In July 2017, JAC Motors introduced its pick-up and commercial range of trucks in the South African market, marking a significant breakthrough for the company, which entered the African market through Algeria in 2002. Since then, the company has steadily grown its African footprint and is currently exporting to 28 different countries on the continent.
The year 2020 will most probably be recorded in history as one of the most challenging years in recent history. The automotive industry was not spared the subsequent effect of this pandemic, with some domestic markets experiencing extraordinary challenging trading conditions.
However, the JAC Motors Group, one of the rising stars in the automotive industry, has announced that its annual sales in the Chinese domestic market have grown to 453 000 units. This sales performance is 7.6% higher YoY despite new-vehicle sales of the most prominent car market in the world declining by 1.4% YoY, mainly due to the impact of Covid-19. Similarly, in South Africa, JAC Motors has maintained its market growth since its market inception in 2017 and consistently grew its sales over this period despite the decline of new-car sales of 2.8% and 21.9% in 2019 and 2020.
Starting with only ten dealers in 2017 and selling an average of 15 units per month, JAC Motors has grown its dealer footprint to 52 dealers countrywide, including 15 dealers selling and servicing its medium and heavy commercial truck ranges.
Versatile workhorse- and lifestyle double-cab bakkie range.
Before the Covid-19 lockdown hit South Africa last year, the company had extended its local product range by introducing the all-new T8 double-cab bakkie with its eye-catching design. The T8 bakkie, available in 4×2 and 4×4 guise, slots in above the T6 double-cab range and now leads the company’s quest in the lifestyle segment of the local bakkie market from just over the R380 000 mark.
The T8 boasts a highly responsive 1.9-litre turbo-diesel power-plant paired to a six-speed manual transmission that effortlessly reigns in all the torque available throughout its powerband. The contemporary styling of the all-new T8 complements its workhorse aesthetic, with a striking appearance consisting of neat lines, design curves and a stylish front fascia, which make this newcomer to the JAC Motors’ stable stand out from its competitors.
In addition to the all-new T8 bakkie, two T6 Comfort double-cabs in 4×2 and 4×4 configuration complete JAC Motors’ lifestyle bakkie range. The T6 is powered by a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine boasting advanced technology and driver comfort, which have lately become synonymous with modern-day lifestyle double-cabs.
“Establishing and growing the JAC Motors brand in South Africa has been extremely rewarding,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa. “Our proven and reliable T6 double-cab range is available from just over R320 000, enabling us to extend our product offering to a considerably bigger group of prospective double-cab buyers,” adds Göbel.
