The wait is over for customers eager to get behind the wheel of a new 2025 Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator.
The new SUVs are shipping now, and many have already been delivered to dealerships.
Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant celebrates the launch of both vehicles, plus the launch of the latest Police Interceptor Utility – America’s best-selling police vehicle – as the facility marks 100 years of continuous production, the longest of any Ford manufacturing plant.
2025 Ford Explorer
- First Ford vehicle to offer the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system on a bigger, better digital display
- Fully redesigned interior with meticulously crafted materials and finely textured surfaces available in new colors
- First Explorer with BlueCruise hands-free driving technology
2025 Lincoln Aviator
- Bold new exterior design
- New Lincoln Digital Experience
- First Aviator with Lincoln BlueCruise
- Best-in-class standard gas horsepower and torque
Production By the Numbers
More than 3.3 million Explorer SUVs have been assembled at Chicago Assembly Plant since production began there in 2010.
Aviator production is supported by seven plants in three states and made possible by more than 13,500 direct employees.
Ford continues to lead all automakers in U.S. production volume and exports.
Ford’s first Chicago branch office opened on Michigan Ave in 1905. Then, from 1913-1914, an assembly plant was built at 3915 S. Wabash Ave (pictured) where production of the Model T continued until 1924. Then production was moved to the newly built Chicago Assembly Plant where production capacity increased 140%.
Ford’s first Chicago branch office opened on Michigan Ave in 1905. Then, from 1913-1914, an assembly plant was built at 3915 S. Wabash Ave (pictured) where production of the Model T continued until 1924. Then production was moved to the newly built Chicago Assembly Plant where production capacity increased 140%.
In 1920, Ford purchased a large tract of land along the Calumet River, and construction soon began there on Chicago Assembly Plant. On March 3, 1924, the plant began assembling Model T vehicles.
In 1920, Ford purchased a large tract of land along the Calumet River, and construction soon began there on Chicago Assembly Plant. On March 3, 1924, the plant began assembling Model T vehicles.
The Model T was the first vehicle assembled here and it was made mostly of wood. The site for Chicago Assembly Plant was chosen in large part because of how important wood was to the manufacturing process. By placing the plant along the Calumet River, which flows into Lake Michigan, Ford’s lumber suppliers in Northern Michigan were easily accessible.
The Model T was the first vehicle assembled here and it was made mostly of wood. The site for Chicago Assembly Plant was chosen in large part because of how important wood was to the manufacturing process. By placing the plant along the Calumet River, which flows into Lake Michigan, Ford’s lumber suppliers in Northern Michigan were easily accessible.
During World War II, a total of 34 U.S. Ford locations supported the war effort, including 16 plants and 18 distribution centers. In Chicago, the plant produced a combined 6,000 M8 light armored cars and M20 reconnaissance armored units.
During World War II, a total of 34 U.S. Ford locations supported the war effort, including 16 plants and 18 distribution centers. In Chicago, the plant produced a combined 6,000 M8 light armored cars and M20 reconnaissance armored units.
In 1986, Chicago Assembly Plant began production of Ford Taurus and its mid-priced counterpart, Mercury Sable. The Taurus’ overwhelming popularity in the 1980s and 1990s has been widely credited for helping Ford survive an existential threat from increasingly stiff foreign competition. All eight generations of Ford Taurus were assembled in Chicago.
In 1986, Chicago Assembly Plant began production of Ford Taurus and its mid-priced counterpart, Mercury Sable. The Taurus’ overwhelming popularity in the 1980s and 1990s has been widely credited for helping Ford survive an existential threat from increasingly stiff foreign competition. All eight generations of Ford Taurus were assembled in Chicago.
Chicago Assembly Plant began manufacturing Ford Explorer in 2010, when the 2011 Ford Explorer was heralded as the next generation of the groundbreaking SUV. Millions have been assembled at Chicago Assembly Plant since then, helping to make Explorer America’s all-time best-selling SUV.
Chicago Assembly Plant began manufacturing Ford Explorer in 2010, when the 2011 Ford Explorer was heralded as the next generation of the groundbreaking SUV. Millions have been assembled at Chicago Assembly Plant since then, helping to make Explorer America’s all-time best-selling SUV.
