Ford Delays Roll-Out of Redesigned Explorer

Ford Motor Co. will delay the launch of its redesigned Explorer sport-utility vehicle by five months because of design problems. The new Explorer is taller, wider and longer than the current version. It includes an independent rear suspension rather than traditional leaf springs for improved ride and handling. Ford will continue to build the current Explorer, which is selling at a record pace, even though it was introduced a decade ago. Ford delayed the redesigned Explorer after top company executives drove prototypes and ordered substantial changes, said Alan Baum, an analyst with IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids, Mich. Production is now scheduled to begin in mid-November, Baum said. A Ford spokesman confirmed the delay, but said its impact will be offset by continued strong sales of the current model. Ford sold 36,164 Explorers in April, up 25% from the year-ago month, partly because sales now include a Sport Trac version with a small truck-bed in the rear. Ford shares closed at $52.38, down 81 cents, on the New York Stock Exchange.