2001 Explorer. . . Not till November

[Brian97V8]

Just found this article and thought everyone might enjoy it.


Design problems force Ford to delay new Explorer


Ford Motor Co. told analysts Wednesday it's delaying the launch of its redesigned Explorer sports utility by five months because of design problems.

Ford's new Explorer is taller, wider and longer than the current version, with an optional third row of seats for passengers. It includes an independent rear suspension rather than traditional leaf springs for a smoother ride and better handling.

Larger vehicles typically generate bigger profits. Ford will minimize this loss by continuing to build the current Explorer, which is selling at a record pace even though it was introduced a decade ago.

Sales of the redesigned Explorer for the 2001 model year "should meet or exceed 2000 calendar-year production," said John Casesa, a Merrill Lynch analyst.

Ford sold 36,164 Explorers in April, up 25.6 percent from the year-ago month, partly because sales now include a Sport Trac version with a small truck-bed in the rear.

The company delayed the redesigned Explorer after top Ford executives drove prototypes and ordered substantial changes, said Alan Baum, an analyst with IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Production is now scheduled to begin in mid-November at a factory in Kentucky, Baum said.

Ron Iori, a Ford spokesman, confirmed the delay, but said its impact will be offset by continued strong sales of the current model.

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Brian
97 XLT AWD V8
K & N Filter

 

[ntrpriz]

Ford TOP EXECUTIVES test drove it? Now how many of them have kids in the local soccer team?

Either that, or they have a larger profit margin on the old model and are keeping it around since they are selling so many of them.

Steven

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<A HREF="http://www.users.uswest.net/~ntrpriz/main.htm" TARGET=_blank>
http://www.users.uswest.net/~ntrpriz/main.htm</A>
Stock 94 XLT
PIAA Superwhites.
Vampire Alarm.
Jensen Head w stock Premium sound.
Radio Schack CB with magnetic mount antenna.
Uniden Scanner.

 

[Stephen]

Think of it this way, they're taking the time to make sure its done right. Something Ford has had some problems with in the past, rushing models to market, then having to conduct eberassing recalls. They're becoming more careful. They pushed the Escape back for the same reason. Whatever the reason, it'll be a better vehicle when it comes out.

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Stephen Withrow
StephenLS400@aol.com
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97 Explorer Limited 4X4 SOHC V6
98 Lexus LS400

 

[Peter Weber]

I like the pushback to October. Whatever the reason (official excuse or real), I'm tired of having next years models coming out in Jan. or Feb. of the prior year. This is done lately by all car manufacturers, not just Ford. There used to be some excitement and anticipation for end of Sept. and the beginning of Oct. to come around when all the new cars came into the showrooms. I kind of miss that. JMHO.

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Peter
'99 Sport 4wd SOHC

 

[Fritz]

I'm a tad upset they(Ford)also said my "Baby
Navigator" will not be out till Feb 2002.

Fritz;
"98" 4X4 Sport SOHC.

 

[stilbo]

Bigger and Bloated do not equate better..

Great, a bloated Explorer....
I guess Ford didn't learn much from the '59 T-Bird or '73 Mustang, i.e., BIGGER isn't better.
Unless you are a share holder. Bigger vehicle bigger profits and to hell with the loyal customer.
I like my '93 XLT and my '98 Sport.
Bigger than a Blazer and smaller than a Durango. Perfect size. Now Ford has to bloat the Explorer? It's the best selling SUV so why screw around with it?
Profits?
If I want a heavier Ford vehicle I'll buy an Expidition (not).
Maybe Ford is seeing $2.00 a gallon gas and thinking about a 90 day inentory of Expeditions... Kinda like "let them eat cake"... Or settle for a monster Explorer...
Ford has no Corvette or Viper challenger (sniff)...
Why?
Because they have always suffered bean counting, micro management of product developement by (MBA) bone heads in suits first and the buying public last...
My only option will be to buy the new SMALL Ford ute which will probably be priced near what a 2000 Explorer is now...
Smart marketing?
Word has it that VW is building a damn good SUV....
I'll just have to wear out my '93 and '98 first...

[Edited by stilbo on 05-30-2000 at 08:23 PM]

 

[Stephen]

It'll sell just as well, if not better than the current Explorers though, although I do agree with you. From what I've seen, I dont care for the new one at all.

PS- Welcome to the site!

 

[workmasl]

Any picture of the new 2001 4dr Explorer out there?

Hi,

Has any one seen any pictures of the new Ford Explorer?

 

[Paul B.]

I just got my weekly Autoweek mag. yesterday, and they had a short article about the 2001 Explorer. It seems now that they are going to delay it again. It will now go into production sometime in early 2001 as a 2002 model now.