It is one of those proud Red, White and Blue moments that make Americans appreciate what hard work and clear forward thinking can bring.
The start of the new decade has brought a month’s worth of well deserved accolades to Ford Motor Company.
Last week’s announcement to build the next-generation Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle at the Chicago Assembly Plant and bring 1,200 new jobs with it, is nothing short of a high-five moment.
The new jobs will staff a second shift at the Ford factory and increase production at the nearby Chicago Stamping Plant.
Ford Explorer joins the increasingly popular Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS sedans currently built at Chicago Assembly.
This news, along with the world acclaim of Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Transit Connect winning the 2010 “North American Car & Truck of the Year” Award in Detroit three weeks ago heralds Triple Crown recognition to a company that knows how to get ‘Job One’ done.
“The new Explorer will redefine the SUV for the modern era—retaining the capability customers want while delivering superb fuel economy and convenience,” Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas said. “This investment underscores Ford’s commitment to building world-class, fuel-efficient vehicles in America and creating jobs that will contribute to our nation’s economic recovery.”
Chicago-built Explorer will become the benefactor of Ford’s new EcoBoost engine technology to deliver at least 25 percent better fuel economy than the current model with use of lightweight materials, unibody construction, and an efficient six-speed transmission.
The auto industry’s first-ever production inflatable seat belt will also debut with the new Explorer SUV.
Ford’s rear-seat inflatable belt system is designed to spread crash forces over five times more area of the body than conventional belts, which helps reduce pressure on the rider's chest and aids head control and neck motion during a crash sequence.
Ford Motor Co. has sold more than six million Explorers since the vehicle was launched 10 years ago. Production of the 2011 Ford Explorer is scheduled to begin the fourth quarter of this year.
