By DENNIS AMOR

THE go-ahead businessman behind the resurrected iconic Roadstar brand of caravans has accused competitors of 'jealousy'.

Mr Nazim and his family with one of the new breed of caravans

His hard-hitting comment came after the first models of a new breed of Roadstar caravans rolled off the production line at his multi-million dollar purpose-built factory in Melbourne.

Victorian businessman Ken Nizam bought the original Roadstar Industries' plant and equipment when the 21-year-old company went belly-up in February owing $1.3 million.

The Australian Hitec Engineering director also won the right to use the iconic Roadstar and Compass trademarks, which appear on his new range of quality caravans.

Mr Nizam, whose engineering company supplied chassis to the original Roadstar manufacturer, told Caravanning News that some other caravan builders were now attempting to "tarnish" his achievements in bringing Roadstar back from the dead.

"We were quick enough to purchase the complete history, trademarks, computer programs - including templates machinery and equipment - and employ the key craftsmen who lost their jobs," Mr Nizam said.

"There is no rhyme or reason why certain parties now enjoy gossiping and talking down Roadstar. We should be applauded as we have reinstated jobs, and will continue to employ. Slowly the message will finally get across that Roadstar is here to stay and will keep chiselling away to provide the very best to the caravanning market."

He said dealers had given his new caravans a "standing ovation" for their excellence and quality and for Australian Hitec Engineering's overall approach to manufacturing caravans.

"We have tackled the business with passion, fuelled with motivation and family business experience," Mr Nizam explained. "We are definitely surprising many people who find it difficult to believe that the new owners of Roadstar have set a goal in uncertain times ... and then made sure it was executed."

He believed there was an element of jealousy from some people who had been interested in owning the trademarks.

"Others who try hard to tarnish the name are people who are threatened by the quality and superiority of our caravans," he said. "We have no association with the previous Roadstar Industries' directors. I underline ... we have no business association and are completely independent."

Mr Nizam believed his company's achievements had given reassurance to dealers who were Roadstar and Compass dedicated.

"We are extremely proud of this, as many families were left in the dark with stock and a trademark that was uncertain to be continued or carried," he said. " The new company is concentrating on producing lightweight caravans and has already signed up dealerships across Australia.

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