Ever Star shining brightly in SA

August 26, 2023

Since 2010, Ever Star Industries (ESI) has been a leading player in mining and construction applications across the African continent. Updates to its heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) range and an exciting entry into the South African bus sector mean that Ever Star is shining brighter than ever on the local market.

Headquartered in Centurion, Gauteng, ESI is the sole distributor of Powerstar trucks and Shantui construction and mining equipment in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).

The company’s range of Powerstar FT Series medium and heavy-duty trucks in particular are renowned for their impressive performance, including good fuel consumption levels. “The purchase price and whole life cost of these HCVs are comparable with any of our competitors, and even lead the way in many regards. In terms of value for money, there are very few that can compare,” says Rodney Selesnick, senior head of sales at ESI.

ESI’s Powerstar offering continues to evolve, with fine-tuning of existing models and the addition of new models to the range. “The older M3 version of our Powerstar FT truck range has now been completely replaced by the new and current M4, which is the latest spec from Foton/Daimler. The changes are a slightly lighter chassis as well as a whole new cab, while the tried and tested driveline remains the same,” explains Selesnick.

“We have a completely new Powerstar FT3, as well as the FT9, which slots in between our FT8 and the flagship FT10,” he continues. “We have also successfully introduced our FT10 MAX – which is a 6×2 tag axled truck capable of a 13-tonne payload.”

Selesnick says that ESI also has other exciting products based on its standard model platforms.“The Powerstar FT8 truck tractor is a tried and tested model in the shipping empty container movement segment, while the single axle FT10 4×2 truck tractor provides exceptional power and performance for clients who use a single diff tractor for medium payloads not exceeding 24,000-kg gross commercial mass (GCM),” he elaborates.

The HCV range is powered by high-quality Cummins engines, while the ZF transmissions and full air brakes throughout the FT range ensure excellent reliability. “The engines and drivetrains hail from some the best OEMs in this global industry,” notes Selesnick, “while the trucks all come standard with air conditioning, radio and MP3 player, and cruise control to aid driver comfort.”

All FT Series M4 spec models come with an optional three-year/60,000km service plan while Selesnick notes that a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty is also offered. “The first year of the warranty covers all the mechanical functions, from bumper to bumper. The second year covers the driveline. Years three, four, and five cover the base engine – the heart and soul of the engine, including the block, the pistons and the crankshaft – for an unlimited mileage. This, however, excludes bolt-ons such as the turbo, alternator, oil, and water pumps,” he explains.

To complement its truck ranges and construction and mining equipment, ESI has now entered the fray in the local bus segment as well, in a joint venture with Busmark 2000. “With the arrival of our 36-seater (including driver’s seat) FT5 bus, which self-evidently is seated on the ultra-reliable FT5 chassis, we are making our first foray into the bus market” says Selesnick.

“The FT5 bus can be configured in commuter, semi luxury, or luxury versions, with seating options for up to 36 people depending on individual requirements and specifications. This bus is very competitively priced, and is ideal for the various bus clients in South Africa, as well as the diverse demands in local and cross-border operations.”

If its continued success with Powerstar is anything to go by, Ever Star will no doubt soon be shining brightly in the Southern African bus sector as well.