Powerstar Launches New FT Range

Bob Wang, CEO of Everstar Industries, is excited about the company’s new venture, which debuted in September at the Automechanika Exhibition in Johannesburg. This follows a joint venture whereby Everstar Industries has taken on board the Foton medium truck range and rebranded it under its top brand, Powerstar.

The new Powerstar FT range will be built at the Pietermaritzburg plant in Kwazulu-natal with the same high-quality technology as is used for the current Powerstar range, including excellent aftermarket parts and service. The range is powered primarily by Cummins engines feeding torque through ZF transmissions.

Since 2014, Everstar Industries has focused on offering transport solutions across the construction equipment/ vehicle spectrum, from Shantui bulldozers, front-end loaders, and forklifts to heavy and extra-heavy commercial trucks (Powerstar and Powerland truck tractors, tippers and mixers) and colossal off-road, heavy-duty rigid dump trucks.

With this range on offer, either through agent agreement or joint venture, Everstar Industries is able to provide end-to-end solutions to more customers. “We are strategically equipped to handle a broad range of vehicles, in the sales arena and in the critical aftermarket service, repair and maintenance area,” Wang says.

“Our vehicles have been a particular favourite in the mining and construction sectors because of their proven durability and efficiency. Powerstar is, after all, the quality Chinese truck brand that has helped change old perceptions about anything made in China. Today we have many loyal customers who have been with the Powerstar brand for over ten years.”

Wang adds: “Because we manufacture locally and are able to source over 20 % of our parts and components locally, we can offer a faster build and delivery time from order book to dealer vehicle despatch. Our aftersales activities offer the same benefit to our customers, with parts that are readily available, with mostly immediate or overnight supply. We apply that very same superior standard to aftersales support, no matter which brand.

“Our market differentiator is a good offering from a wide range of vehicles to suit any need; good quality products with low lifecycle cost; and superior service in maintenance and repair. Also important is the speed with which we respond to customer needs,” Wang emphasises.

The Everstar Industries footprint has been primarily in the Southern Africa region – Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The company now plans to explore even more African countries with its wider offering, including Malawi, the DRC and Zambia.

Further news on the product side, is that the homologation of the new Cummins Powerstar V3 line haul truck has been completed. Alongside this is the introduction of an optional AMT transmission on the V3, and also the option of a Cummins or Weichai engine. A lightweight 6X4 rigid truck tractor will also arrive later this year.

“Watch this space. Everstar Industries may be one of the younger kids on the block, but we are enhancing our product and service offering so that no-one will be able to ignore our competitive, positive spirit,” Wang concludes.