Western Star’s rising stars

Western Star has kicked off 2011 strongly and continues to gain market share through offering a versatile range of trucks and sleeper options to meet demanding Australian transport applications.When it comes to long distance and heavy haulage in this country, Western Star has established a reputation for reliability and ruggedness that has seen the brand secure a stronghold in a variety of applications.

Figures for January show the rise of the brand and while the first month of the year is traditionally slow, in fact the truck sales market was down 12 percent for the opening of the year, Western Star has posted a market share of 10.6 percent – selling 45 units of the total heavy truck sales amounting to 424 units, placing it number two on the sales ladder.

The company has seen its sales rise steadily over recent times and it says this will continue as it looks to ramping up sales throughout its extensive dealer network across the country. Western Star dealers are located in all states and offer comprehensive sales, service and parts to keep trucks where they should be – on the road and working.

By offering models ideally suited to specific operations and tailoring its truck range, Western Star has enjoyed considerable success across a variety of haulage segments. It has been extremely active in responding to market needs, designing trucks that keep pace with changing dimension and weight regulations.

One example of its attention to changing requirements was the release of the 4800 FXB designed and specifically engineered for the B-double haulage market segment. The FXB offers a sleeper cab bonneted truck for this growing sector and it is a very common sight on Australia’s highways. It fits neatly into the 26 metre, 34 pallet haulage role while giving the driver comfort and space.

The FXB is available with a long list of options including both Cummins and the new Detroit Diesel variants to match any application, a variety of fuel capacities, Starlight low roof sleeper and the luxury walk through Stratoshpere 40 inch box available with aero options.

Western Star has a reputation for ruggedness and it is a commanding truck in outback road train haulage where it is regarded as a man’s truck, offering not only tough looks but performance and agility in the most demanding conditions Australia has to offer.

The 6900 is a truck you will find in multi-trailer combinations, heavy haulage, livestock, logging and working on mine sites. The 6964FX is one tough mother of a truck and it is regarded as one of the toughest trucks available in the marketplace.

It too offers a range of power ratings from the Cummins and Detroit engines for applications where high power and torque are essential, plus it is stirred along by the Eaton 18-speed transmission with auxiliary transmissions available, depending on the engine and transmission combination to meet the toughest haulage tasks.

Another model range designed for niche operation is the 4800 Fleet Series, a truck that, as the name suggests, is targeted at fleet operation in typically urban roles and is competitively priced.

With its bumper to steer measurement of 838mm and bumper to back of cab (BBC) of 2768mm, it offers maximum payload in tipper and dog operation and B-doubles fitting into the 19 metre envelope.

The Fleet Series reveals attention to detail for drivers and comes with engine options up to 500hp, a spacious cab with easy entry and egress, vital in all operations and even a peeper window in the left hand door for safety in tight spots. Visibility from behind the wheel is excellent and its tight turning circle makes it a strong contender in a huge range of applications.

It has a huge range of options in all departments making it a simple task to specify the truck to meet exacting requirements, and it has been a huge seller for Western Star and another example of its charter to meet operator needs.

The 4864FX is a favourite of Australia’s long distance operators due to its good looks and enhanced visibility plus a huge range of options to give it individuality. The model is renowned for its sloping bonnet that makes it stand out from other trucks in the Western Star range and it fits neatly into critical dimension requirements.

A wide variety of power ratings are available from Cummins and Detroit Diesel and when it comes to axles and suspensions there are options available for the most fastidious operator. There is also a variety of sleeper cabs for this model in various configurations complementing the haulage task, whether it be rigid or prime mover specifications.

The 4964FX is another highly successful truck and you will find it in road train, livestock, bulk haulage, logging and general transport. The Constellation Series 4900 is highly versatile and again has established a reputation as a dependable and rugged truck regardless of where it operates. It is a serious truck for serious transport tasks and again it can be custom specified with a long list of options to meet exacting requirements.

Western Star trucks has had a long history in Australia, first introduced here in 1983, with its main assembly line located at Brisbane. Business interests associated with the owner of Western

Star Trucks Australia acquired the North American parent company in 1991, successfully floating the company on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 1994. In 2000, the North American company was purchased by Daimler Chrysler with the Australian division remaining Australian owned.

Since Western Star was unveiled in North America, the versatility and integrity of the product and the company hasn´t changed. It has successfully competed in such diverse markets as the oil fields of the Middle East, the tough military requirements of Kuwait, the mountains of Indonesia and the rugged Australian outback.

In 2000 Western Star Trucks Australia acquired distribution exclusivity for all MAN products within Australia and New Zealand and MAN Automotive Imports was created. Western Star Trucks Australia and MAN Automotive Imports merged as a result of this acquisition, with sales and after sales support services conducted out of the WSTA/MAI Asia Pacific Headquarters located in Brisbane.

While Western Star is steadily increasing its market share, so too is MAN. Figures for January reveal the MAN range has captured 3.1 percent of the heavy truck segment, year to date, making inroads into a variety of roles with its recently updated model range.In 2011 both brands intend to increase sales figures with truck models and specification aimed at reaching all applications and transport sectors.

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