch its body-on-frame roots for a much more modern unibody construction. The 2011 Ford Explorer – expected to debut in just a few weeks at the Chicago Auto Show – will ride on a version of the Ford Taurus platform.
Ford has yet to reveal any details on the 2011 Explorer, but the all-new SUV is expected to offer a new range of fuel-efficient powertrains. Look for the new Explorer to offer a 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder and an optional 3.5L V6. A turbocharged V6 could be offered down the line, but will not be available at launch.
Check back for more details and live shots of the 2011 Explorer after the Chicago show kicks off next month.
