Ford Motor Company introduced the 2020 Ford Explorer at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Now we know where it will be built. Joseph Hinrichs, Executive Vice President and President of the Americas for Ford Motor Company, made the announcement at the Chicago Auto Show.
One Billion Dollar Investment
Ford will invest over a billion dollars in upgrades to its Chicago plants. Good news for the U.S. economy. With an existing workforce of over 5,000 in their Southside plants, the investment will add an additional 500 workers.
“We are proud to be America’s top producer of automobiles. Today, we are furthering our commitment to America with this billion dollar manufacturing investment in Chicago and 500 more good-paying jobs,” said Joe Hinrichs, president, Global Operations. “We reinvented the Explorer from the ground up, and this investment will further strengthen Ford’s SUV market leadership.”
“Ford’s announcement of 500 additional jobs and over $1 billion in plant investments is a testament to the quality and hard work of UAW Ford members,” said Rory Gamble, Vice President of the UAW Ford Department. “Every day UAW Ford members head to work, proud of the products they build and the craftsmanship required in vehicles like the Explorer, Aviator and Police Interceptor. Ford’s investment announcement demonstrates a commitment to the dedication of UAW members in Chicago.”
“As Chicago continues to strengthen our diverse economy, Ford’s commitment to add 500 jobs and infuse nearly a billion dollars into their Southeast Side assembly plant is a vote of confidence in our people and our future,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “The assembly plant is a local and regional economic engine where iconic American brands like the Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer are built. This investment is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of Chicago’s manufacturing sector, and I look forward to Ford’s presence in our city for generations to come.”
Upgrades include an overhaul of existing workspace to benefit current employees. Also, changes are to be made on the production line and the stamping facility for the new models. In addition to the 2020 Explorer, the Lincoln Aviator and the new Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicle will roll out of the facilities.
All-new Ford Explorer, Explorer ST and Explorer Hybrid at Chicago Assembly
The all-new Ford Explorer – America’s all-time best-selling SUV – features lighter, leaner and stronger construction, the broadest model lineup ever, more powerful and efficient EcoBoost® engines and smart new technology to help tackle all of life’s adventures.
The all-new Explorer ST, the newest SUV from Ford Performance, is the most fun-to-drive and powerful Explorer ever with a specially tuned 3.0-liter EcoBoost® engine projected to make 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque and reach a targeted top track speed of 143 mph.
The all-new Explorer Hybrid is a no-compromise Ford hybrid SUV designed to offer performance and capability in a fuel-efficient package and is projected to return an EPA-estimated range of more than 500 miles between fill-ups in the rear-wheel-drive model.
