The refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer debuted in early February, with production kicking off at the Chicago Assembly plant in May. However, it took a little while for the automaker to complete quality checks on the updated model, meaning that deliveries didn’t begin until July. Regardless, Ford Explorer production proceeded to experience a bit of a downturn in July as is usually the case amid the Independence Day holiday and summer shutdowns, though it managed to rebound in August. However, in September, Ford Explorer production really took off.
According to FoMoCo’s September sales report, Ford Explorer production at the Chicago Assembly plant totaled 20,615 units last month, which is a significant 7,314 units or 55 percent more than the 13,301 units it built in August. That latter total represented an increase of 1,047 units, or around eight percent compared to July’s tally of 12,254 units. In July, Explorer production decreased by 536 units or around 4.2 percent compared to its 12,790 unit output in June, though that month’s total marked a notable increase of 4,348 units or nearly 52 percent compared to May’s 8,442 units.
As for why the Ford Explorer received such a massive production boost in September, it could be attributed to the simple fact that The Blue Oval was keen to ensure that refreshed examples of the long-running model were clear of any potential quality issues before ramping things up. As Ford Authority previously reported, the automaker delayed the launch of the refreshed Explorer for that exact reason, too.
The 2025 Ford Explorer has received a host of updates as part of its latest mid-cycle refresh, which include a revamped trim level lineup that now consists of the Active, Platinum, ST-Line, and ST, paired with numerous styling revisions to its front fascia, headlights, air curtains, and rear taillights/tailgate area. The same goes for the inside, which has been tweaked to increase front row legroom while also adding things like new soft touch surfaces, Ford Digital Experience software, and a 13.2-inch infotainment screen. Additionally, only two powertrains are available for now – the turbocharged 2.3L I-4 EcoBoost, and the twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 EcoBoost.
Comments
Too bad QC hasnt seen a massive upsurge.
Why does the numbers on these articles never line up with the sales numbers for the month?
Production ramps up or down based on anticipated sales, taking current inventory into account. In this case it sounds like a new model QC hold or slow ramp-up also created an imbalance.
Ideally they would like to keep production volume very consistent month to month, but lots of factors impact that – competition, consumer preference, gas prices, natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, etc. Planning that schedule has to be tough!