The Ford Explorer originally launched in 1990 for the 1991 model year, instantly becoming a historically significant vehicle that ushered in an entirely new era – the non-off-road focused, family-oriented SUV that has since taken over the world. Though it got its start in the U.S., the Explorer has since become a global model that’s sold in a number of countries, including China. However, for some unusual reason, the brand new Ford Explorer 30th Anniversary Edition marking a significant milestone in that model’s history is only being sold in that country, and not the U.S., where it technically hit 30 last year, yet no special edition was offered.
Though the timing is a bit odd, the Ford Explorer 30th Anniversary Edition comes with a host of unique features that set it apart from the rest of the lineup, including red-painted side mirror caps, red accents on the front fascia and door sills, a red “Warrior” badge, power running boards, a roof rack, and unique wheels.
Pricing for this special edition model comes in at around $50,500 USD, which would slot it in between the ST and King Ranch in the Explorer’s U.S. lineup. However, production is limited to just 600 units, so it’s destined to be a rare sight on Chinese roads.
The all-new Ford Explorer launched in China back in June of 2020, some months after its debut in the U.S. That model sported a slightly different appearance than the American version, and is produced at the Chongqing plant in China by Changan Ford, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Changan Automobile. That same country is also getting a refreshed version of the Explorer soon, which was teased back in March sporting some exterior updates along with a completely new interior with a massive landscape-oriented infotainment screen similar to other Chinese Blue Oval products like the Ford Evos, Mondeo, and Lincoln Zephyr.
We’ll have more on the Explorer soon, so subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford Explorer news and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
SO Ford-like a decision. Just like North American Mustang owners who must not care as much about curbing their aero as much as Europeans who get front parking sensors – despite being assembled at Flat Rock.
Yes makes no sense to me either?
I just think it’s a shame what is going on with that company. I drive by my local Ford dealership in Wilmington, NC and they only have used cars. You can’t buy a car anymore unless you want a Mustang.
Trucks and SUVs are nice, if that’s your thing.
They have had over two years to figure out the computer chip problem. There are enough empty Ford buildings in the Dearborn area that could have been converted to a small factory. Open a plant and run it three shifts. The UAW would like that.
They offer a 30 year anniversary edition of the Explorer …. Only available in China!!!
What ? For what reason is that not available in the US ? They sell a beautiful Fusion ….
in China. Ford has said they can no longer make cars profitably. How is it that Honda,
Lexus, Hyundai, Volvo, Mazda, Porsche, Audi, BMW, Kia, Subaru can make cars profitably ?
The electric cars aren’t the answer. They will have to figure out where to mine all of the necessary ingredients to make the batteries. From what I read, most of that is over in China and Russia. Batteries take too long to recharge. They don’t have enough range on a charge. Where do we dispose of them and what will that cost? How much will the new battery cost to replace the old? How long will it take before the electric company starts to raise the kph rates? Blackouts, brownouts?
There are way too many hidden costs for me.
I agree with you, drive past the Ford dealership that we have bought cars for years. With my wife’s osteoarthritis Ford makes no vehicles that she can get into with lots of difficulty. Now the Mustang is low to the ground getting into, but not being in our 20’s and in our late 60’s would be difficult getting out of lol. I took a test drive of the Mach E EV, but even it sits to high for my wife to get in. Really feel abandoned by Ford, but know we are not the only people have had to switch to other brands.
Maverick, Ranger, F-150, Super Duty, Ecosport, Bronco, Expedition, Ford GT not available in China.
Xi Jinfarley, again, demonstrates his preferences.
Well that ford for you just dont expect to much from them…i was surprise when i got my ford maverick 5 week ago with no defect well i spoke to soon i can no longer open the hood to get to the engine here i go again to the dealership
Denis,
Sorry to hear of your problems. The Maverick has had a lot of hype. However, it seems that those folks who have actually obtained one are having issues. Or,,,,, there are folks that have orders in for a year and can’t take delivery. I don’t know if that problem is related to Ford Motor only.
Are we sure this is actually from Ford? Looks like dealer installed parts from Amazon.
Ford isn’t the only Manufacturer that’s not supplying inventory to their dealerships. I decided to take a look the Sonata N series sedan at the local Hyundai dealership. They had one new Kona with ordered vehicles I could pre-purchase for late June, July arrival from South Korea. I found it similar at other brand dealerships. The largest multi brand dealership in my area had hundreds of used vehicles instead of new ones. It’s not just Ford having low new vehicle inventory. The question to ask is how can manufacturers stay in business with such a dramatic reduction in inventory and revenue drop from reduced sales, yet they continue to invest billions in EV development. I purchased my 2018 Chrysler 300C because Ford dropped their sedans. Prior to their decision. I always owned Ford sedans with my wife currently owning an Edge Sport. Its upsets me that Ford still offers China sedans and better optioned Explorers than we get in the country that built the Ford brand. I believe the reason is Ford’s partnership with China’s JMC reduced manufacturing costs increasing profit margins. Here in the US. I keep wondering if the auto industry and our government have a back door financial deal to eliminate Ice vehicles replacing them with EVs. Why isn’t the auto industry working together to end the supposed chip issue. Extremely low inventory. Dropping sales, but the industry has the revenues for business as usual while spending billions to create new EVs to obtain the new mpg numbers from 28 to 40 by 2026. The auto industry is changing and the goal by 2040 is 100 % EVs