JAC News

JAC confirmed its re-entry into the Australian market with the T9 ute in March 2024.

Australia’s is a ute-dominated country. Or more specifically, it’s a country dominated by a handful of utes — the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, forever duking out for spots one and two, and the Isuzu D-Max, which last year had a firm grip on third position on the sales charts.

The newest entrant to the Australian ute market has just revealed its electric dual-cab, which is likely to make its way Down Under sooner rather than later.

China’s rapid expansion will see it overtake Thailand by 2026

Australians are no longer resistant to the idea of buying Chinese cars, because they are instead focussed on value for money, according to the Danny Lenartic, Deputy Managing Director of JAC Motors Australia.

JAC is back, and, with its big, brash and bargain-priced ute - and a national network of more than 50 dealers - it’s going to be hard to miss.

Another electric ute from China is set to make its way to Australia in the form of the JAC T9 Hunter, also joined by a diesel variant.The JAC brand, which had a very brief stint locally about a decade ago, is now managed by Queensland-based bus and chassi

The Chinese vehicle importer, which brings in JAC trucks, SAIC built LDV vans and Higer buses, said it had planned to introduce a ute and two vans produced by JAC to Australia by the start of this yea

Jac has launched its initial Australian "J Range" of light-duty trucks at prices that undercut established players by thousands of dollars. The initial three model Australian line-up will cover a wide range of applications and needs, covering GVMs from 4.5 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes.THE RANGEThe range is headed by the J75 model, featuring a 3.8-litre Cummins ISF, Euro 5 common rail, turbo diesel engine mated to a JAC six-speed manual transmission and with a 7.5 tonne GVM. For buyers requiring a lighter GVM, the 6.5 tonne J65, using the same 3.8 litre Cummins ISF engine and JAC transmission with a tonne less payload.The 4.5 tonne GVM J45, powered by a 2.8 litre Cummins ISF Euro 5 common rail turbo diesel engine, mated initially to a ZF five-speed manual transmission, will be available to Australian buyers from September.VALUEThe three models are the vanguard of an entire range of trucks JAC will bring to the Australian market in the coming years. They are specified to offer the best value proposition in the Australian light-duty truck market. Cummins power gives JAC the credibility of an established internationally recognised engine manufacturer and also gives the light-duty range the power to match or beat, comparable trucks from Japanese manufacturers.ECONOMYThe Cummins ISF in both 2.8 and 3.8-litre form delivers tremendous fuel economy along with a low, flat torque curve making the JAC light-duty models extremely flexible and easy to drive, particularly in city traffic.Cummins' efficiency allows it to use a smaller capacity engine with strong torque across the rev range which in turn means means greatly reduced fuel consumption. The JAC J65 and J75 models are the only light-duty trucks on the Australian market to boast full air brakes enhancing safety, durability and performance.PAYLOADThe J45 model will boast the highest payload capacity in its class with an advantage of between 300 and 400kg on its Japanese rivals. Standard features on all three JAC light-duty models include ABS anti-lock braking, EBD, power windows, air-conditioning AM-FM-CD-MP3 audio system, remote central locking, door pockets, cup holders and entry assist handles. The JAC truck range is also launched with an industry leading 2+3 warranty. 

JAC's first multi-purpose commercial vans, the Sunray and Refine made their debut at Melbourne International Truck Show. They will arrive to join a range of light duty rigid trucks from JAC expected on the market here within weeks. The JAC Sunray van and smaller JAC Refine were unveiled to intense interest from the truck trade. The company's new light duty trucks were also launched in Melbourne. The JAC Sunray tops the company's family of vans offering European styling, the latest emission compliant engines, advanced transmissions and international componentry. Sunray's Euro-styling was developed by JAC's international R&D resources with JAC's Italian Design centre creating the exterior look and JAC's Japanese Design centre handling the interior design. Sunray is the first Euro-style van to be engineered and developed by JAC in China and it has already gained an EU EEC certificate. The Sunray uses JAC's own four cylinder common rail direct injection 2.7-litre inter-cooled and turbocharged diesel engine which delivers 88kW of power at 3600rpm and 280Nm of torque at 2200rpm. This is coupled to JAC's own LCST 28 five-speed transmission while an automatic version will be available when it goes on sale in Australia.Sunray will also be offered with an optional Cummins ISF 2.8litre delivering power of 110kW at 3200rpm with maximum torque of 360Nm at 1800rpm. The Sunray has a wheelbase of 3570mm, a cubic capcity of 14 cubic metres and an agile 14 metre turning circle.It will also be available as a mini-bus/people mover with seating for up to 15 people in either standard or luxury versions making it suitable for a wide variety of operations from airport transfer, to personnel and school bus transport. Safety features in the Sunray will include ABS+EBD braking system and SRS Airbags. The smaller JAC Refine van also meets the latest emission standards with its two-litre twin overhead cam, electronically fuel injected, turbo charged petrol engine, mated to JAC's own six-speed manual transmission.An automatic transmission and a diesel engine are under development for the Refine and they are expected to be a part of the Australian line up when it goes on sale here. The turbo petrol engine delivers maximum power of 120kW at 4000rpm and torque of 235Nm between 3500-4500rpm. Refine will be available as either a cargo van with cubic capacity of up to nine cubic metres or as an 11 seat mini bus/people mover.