Ford Explorer Production Decreased In April 2024

Now that the refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer has entered production at the Chicago Assembly plant as of this week, production of the outgoing 2024 model has proven short-lived, as expected. Regardless, following a weeks-long shutdown at the Chicago plant due to the UAW strike last fall, Ford Explorer production steadily increased once things got back online in November, improving each of the last two months of the year, as well as in the entire first quarter of 2024 as well. However, Ford Explorer production did take a bit of a dive in April, according to The Blue Oval’s latest sales report.

After Ford Explorer production grew to 21,835 units in January, it increased yet again the following month – to 24,482 units, which represented an increase of just over 12 percent. Things slowed down a bit in March, as Ford Explorer production at the Chicago plant totaled 24,692 units, but that still represents a small month-over-month increase of 210 units or just under one percent. However, in April, Ford built 20,097 Explorers in the final full month of production for the 2024 model year, which is a decrease of 4,595 units or just under 19 percent.

In the meantime, the 2024 model has now been replaced on the assembly line by the refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer, and that model will launch bearing a number of notable changes compared to the outgoing crossover. That includes the addition of the new entry-level Active to the lineup, plus a revised fascia that varies slightly by trim, slimmer LED headlights, and lower, wider air curtains. In the rear, the taillights now extend to the nameplate appliqué, too.

In addition to the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment software, the refreshed 2025 Explorer is also getting a larger 13.2-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, new soft touch surfaces, available ActiveX seating, silver mesh accents, and a redesigned dashboard that’s been moved forward to increase front row legroom, along with various other changes.

We’ll have more production numbers to share soon, so be sure to subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Explorer news and comprehensive Ford news coverage.