Clive Cato, Managing Director at SPME Group Holdings and Steyn Roode, new Dealer Principle of Powerstar Cape, join us for a chat about the different direction, image and overall evolution of, what is, the oldest Powerstar Dealership in the Western Cape.
“We were the first to recognise the potential of the Powerstar brand,” says Cato. “It’s a very unique brand for our market – specifically modified to suit conditions – that’s why we went with Powerstar in the first place. We’ve been behind the brand since the beginning and, now, with our new Dealer Principle (Steyn Roode) bringing his flair and expertise to the table – we are in a position to offer our clients an even better experience – driving the Powerstar brand value through in everything that we do.”
The Powerstar Cape facilities, infrastructure and overall client-service methodology has been given a major upgrade, creating the type of A-Class environment its clients deserve.
“The products across the brands (Powerstar, FT Series and Shantui) are already great but the whole buyer journey was in need of elevation,” says Dealer Principle, Roode. “What we’ve done in response is to look at our facilities, the way we market the brands, what our workshops look like and the overall impression of us as a dealership, and have given it a significant overhaul.”
While the business has been given a shiny new image and, while the experience is far more upmarket and corporate than before, both Roode and Cato are at pains to reiterate that the family-orientated business philosophy remains core to how Powerstar Cape operates.
“We understand the unique requirements of our clients in the Cape – it’s not the same as elsewhere in the country and, over decades in this industry, we’ve come to understand what it is they really want and need,” says Cato. “Our clients are family – we support them like family wherever they are in whatever way they need – including remote-servicing of vehicles and equipment throughout South Africa, 24/7, 365.”
Powerstar Cape delivers full sales, parts and service across all three brands in the Ever Star Industries stable – including a big used-trucks-and-equipment division.
“Through our used-truck and equipment division we work to ensure the second-hand-value of Powerstar, FT Series and Shantui products are maintained,” says Roode. “And we treat every person like a VIP – whether you’re buying new, used or just want to come in for a chat – everyone is special to us.”
Powerstar Cape services clients in agriculture, mining, construction and beyond – taking the time to understand each industry and customer’s unique requirements.
“We don’t sell trucks, we sell peace of mind, backup, products – a full-house-service – We don’t send out for parts or send the trucks somewhere else, and we service all over South Africa,” says Roode.
“When you buy here you buy into our Powerstar family.”
