Me and My Car: Hemp farmer’s Ssangyong is just the dope
DAVE JORDAN, FOUNDER AND CEO OF HEMPFARM NZ LTD DRIVES A 2017 SSANGYONG REXTON
What are you driving?
It’s a white 2017 SsangYong Rexton 4x4. I bought it in September 2018 from Western SsangYong.
Why a Rexton?
I wanted room, power to tow and comfort. Plus it is very light inside, not dark like some vehicles.
How far do you travel with it?
I travel a lot throughout both the North and South Islands while developing the HempFarm New Zealand grower programme across five regions for the 2019 harvest. We will be growing in six regions come this summer’s 2019/20 cropping season. I have done 50,000km in the past five months with her and she has not missed a beat.
How much can you fit in your Rexton?
I can fit all my tools, office, wardrobe and a passenger in the vehicle for work purposes, plus I can tow a 3.5 ton trailer when required.
How does it fit your lifestyle?
I enjoy skiing and going off-road and appreciate a vehicle that just does the job with no thought.
Who else drives it?
I had an intern, Duncan, working with me and sometimes he delivered product and met with growers on my behalf.
What were you driving before the Rexton?
A Subaru Legacy 2005. I bought it new and ran more than 500,000km before Duncan took it to Te Anau and she developed a heating issue and cooked the motor. I was gutted that it happened all the way down there.
Any other vehicles in your garage?
Not at the moment but I would like to see a Tesla in there sometime in the near future.
What was your first car?
My first car was a Mark III Zephyr.
Any cars you have regretted selling?
My 1992 Toyota 1992 was one of the best cars I’ve had. It held the road and off-road with ease.
Who taught you to drive?
I learnt to drive in a Vauxhall Cresta when we were living in Ngatea at 14 years old. Dad let me drive the car around the yard between the fruit trees and gates. I learnt to back pretty good. Just before I got my licence he let me take my sister three miles to where she was picked up for work each day.
And your dream vehicle?
I like the Tesla and similar cars. I’m not into flashy noisy cars for looks.