JMC a sturdy workhorse
There was a time not long ago when if somebody mentioned a Chinese manufacturer, people would not take them seriously and brush it off with contempt.
However, in the last five years or so, things have changed - and changed for the better - and Chinese manufacturers have managed to catch up with mainstream brands to an extent.
When you start delving into their origins and history, you soon realise that these companies are no flash in the pan, and JMC is no different.
History
JMC or Jiangling Motors Corporation Ltd can be traced back to 1952 when it had its inception as a truck repair company.
In January 1993 the company entered into a joint venture with Isuzu to manufacture certain components for their N series trucks and also to assemble vehicles for them.
The company was granted permission by the Jianxi Province Economic Restructuring Commission to establish a stock limited company on 20 February 1993, and got listed on the Shenzen Stock Exchange on 1 December 1993.
Since then JMC has consistently counted under the top 10 companies in China.
The JMC product line-up includes mid and high end commercial vehicles as well as passenger/cargo vehicles, offering great value for money, economy, reliability, durability as well as fuel efficiency.
Locally, JMC is looking at achieving a 10% market penetration into the SA bakkie market.
This is a hugely contested market segment if you think about all the competitors vying for people’s hard earned rands.
Budget bakkie
JMC offer six variants in single and double cab 4x2 versions.
The model reviewed here is the entry level Boarding single cab with almost old Isuzu looks, launched in 2010.
A workhorse it is indeed, and don’t expect much in terms of trim on the inside, although it does sport the necessary features such as radio with single CD player and aircon.
Seats are trimmed in black cloth. Being a workhorse and base model, there is not a lot in terms of safety features, though you do get the mandatory seat belts. No airbags or ABS brakes…..
The ride is typical bakkie, but yet comfortable with enough power generated by the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, which delivers 88kW at 3 600rpm with 245Nm of torque at 2 000rpm through a five-speed manual gearbox. Performance is most definitely not sport car like and expect a maximum speed of approximately 140km/h. The claimed fuel consumption is a very acceptable 8-litres/100km and the vehicle has a 53-litre fuel tank.
The Boarding runs on LT 215/75R15 tyres and stands 1 645mm high, 1 690mm wide, with a total length of 5 012mm with a gross vehicle mass of 2 566kg.
Seating capacity on the single cab is two and it has a carrying capability of 1 106 litres.
If you are starting up a new business and in need of a reliable, affordable workhorse, the JMC Boarding is worth looking at because it’s extremely affordable at R174 880.