According to the Web site The NetEase, Ford will begin Chinese production of the Explorer - codenamed U 375 - sometime in 2015. The Explorer will be produced via Ford's Jiangling-Ford joint-venture, which currently produces two different versions of the Transit commercial van.
Despite that local production, the Explorer won't exactly be a cheap vehicle. The Chinese-spec Explorer will reported carry a price tag between 300,000 and 600,000 yuan, the equivalent of $47,000-$94,000.
No word on what powertrains will be offered in the Explorer, but Ford's 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder will likely be in the mix.
The Explorer is currently produced in Chicago, as well as two other locations in Russian and Venezuela.
Recent reports have also indicated that Ford will produce its line of Lincoln luxury vehicles in China from 2015.
