JAC in stealth mode
The local subsidiary of Chinese auto giant JAC Motors has quietly and unobtrusively introduced its T8 double cab bakkie, the latest and most modern contender of this company in this highly competitive segment, to supplement its older T6.
If you have not been aware of the presence of JAC Motors in South Africa, it will be no surprise. Since its establishment in 2017, the small local subsidiary of the Chinese auto giant has been flying under the radar, operating in virtual stealth mode while setting up its local infrastructure and network.
JAC Motors initially entered the local market with its N-series trucks and X200 range of cab-forward light utility vehicles. The N-series has now expanded to include three-ton to nine-ton derivatives, while the X200 models, with payloads of up to 1.5 tons, are now available in single cab and double cab form. With sales of their light trucks picking up and their dealer network growing, JAC last year introduced its Shuailing T6 one-ton double cab pickup (also known as the Frison) locally. According to Derrick Bishop, COO of JAC Motors South African, the T6 has been well accepted here, but marketing of the product has been limited. However, its success has late last year led to the quiet, stealth-like introduction of the latest and most modern contender from JAC in this market segment, the T8, as part of the growing overseas presence and export strategy of the Chinese manufacturer. JAC may be almost unknown locally but the state-owned manufacturer, established in 1964 as Hefei Jianghuai Automobile Factory, and now commonly known as Jianghuai Automobile Company, was one of the top ten most-productive vehicle manufacturers in China.
Last year the company, a prolific producer of electric vehicles, slipped back to 15th position in its home market – sparking renewed efforts to expand internationally. Nearly 6 000 pickup trucks were exported in 2019, an increase of 26% over 2018, and the company now has a marketing network covering more than 130 countries in South America, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe.
The new JAC T8
The new T8, the main model of the company in the high-end double cab pickup segment, combines the latest design elements of the international design centres of JAC in Italy and Japan and in terms of looks (specifically with 18-inch alloy wheels) it need not stand back for any similar product from Japan or Europe.
The T8 is positioned above the existing T6 range and two Lux variants are offered in 4×2 and 4×4 form. JAC Motors proclaims the fact that the new T8 is about the same size as the current generation Toyota Hilux (it has some of its design traits too) with a load bay measuring 1 520 mm by 1 520 mm, and a claimed 210 mm of ground clearance.
Xenon headlights, LED tail lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60 R18 tyres, as well as rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, dual airbags, a seveninch touchscreen infotainment system, fake leather seats, ABS with EBD, and a tyre-pressure monitoring system is offered as standard, and the T8 is available in six colours.
While the T6 is available in Comfort and Lux specification with either a Navistar-developed 2,8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivering a lowly 88 kw and 250 Nm of torque, or a 1,9-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel developed by German company FEV delivering 100 kw and 320 Nm, the T8 is only available with the latter, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission and a mechanical differential lock (on the 4×4 model).
The new T8 is competitively priced, with the 4×2 Lux available for R339 900 and the four-wheel-drive derivative for R399 900. This compares well with the petrol driven GWM Steed 6 DC 2.0 VGT Xscape, available from R319 900, and the JMC Vigus 5 2.4 TDCI double cab retailing for R307 990 (4×2) and R364 990 (4×4).
Included in the price is a five-year/150 000 km warranty and a five-year/60 000 km service plan. The service plan length can be upgrade to 100 000 km for an extra R12 000, or to 150 000 km for an extra R27 000.