CHICAGO (AP) -- There is a bit of good news amid all the bad surrounding the auto industry.
Officials of the United Auto Workers union say Ford Motor Co. has selected its Chicago assembly plant to produce a new version of the Explorer sport-utility vehicle.
UAW bargaining unit chairman Matt Kolanowski said Ford agreed to build the Explorer at the plant as part of a deal this month in which workers agreed to concessions.
Amid weak demand for cars, Ford dropped a second shift at the Chicago assembly plant in November, eliminating 600 part-time positions and about 200 full-time jobs. The plant began a temporary shutdown this week.
Kolanowski said building the Explorer will lead to the callback of 300 laid-off full-time workers at the plant and at a Chicago Heights stamping plant.