• Ford Sollers is launching full-cycle production of the new Ford Explorer at its plant in Elabuga, Republic of Tatarstan
• The new Explorer is the fifth new model Ford Sollers is launching on the market this year
• The new Explorer is available for Russian customers in four series – XLT, Limited, Limited Plus, Sport – at a price starting from 2 599 000 Roubles, including all the current marketing programs
• The model offers 16 new and advanced smart technologies, including the LED headlamps, multi-contour seats with massage function, rear inflatable safety belts, front split-view camera, heated windscreen and hands-free liftgate

Elabuga, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, October 27, 2015 – Ford Sollers has started full-cycle production of the new Ford Explorer at its modernized assembly plant in Elabuga, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. The new Explorer marks 25 years of innovation with a more premium version of the model that can boast being the technological leader in its class.

The new Explorer is available for Russian customers at a price starting from 2 599 000 Roubles, including all the current marketing programs. The model is available in four series – XLT, Limited, Limited Plus, Sport – and is equipped with the Cyclone 3.5-V6 engine delivering 249 hp and 3.5 EcoBoost engine delivering 345 hp, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Both the engines are calibrated for RON 92.

“Explorer is the flagship of Ford’s global sports utility vehicle lineup, delivering an ideal combination of form and function,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president and president, Europe Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company, during his working visit to Russia.
 
“Since its launch in 1990, more than 7 million Explorers have been sold, making it the best-selling SUV in America over the last 25 years. We are happy that the new generation of this iconic SUV offering the very latest smart technologies is now available for Russian customers.”

Said Mark Ovenden, president and CEO, Ford Sollers: “The new Explorer is the fifth new Ford model Ford Sollers is launching on the market this year, and the sixth production launch in 2015, following the new Ford Fiesta, the new Ford Focus, the all-new Ford Mondeo and the new Transit, as well as the recent start of local engine production. This allows us to offer our Russian customers a vehicle line-up that is one of the freshest in the Russian auto industry and which has great products in every market segment.”

“The new Explorer has been specially tailored for the needs of Russian customers and received the engine calibrated for RON 92, winter options, enhanced sound insulation. The SUV has been thoroughly tested in Russia to ensure it can handle the road and climate conditions,” said Adil Shirinov, executive director and COO, Ford Sollers.

The new Ford Explorer offers 16 new and advanced smart technologies. The new Explorer XLT series now offers the following features as standard equipment:

• Heated windscreen;
• LED headlamps;
• Keyless Entry and Start;
• Rear view camera with washer;
• Front and Rear park aid;
• 10-way power front seats adjustment.

The Limited series of the new Explorer is equipped with a richer package of technologies than the Limited series with the Limited Plus package of the previous model version and now offers some new equipment:

• Front split-view camera;
• Hands-free liftgate;
• Inflatable rear safety belts.

The range of advanced technologies available on the new Explorer also includes Enhanced Active park assist with perpendicular park assist, Lane-keeping system and Ford SYNC 2 voice-activated in-car connectivity system with the advanced navigation system.

The new Explorer features the new stylish look both inside and outside. New Explorer has an athletic and confident stance combined with bold styling. Exterior styling updates include new front and rear fascias and grille, new fender, new LED headlamps with signature lighting.

Interior design of the new Explorer features real buttons that replaced touch-sense buttons on the infotainment system and more refined detailing throughout, together with the new seats and new door trim. The most spacious vehicle in its segment, Explorer seats up to seven people and provides lots of versatile cargo-carrying space.

Tailored for the Russian market
The new Explorer has been specially tailored for the needs of Russian customers by the Ford Sollers local R&D team, and thanks to Ford Sollers’ test tracks and production premises the vehicle has passed numerous tests on local roads and in Russian weather conditions in different climate zones. As a result, the new Explorer is equipped with an engine calibrated for RON 92, enhanced winter options and sound insulation, and a 12-year perforation corrosion warranty.