JAC plans expansion beyond utes

Chinese brand JAC Motors is currently a ute-only player in Australia, its existing T9 about to be joined by the Hunter PHEV, but it doesn’t plan on staying that way. An expansion into passenger cars and light-duty trucks is on the table, but only after the brand establishes itself in Australia with its dual cab utes. Senior executives are adamant the brand’s speed in responding to market dynamics is a core competitive strength.

While JAC Motors currently operates in Australia as a ute-only brand, it plans to broaden its local line-up after its dual-cab range has established reputation with customers.

JAC Australia managing director Ahmed Mahmoud told carsales the brands plans during an interview at the 2026 Melbourne motor show.

“We’ve got two utes at the moment, or two derivatives – diesel and now our plug-in hybrid – and those are vehicles that we feel will help us lay that foundation in the short term.

“But I would be lying to you if I said that we are not working on what else is next for the Australian market and we are lucky to have JAC China, with their plethora of vehicles on offer.

“So, it’s natural for us to do our market entry studies, work out what specs are needed and when we need those cars.”

Possible passenger car offerings include the X8 mid-size SUV, QX compact SUV and MF8 people mover, while JAC is also expected to expand its light-duty truck portfolio beyond the current N55, N75 and N90 electric models, backed by 60 years of commercial vehicle expertise.

JAC’s local and global senior leadership insists any expansion will only come once the brand is established in Australia with the T9 and Hunter PHEV but says it is ready to move quickly when the time is right.

“We have the diesel and we also have the EV and we also have the PHEV,” said JAC Motors deputy general manager David Zhang.

“This is very important to put our foundations solid, then step by step, we will join with our partners to push forward.

Chinese brands are more and more acceptable to the customers. So, this is also a good chance for us from the commercial vehicles first, then to the passenger vehicles.

Zhang told carsales the brands’ flexibility is the key to reaction speed in the market.

“You must have a clear global strategy; this is very important.

“We should also be very flexible. This is why we have the different product line-up and different powertrains for the different scenarios and the customers in different countries.

“We have factories in different countries, so this is why we can move very fast according to the policy change or even some uncertainty in the different countries.”

In the meantime, JAC is banking on a strong debut for its locally tuned Hunter PHEV, delivering 360kW and 1000Nm and due to launch mid-year.

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