Ford Explorer Sales Jump at Chicago Assembly Plant
The Chicago-built Ford Explorer saw a 17.6% sales increase during the third quarter of 2026.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Car Types
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Ford Motor Company reports that sales of the Chicago-made Explorer rose by 17.6% during the third quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. The automaker successfully delivered 62,285 Explorer units during these three months.
Why it matters
This sales growth aligns with Ford's strategic pivot toward prioritizing the production of higher-margin internal combustion engine SUVs and pickup trucks. The performance highlights the continued importance of the Chicago Assembly Plant to the company's overall North American vehicle output.
Ford sold 62,285 Explorer units in the third quarter of 2026, representing a 17.6% increase over the 56,000 units sold during the third quarter of 2025. Year-to-date, the company has sold 189,210 Explorers across the United States.
The players
Ford Motor Company
An American multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, known for its extensive lineup of trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.
Lincoln Motor Company
The luxury vehicle division of Ford Motor Company that produces premium SUVs like the Aviator.
The details
Ford produces the Explorer and the Lincoln Aviator, which also saw an 11.3% sales increase this quarter, at its Chicago Assembly Plant. The company is currently de-emphasizing its electric vehicle portfolio, which experienced an 80.2% drop in sales during the same three-month window.
Timeline
2019: Ford began manufacturing the Lincoln Aviator in Chicago.
2025: Reference period for 2025 sales comparisons.
Q3 2026: Quarterly sales figures reported.
First nine months 2026: Year-to-date sales figures reported.
Roadmap
This performance underscores Ford's broader strategic shift to prioritize high-margin internal combustion engine SUVs over electric vehicle development. By focusing production on core models like the Explorer, the company is adjusting to current consumer demand and market profitability trends.
Local residents employed at the Chicago Assembly Plant may see more stable production schedules as Explorer output remains a priority for the automaker. Consumers interested in these models should expect continued dealership availability for these popular, high-margin SUVs.
The takeaway
The sustained demand for locally manufactured SUVs like the Explorer remains a critical pillar of Ford's current business model. Consumers looking for new vehicles in this segment may benefit from the company's increased commitment to production volume for these specific gasoline-powered platforms.
Further reading
Find more industry trends in the Car Types section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nwitimes.
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