After years of solid growth in Southern Africa, JAC Motors opened its first dealership in Botswana. The company entered the South African market in 2017 and, in 2021, extended its dealer network beyond South African borders. Over and above its dealer network of more than 60 dealers in South Africa, the company is also present in Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“Our continuous growth requires expanding our dealer network into neighbouring countries to better serve our widespread customer base across the southern part of the continent with top-quality after-sales service,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.
JAC Motors started with only ten dealers in South Africa six years ago. Since then, its dealer footprint has grown extensively across the region, and today, its network of 74 dealers includes large dealer groups such as CMH, Group One, Halfway, Eastvaal, Tavcor and M&Z Motors in Namibia.
JAC Motors offers a diverse local product line-up. Its T-Series 1-tonne double-cab bakkies comprise the reliable T6 2.8L TDI workhorses aimed at entrepreneurs and companies in the construction industry. Next in the line-up is the fuel-efficient T8 2.0L CTi Super Lux range, aimed at dual-usage customers who use their bakkies for leisure and work purposes. The T-Series is available in 4×2 and 4×4.
“We are delighted to extend the T-Series by introducing our all-new range-topping T9 in October after it was revealed on the international stage at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year. The interest in the new T9 is phenomenal, and our entire dealer network is ready for the imminent launch of this important product in the local JAC Motors stable,” says Göbel.
The company also offers a range of tough forward-cab workhorses with superior performance and payload credentials compared to its rivals. The X200 range features a powerful yet fuel-efficient 2.8L TDI engine, with the single-cab derivative boasting a 1.5-tonne payload. The X200 double-cab derivative is unique in the local market, seating six people safely and offering a 1.3-tonne payload similar to its single-cab rivals.
JAC Motors started as a truck manufacturer in China 60 years ago. In 2007, the company entered the LCV and passenger car markets, and in 2014, it introduced its first battery-electric truck. Today, it is a leading player in the global market with its battery-electric truck range. The company has had remarkable successes in South Africa by introducing its N75 EV 4-tonne battery-electric trucks into various last-mile delivery transport fleets, resulting in substantial cost savings and improved efficiencies whilst reducing their carbon footprint.
JAC Motors’ N-Truck line-up also features the popular N56 3-tonne truck, which has sold over three million units globally. The company’s N90 6-tonne and N140 9-tonne trucks are powered by Cummins engines, an important strategic partner of JAC Motors in their quest to provide trucks that offer a low cost of ownership and versatility to fit different bodies for various applications.
“Cummins, known for their technological and powertrain capabilities, and JAC Motors have a 25-year relationship. In 2018, the two companies formed a joint venture, resulting in several of our trucks being fitted with fuel-efficient Cummins engines,” says Göbel.
Göbel notes that South Africa holds significant importance as JAC Motors’ primary right-hand-drive market. This underscores the T9’s launch in South Africa ahead of Australia. “We’ve already demonstrated this commitment by introducing our latest EV battery-electric trucks shortly after their global debuts. This positions our brand to provide the local market with cutting-edge technology and innovation.”
In 2022, JAC Motors opened its new headquarters and national parts warehouse in Roodepoort due to its growing carpark. Last month, the company signed a joint-venture agreement with WesBank, forming the newly established JAC Finance, offering customers innovative and cost-competitive financial solutions.
“With more vehicles on the road, our focus on growth, and our steadfast commitment to after-sales excellence, we are grateful to have partners like WesBank and our loyal dealer network to assist us with the escalating demand for our products,” adds Göbel. “We have ambitious plans for the brand’s future growth, which will get the company to keep growing its local and international dealer footprint to support customers from all corners of our markets.”
