Watch CBS News

The 2025 Ford Explorer makes its debut this weekend at Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO (CBS) -- It's the best-selling American SUV of all time, manufactured in Chicago.

The Ford Explorer is among the many fan favorites featured at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. It's a product of Chicago that has kept thousands of workers over three decades hard at work at Ford's assembly plant on Torrence Avenue on the South Side.

This year marks a milestone.

"It's assembled right here in Chicago. And it's celebrating its 100th anniversary of producing Ford and Lincoln vehicles. So we couldn't have dreamt of a better event to come and show the public," said Ford Explorer brand manager Andrew Staley.

The latest update of the popular SUV ran into a couple of speed bumps along the way after 4,800 workers at the plant went on strike late last year. But after a deal was made, workers went back to work.

Just in time to roll out the new model.

"The increase in our production is welcomed by our workforce, and we want to continue for another hundred years," said Chris Peña
President, United Auto Workers Local 551.  

On Feb. 13, CBS 2 presents its auto show special,  "Shifting Gears," after the news at 6:30 p.m.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.