China’s JAC plans Aussie SUV and car expansion
The 2023 JAC T9 Hunter ute is just the start of something much bigger for Chinese brandThe launch of the 2023 JAC Motors T9 Hunter ute next year will kickstart an SUV and passenger car rush from the Chinese brand in Australia.
To be distributed through local independent importer BLK Auto, JAC (pronounced Jack) will follow up the turbo-diesel T9 Hunter with an electric version of the pick-up in the second quarter of 2024.
It then plans to launch its first right-hand drive SUVs in 2025 and passenger cars in 2026.
Mixed in there is the JAC N55EV battery-electric cargo van that’s already on sale, while more truck models will follow in 2023.
There will be internal combustion models launched in Australia initially, but BLK Auto managing director Jason Pecotic told carsales the emphasis would soon focus on EV.
“The future of JAC is EV,” he said.
JAC has a comprehensive line-up of SUVs on sale in China as well as a smattering of traditional passenger cars, a small number of electrified models and people-movers and vans.
After some recent sub-brand restructuring, they are being sold under the Sehol and Refine badges in their home market, but would be simply sold under the JAC brand in Australia.
“We will be bringing [to Australia] whatever vehicles go through the R&D centre for mature markets,” confirmed Pecotic, a China auto industry veteran who has had a previous stint with JAC when it briefly sold a diesel truck here a decade ago, as well as WMC (Foton utes) and MG.
“The next vehicle they are working on is SUV. Once we have successfully launched 4x4 pick-up we will then move into SUV and you will slowly see them work through their passenger ranges as they enter into the market.
“It’s a five-year journey.”
In export markets that include Mexico, Brazil and South Africa, there are various naming schemes, but broadly speaking SUVs are dubbed JS and passenger cars are dubbed J with a number to denote vehicle size.
The most recently launched model globally is the JAC JS6, a 4.6m-long five-seat SUV with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. In China, an EV version has gone on sale and a plug-in hybrid is also planned.
The JS6 is the first JAC to be based on the company’s new MIS (Modular Intelligent Structure) architecture.
Pecotic said BLK Auto could also investigate the opportunity to distribute luxury Nio EV luxury brand in Australia, which has hinted at a 2025 launch here and has a manufacturing joint-venture with JAC.
“If there is an opportunity for us to pick up Nio, 100 per cent we would be there,” he said. “At this stage I have not had any discussions regarding Nio for Australia.”
Pecotic said BLK Auto had the rights to distribute all future JAC product coming to Australia.
“JAC will have people here,” he added. “They are coming to market with a mature approach in launching the ute in our marketplace.”
Pecotic told carsales BLK Auto was aiming to debut strongly with the JAC T9 Hunter turbo-diesel. He claimed 48 expressions of interest from potential dealers since the ute’s arrival was announced.
He also confirmed a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.
“We are chasing 3000 units in the first 12 months and we are wanting to put a dealer network in place to support those volumes,” he said.
Pricing will be pitched around $45,000 against fellow Chinese brands GWM and LDV. GWM has sold 6760 Utes to the end of November 2023, while LDV has sold 5361 T60s.
Unlike ambitious Chery, Pecotic declined to put any longer-term sales volume aspirations on the record for JAC.
He was not prepared to put any volume estimates on the EV ute either.
While BLK Auto has issued detailed specs for the T9 Hunter turbo-diesel, it has little information as yet on the EV.
“It is in R&D now for release in the second quarter of 2024 in Australia and New Zealand,” Pecotic explained. “They are only launching in New Zealand with electric.”
However, he expressed confidence the T9 Hunter EV would be a more compelling product than Australia’s first electric ute, the 2022 LDV eT60, which has received a lukewarm response as a 4x2 with low power and tow ratings, mediocre equipment and a high price.
“JAC were here for three months studying our market and only went home a month ago,” he revealed. “They were here studying our market to get the correct spec for electric.
“They know the LDV electric T60 back to front. They have been all over it in China and I know they are coming to market with a vehicle that is going to be built correctly for our marketplace.”
JAC is the latest Chinese brand to reveal extensive Aussie plans.
Chery launches within months with the 2023 Chery Omoda 5 SUV, while the GWM Ora and Tank brands should also arrive next year.
Geely is known to be investigating an Australian launch, while MG, Haval, LDV and BYD are already on sale here.
“Australia is a mature market and they [Chinese brands] see us as a testing ground,” said Pecotic. “If they are successful in Australia they then move on to more mature markets.
“I rate JAC up in the top five [Chinese auto groups],” he added. “I have been watching them for the last 12 years and they have come a long way.
“I have high hopes for this range of pick-ups.”
Related: JAC to return with new T9 Hunter ute in mid-2023
Related: China’s Chery ready for Australian relaunch
Related: Seven Chinese auto brands now likely in Australia
Related: China’s NIO reveals Australian launch plan
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