Automakers love owner loyalty and will often reach out to folks who have done extraordinary things in company cars to make sure they keep driving whatever brand it is. This time, Ford has offered to replace a charitable lawn-mower’s 531,084 km Ford Edge and he’s thrilled.
Rodney Smith Jr. bought a used 2012 Ford Edge back in 2018 with 93,342 km on the clock, and in the time that’s passed he’s added over 402,336 km to the odometer driving across the country. Smith’s charitable work involves offering free lawncare for those who are less-abled, veterans, single parents, and others in need on his countrywide tours. His aim is always to mow lawns in all 50 states, according to local Huntsville, Alabama news station WZDX, where Smith is based out of.
Making a difference one lawn at a time. Full version 2:39. pic.twitter.com/exIop95Kjo
— Rodney Smith Jr (@iamrodneysmith) August 14, 2020
But it was while Smith was mowing lawns on one of his tours in Michigan that Ford’s team showed up and surprised him with a brand new 2021 Ford Edge to replace his current car. Rodney Smith Jr. tweeted about the surprise:
Lost for words . Wow…. @Ford came out to my lawn in MI. After mowing my lawn, they surprised me with a a brand new 2020 Ford Edge. Wow . Thank you so much @Ford . pic.twitter.com/3aafoo6yT4
— Rodney Smith Jr (@iamrodneysmith) September 29, 2020
The automaker followed up with a statement: “Your selflessness has not gone unnoticed. We appreciate all that you do for the community and we hope you enjoy your new 2020 Ford Edge!”
Ford likely became aware of Smith’s tours in his Edge back in August, when he was tweeting about the reliability of his crossover on its hundreds of thousands of kilometres of journeying across the country helping people. A Ford representative had reached out to Smith in the Twitter replies on August 9 and offered for him to “holler next time you’re in Detroit or Los Angeles and we’ll be happy to inspect and help service your Edge.” This was quite the service!
I always get asked how many miles do I have on my car. It’s 311,00. 2012 @ford edge. Great car, never any real serious problems pic.twitter.com/Ra6I1K51CC
— Rodney Smith Jr (@iamrodneysmith) August 9, 2020
What’s interesting, though, is perhaps Ford has plenty of Edges to give away. The automaker is reportedly considering axing the Edge in the near future. We’ll see!
[referenced id=”1223735″ url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2020/06/report-ford-might-drop-the-edge/” thumb=”https://gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/17/vi9rr4vckhlmzhplkdhr-300×169.jpg” title=”Report: Ford Might Drop The Edge” excerpt=”I’m going to rank this rumour as a four or five out of ten on the believability scale, based on the swiftness and lack of equivocation in a statement Ford sent over. Ninety-nine times out of 100, automakers say they can’t comment on future product when you ask. Except when…”]
You can follow and support Rodney Smith Jr. on Twitter, on his Instagram, or at the Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service website. Now I just wonder how many kilometres the dude’s lawn mowers have done?
The fate of Smith’s old Ford Edge is sealed, and of course it’s going to a good cause. He claims it’ll soon get detailed, tuned, new wheels and then given to a family in need of a ride.
Once I am done with my current 50 State tour ,I’m getting my car detailed, tuned up, news wheels and checked out then I’m going to give it to a family in need of a car to get to A & B .It Currently has 333,327 miles on it but still runs great .Pay it forward !Thank you @Ford pic.twitter.com/ItStr9COiO
— Rodney Smith Jr (@iamrodneysmith) September 29, 2020