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Ford will trim output of the Explorer SUV from itsLouisville, Ky., plant next year as it tries to match production with lagging sales.

The Dow Jones newswires reports that the third-largest automaker in the world will cut Explorer production by 20 percent in the fourth quarter, and will trim even more in 2007 as demand for truck-based SUVs is expected to fall. Ford also has been emphasizing its new fleet of crossover vehicles-the new 2007 Ford Edge, the Escape and Escape Hybrid, and the Ford Freestyle-and downplaying its older truck-based SUVs as consumer taste shifts toward the car-based crossovers.

Ford will also cut jobs at the plant as it cuts back on the number of Explorers it builds, but a spokesperson could not confirm how many jobs would be lost. Ford closed a second Explorer plant in St. Louis earlier this year as part of its Way Forward turnaround plan.

Though the 2006 Explorer was heavily revamped, with new interior styling and exterior trim, sales still are sliding. The Explorer is off 30 percent so far this year, the news agency reports, and Ford has built 15 percent fewer Explorers this year than it did in the same period in 2005.

For 2007, the Explorer is slimmed down to a simplified lineup of base XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited, in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, with a new Ironman Package available on XLT models. A 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 is standard, while an available 4.6-liter V-8 powerplant provides 292 horsepower and comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. There's a choice of Ford's ControlTrac four-wheel drive or full-time all-wheel-drive systems. Stability control is standard across the line.

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Ford's newest version of the Explorer doesn't run on gasoline, or even diesel. Instead, the company's most traditional sport-utility vehicle has been implanted with a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain for a concept due at the 2006 L.A. auto show.

The fuel-cell-powered exploreR (spelling theirs), Ford says, will deliver more road-going miles than any fuel-cell vehicle on the road today. The fuel-cell Explorer retains its six-passenger and cargo-carrying capacity, even with the new powertrain that's capable of 350-mile range. The hydrogen tank is fitted in the space normally occupied by the Explorer's six-speed automatic transmission.

Developed under a Department of Energy program to encourage hydrogen infrastructure development, the exploreR, Ford says, has been tested for more than 17,000 miles and has set a new record for miles driven by a fuel-cell vehicle (1556 mi) in 24 hours.

Ford says it will show another fuel-cell vehicle at the Detroit auto show in January.

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The Ford Explorer America concept showcases a new kind of utility for the vehicle customers have known and loved for years: even better fuel efficiency.

“Customers are smart. They value vehicles – the more efficient, the better,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president of Marketing and Communications. “Ford gets it.

“Innovative technologies can transform people’s favorite vehicles. Look at SYNC, the Ford system that connects people and their favorite portable devices, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, while in their vehicles.”

Technologies and engineering innovations help Explorer America concept deliver an approximately 20 to 30 percent fuel-economy improvement, depending on engine selection, while providing room for six and their gear as well as moderate towing and off-roading capabilities.

This smarter utility concept simplifies Ford Motor Company’s systems approach for delivering sustainable vehicles, specifically demonstrating:

A powertrain lineup that includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp. Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today’s V-6 Explorer

Migration from current body-on-frame to unibody construction, reducing weight and delivering superior driving dynamics

A fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select and hold a lower gear with just the turn of a dial when conditions warrant it

A weight reduction of 150 pounds for the V-6 version thanks to its downsized – yet superior performing – engine, as well as more lightweight materials, suspension and chassis components

Fuel-saving electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings benefit of about 5 percent. Between 80 to 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will have EPAS by 2012

In addition to its fuel-efficient powertrain and technologies, the Explorer America concept addresses how the SUV market has changed in the past 15 years.

In the 1990s, customers were drawn by SUVs aligned with people’s adventurous, more rugged lifestyles. Today’s consumers are more discerning, demanding products that are capable and flexible – but more intelligently executed.

The Explorer America concept looks the part, too, with a modern, muscular design language that belies its ability to harness today’s active lifestyles. Its integrated three-bar grille, defined power dome hood, wrap-around rear glass panel window and sliding rear door give the appearance that this concept is ready for modern Lewis-and-Clark types to explore, from their own neighborhoods to the trail head.

Inside, intelligent features abound, including: single-touch stackable, sliding seats that allow for convenient access to the second row; a work table with seats deploy from the tailgate; and a three-dimensional compass and navigation unit with a topographical map built right into the instrument panel.

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It's never good to be caught by the paparazzi in the buff. Unless, of course, that was your plan all along in order to get your C-list self some much-needed coverage in the various gossip rags. But we digress. Our intrepid spy photographers managed to snap off a giant series of photos of the hotly anticipated 2012 Ford Explorer completely uncovered, and that is a very, very good thing indeed.

For the first time ever, thanks to an unruly gust of wind, we get to see the first-ever unibody Explorer in all its glory. That looks to include a new take on the familiar in-your-face three-bar grille with newly perforated top and bottom rungs bisected by two thin chrome strips up front. Note, too, the mildly sculpted flanks that lead to the currently en vogue fastback-like sharply raked C-pillar. A closer look at the fascia reveals not-yet-completed projector headlamps ensconced in clear covers that angle well back into the fenders. Lookin' good so far, we'd say.

Though we don't quite get a good look at the rear fascia, we do get a clear shot underneath the car from the hind quarters. This is most definitely a front-wheel drive chassis, and though this particular mule isn't equipped with one, there will surely be an optional rear differential for all-wheel drive duty. See all the shots for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.

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The launch of the all-new Explorer is shaping up to be an important one for Ford, but the Blue Oval won’t be debuting the car-based ‘ute and one of the world’s major auto shows. Instead, Ford is going the social media route, with plans to debut the new Explorer on the company’s Facebook page.

To go along with that announcement, Ford also posted four new teaser shots of the Explorer on its Facebook page. Like previous teasers, the new pictures don’t give away too much, but the entire vehicle is expected to be revealed in July.

Following its July debut, the 2011 Explorer should go on sale by the end of 2010.

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