- ETGL launches VST in Southern Africa
- Introduction of Tractors, Power Tillers, Weeders and Reapers in the Farm Equipment Space
Johannesburg, South Africa
ETG, a global conglomerate with expertise across various industries, announced today that their logistics vertical, ETG Logistics (ETGL) has entered into a distributorship agreement with VST Tillers Tractors, a leading farm equipment manufacturer from India, launching the VST range of tractors and power tillers in Southern Africa.
ETGL operates an established Automotive and Farm Equipment Distribution business in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Botswana, Tanzania and Kenya, with plans to increase their footprint in East and Southern Africa, amongst other regions.
The objective behind the distribution model of VST Tillers Tractors in ETGL’s portfolio is to expand its offering in the industry. The launch introduces the complete range of VST tractors and power tillers into the Southern African market. The range covers tractors from 18 HP (13.3 kW) 4WD to 50 HP (37.28 kW) and small farm mechanisation implements like power weeders, power reapers and power tillers ranging from 5 HP (3.7 kW) to 16 HP (11.8 kW).
Rajeev Saxena, ETGL CEO, commented “The launch of VST Tractors and Tillers will create more opportunities for the Group to delve deeper into the Southern African Farm Equipment Market, serving a wide range of agricultural customers. This initiative is aligned to our commitment to farming communities.”
Mr Saxena concluded “We are excited to announce this launch. The Group remains dedicated to increase the accessibility of quality farming solutions to both emerging and commercial farmers. Our vision is to launch a range of products that can effectively reach and serve a diverse customer base; while offering value-driven farming solutions. These tractors are versatile and have multiple uses from land preparation to utilisation inside tunnels. The power tillers or the walk-behind tractors are more relevant to farmers with small land holdings. This introduction will cover the Southern African Region, which includes South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Zambia.”
Mr Antony Cherukara, CEO of VST Tillers Tractors Ltd said “VST is one of the fastest growing brands in the agricultural segment and commands a leadership position in power tillers and 4WD compact tractors. We are focussed on international business with exports of tractors, power tillers, power reapers and diesel engines to more than 40 countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. Farm holding in most of the Southern African countries is dominated by small and marginal farmers, making these small farm mechanisation solutions a very relevant option.
We are happy to be associated with a strong and experienced distribution partner like ETGL to take our products into the Southern Africa market. Their expertise and knowledge of the African market will further accelerate our growth plans in the continent.”
Pavankumar Nair, Business Head for ETGL, added “We have kept the consumer and the equipment’s application in mind. Consideration of these factors led to the selection of most relevant products, best suited for this market. The tractors come with a 2-year/1500 hour warranty which speaks to the quality of the range. The equipment will be available and supported through the dealer channel across South Africa, including neighbouring markets.”
The South African dealer network consists of 15 dealers nationwide, with a target to reach up to 25 dealers by March 2022.
The tractor range starts at R145,000 excluding VAT, while the power tillers start from R75,000 excluding VAT. They are available at dealerships throughout the region and demonstrations can be booked via the dealer network.