After delaying the launch of its Euro II truck in South Africa two years ago on the back of limited after-market readiness, Chinese truck manufacturer Powerstar has unveiled a revamped and redesigned Euro III truck custom-made for South African conditions.

Following extensive and comprehensive testing over the past 18 months, the long-haul, heavy-duty V3 was introduced at the Truck and Bus Show, held in conjunction with the Johannesburg International Motor Show, at Nasrec, this week.

The tough, durable, easy-to-operate and easy-to-service V3 2646 truck tractor is powered by a Weichai Euro III intercooled engine and boasts a maximum-geared road speed of 111 km/h.

Powerstar sales and networking director Mark Beukes stressed that Powerstar’s network was now ready to support the commercial introduction of the new vehicle, of which the first ten had been built.

The initially Euro II engine-focused dealer network had been trained in anticipation of the move to the newer Euro III engines and all parts and components for repair and service had been sourced and updated to the group’s portfolio.

However, Beukes noted that the company was unlikely to pursue Euro IV or V engines and would continue its ranges of Euro II engines for “as long as possible”.

“This is Africa, not Europe,” he said, adding that Euro III was suited to the South African market and would remain a competitive product, as the nation was not able to support the fuel specifications of the European-guided Euro IV and V engines.

South African fuel producers were currently adapting to Euro II and III standards, with Euro V only on the horizon now.

The Department of Energy last year tabled a proposal for the importation of Euro V-type fuels from 2013 and the local production of these fuels from 2017.

Powerstar had achieved a significant turnaround in South Africa, having recorded a sales increase of 300% from 2011 to 2012.

In a “year or two”, Powerstar "will be a force to be reckoned with”, Beukes vowed.

“Powerstar is looking forward to an exciting 2014 and to further reinforcing its growing brand image in the Southern African and African markets with its groundbreaking new products,” he concluded.