PROTECTING TURF; Ford spends big to sell fewer Explorers.

Byline: J.P. VETTRAINO Ford's marketing staff expresses so much enthusiasm for the 2006 Explorer that its collective voice sounds like a carnival barker, even if it's delivering a fairly convincing pitch. More, more, more! More power, safety and mileage, for considerably less cash! They might add: All that and less volume, too.

As gasoline prices rise and alternatives to the conventional sport/utility vehicle proliferate, few at Ford-or anywhere else-expect Explorer sales to reach new heights. The market is changing again, surprise, but that has not kept Ford from investing in a ...

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