With sales of the Explorer SUV way down for 2005 (-25%), Ford needs to move some product to make room for the next-generation model coming in September. For consumers looking for a bargain on a lame-duck model, the overstock means Ford's willing to bargain: The company is offering $5,000 in rebates this month, and dealers have been given a mandate to sell down the 78,300 Explorers now in inventory — a 96-day supply.

Ford wants to reduce number of Explorers on hand as it prepares for launch of updated model [AutoWeek]

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