Efficiency vs Executive Power: Ghanaian Bank Exec Chooses $156k Land Cruiser Over Cost Savings
Fountain Fleet Solutions Limited
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2022 was a time when they needed to save costs.
Prices were skyrocketing due to COVID-19, record high inflation, and an abysmal Ghana Cedi to US dollar exchange range.
But this incoming bank executive did not budge.
He strongly believed his new position as Executive Director deserved the new Toyota Landcruiser v8, even though the CEO disagreed.
In previous years, the Executive Director and the rest of the bank executives either used the Toyota Prado or the Mitsubishi Pajero.
This has been the norm for all the years that this bank has existed in Ghana.
However, this new incoming executive director took his request beyond the shores of Ghana, asking the group CEO to approve this vehicle before he accepts the position.
Just three weeks later, the vehicle was approved, and the incoming executive director signed and accepted the position.
At the time, I wondered what this would mean for the relationship between the CEO and the incoming Executive Director.
I thought this working relationship was doomed from the start, but boy, was I wrong.
I’d say this is one of the times that being wrong felt good.
I had spent some time trying to secure this bank's business for our fleet management offer, and a fight between the two head honchos wouldn't be beneficial for us.
Fast forward to today: the two heads of this bank have a beautiful working relationship, and they trust each other a lot.
If you were to ask me my initial thoughts, I would say that the incoming executive director was too demanding.
However, am I really in a position to make such accusations?
I just felt that if the other executives in the bank, like the Chief Operations Officer, were using a Toyota Prado, then the Executive Director should be using the same type of vehicle.
But here’s why I was wrong: The Executive Director is more or less like a de facto CEO and has a higher level than the rest of the executives.
My train of thought was leaning toward a clear distinction between the CEO and the rest of the executives.
Now, with that being said and with the new information that I have, my train of thought has changed.
The incoming Executive Director knows what his position entails better than I do, and he has the right to negotiate for what he believes he deserves.
I know this for sure: life doesn’t give you what you deserve; life only gives you what you negotiate for.
I've read the reviews for this beast of a vehicle, and it's no wonder he wouldn't take the position unless it came with it.
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The Origin of the Toyota Landcruiser V8
Originally released in 1951, the idea for the Toyota Land Cruiser comes from 1941, when the Imperial Japanese Army came upon an abandoned US Military Willys Bantam Jeep while occupying the Philippines.
They returned it to Japan and ordered Toyota to make something similar.
In 1954, the Willys company filed a trademark infringement lawsuit, leading to Toyota to change the name from Toyota "Jeep" BJ to Toyota Land Cruiser.
Over several decades, the present Land Cruiser (J200) underwent several variants and spin-off designs for different worldwide markets.
One of the variants is the Lexus/Toyota luxury line, known as the LX series, which began in 1983 (though the LX did not first surface until 1996).
Usually, the Land Cruiser just comes in one trim level.
However, Toyota is offering the usual all-inclusive basic trim and a Heritage Edition to commemorate the nameplate's lifetime.
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Toyota Landcruiser v8: More Than Just a Status Symbol in Ghana
Sure, the Toyota Landcruiser V8 is a popular choice among Ghana's elite—politicians, business leaders, bureaucrats, pastors, and celebrities.
They value its luxurious comfort, powerful performance, and undeniable prestige.
But for fleet managers and safety-conscious drivers in Ghana, the Landcruiser V8 offers much more:
While the prestige factor is undeniable, the true value of the Toyota Landcruiser V8 in Ghana lies in its exceptional capability, reliability, safety features, and strong resale value, making it a strategic choice for fleet managers and safety-conscious drivers.
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Conclusion
The story of the Executive Director and his Landcruiser V8 shows you how tricky the whole car thing can be in the corporate world.
Sure, saving money is important, but keeping employees happy and feeling valued matters too.
Enter the Landcruiser V8—a beast of a machine that's both rugged and luxurious, safe and prestigious.
Talk about a compelling argument!
For fleet managers like me, it's all about finding that sweet spot between practicality and perception.
While the Landcruiser V8 may not always be the most affordable option, its robust construction, abundance of safety features, and lasting value make it a valuable investment.
Consider it an investment that ensures the satisfaction of your employees, particularly executive directors, the smooth operation of your fleet, and the progress of your business.
Finally, it's about knowing what your team needs and what vibe your company wants to project.
That way, you can make decisions that keep everyone smiling (and maybe a little envious of the guy in the Landcruiser).
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That’s all for now.
Thank you for reading, and stay safe out there.
Catch you next Tuesday.
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