Leading automobile dealer, Silver Star Auto Ltd (SSAL), has held a grand launch in Accra, for the new Heavy Duty Trucks (HDT) manufactured by the Foton International Trading Company Ltd (FITCL) based in China.

The trucks which include the Foton Auman ETX 6x4 (375 HP Tractor Head) and Foton Auman ETX 6x4 (380 HP Tipper) are part of a joint venture reached in 2012 between Foton and Daimler (the parent company of Mercedes-Benz cars and trucks). They are being marketed in the country by Silver Star Auto Limited.

SSAL are the official distributors of Foton heavy duty trucks in Ghana and so become the marketers of Foton trucks carrying the Foton-Daimler logo on the side. Commenting on the venture, the Chief Executive Officer of SSAL, Nouhad Kalmoni, said Foton-Daimler would be manufacturing Foton’s existing Auman medium and heavy-duty trucks and Daimler-licensed 490 hp Euro V heavy-duty truck engines.

“Foton will retain ownership and the right to use proprietary technologies, patents and brands of Auman medium and heavy-duty trucks in the overseas market,” he said, adding: “Daimler will provide technical and expert support to help the joint venture to improve the product quality and assist in developing new products targeting the overseas market.”

Mr. Kalmoni said his company was responsive to satisfying the needs of customers, bearing in mind the need to transform “the way we function to continuously improve our ability to serve our clients.”

The Assistant to CEO, in charge of Commercial Vehicles of SSAL, Mustafa Kalmoni, who briefed the patrons, mostly stakeholders in the transport, haulage, construction and mining industries, about the key features of the newly-launched trucks, said purchasing comes with over a year’s warranty.

Adding that, SSAL has a well equipped workshop and highly experienced personnel to handle all after-sales needs. “The trucks come with an engine matured in current technology which is suitable for developing countries and an exhaust brake technology enhancing braking performance combined with ergonomically designed mirrors and cabin interior ensuring safer driving” he said.

On his part, the Vice-President of Foton International Trading Co. Ltd, Fred Qian, said his outfit and SSAL would provide the Ghanaian market with the most suitable and reliable products, professional after-sale service and the highest performance ratio.

He said: “As the market leader of Chinese commercial vehicles industry for more than eight consecutive years, Foton always sticks to its principle of providing the highest performance-price ratio products and the best after-sales service for clients in order to satisfy their needs in the field of commercial vehicle.”