The Garage 353

OPINION
I’M SORRY, BUT IT’S
A NO FROM ME!
Ah, the joys of the motor trade. Always driving
something different, never the same car twice.
My neighbours never knew if it was our car, a new
sales car or a customer’s car.
However, that also brings with it some challenges. Walking
out of the gym one morning I found myself standing in the
car park thinking not where had I parked, but what had I
parked!
I’ve mentioned before I love driving, washing or just looking
at a good car, that the passion runs deep with me. How deep, I
hear you ask? Deep enough to turn a good job offer down. I had
just left JLR and had a very good interview with a large German
OEM supplier. The interview went well and the phone call came
through the next day offering me the position, hooray!
Then they told me about my new company car, a Toyota Prius.
I know, I know, that’s exactly what I thought. Allow me to explain.
Whilst at JLR my car was a Discovery Sport, Yulong White and
fully loaded. I never drove it, my wife did. She likes new cars; I
prefer jumping in and out of something different every week.
The money was better, the commute was slightly easier.
But the car was . . . just not for me. When I told him that, he
hesitated and asked me what I meant. I explained that I have
a history of fun cars, and that they are more than a means
of getting around. I told him they are an extension of our
personality, that they say a lot about us without us saying a word.
What would my arrival in a Prius say about me, I asked
him?
“It’s just a car Onkar, I don’t know what you’re going on about.”
he told me.
Hmmm, it appears he doesn’t get it or that I’m overreacting?
I ask if I can opt out of the car and source my own. No he replied.
It’s all part of the fixed package.
“OK, well thank you for the opportunity.” I told him. Nothing
else to say really, I thought. He then offers to see if there is
anything they can do and that he’ll call me the next day. When
he calls me he’s in a chipper mood, problem solved he tells me.
By Onkar Chahal
I can use the company van whilst they sort me out a better car.
Great, so now I’m a builder?
In that moment I learnt two things.
One - The recruitment company didn’t really care about the
candidate; they just want the contract signed so they can get
paid and move on.
Two - The company offering the position were not flexible or
keen to listen to the staff or their requirements. They both also
learnt something that day, I’m a car guy through and through.
I like a balanced chassis, good brakes and a keen engine. I like
an upgraded audio system and a panoramic roof. If it’s an auto
it has to have paddles, if it’s a manual it has to be a precise gear
change, from a manufacturer with a sporting heritage. It has
to look good, so not black with black interior. No, something
with colour to show it’s lines off, with a light interior with all the
necessary toys. I don’t mean lane departure, collision avoidance
or cruise control, I want heated seats, sat-nav and Bluetooth for
my music.
So yes, I turned down a very good job offer with a world class
company because of the car they were offering.
No point in having principles if you’re going to yield when the
going gets tough.
10 THE GARAGE
10 Opinion Onkar.indd 1 27/07/2023 12:21