JAC Motors NZ is shaking up the local market with a line-up of electric and diesel trucks plus the feature-packed T9 4x4 ute
As readers have probably surmised over the last few months, JAC Motors NZ are taking their entry into the local market seriously and putting in a real push promoting their products to potential buyers.
Following on from Brook Harland’s test drive of the JAC T9 ute last month (DOW 383), we took a recent opportunity to get the whole range of JAC vehicles together in one spot and asked truck sales consultant Louis Herrewyn to give us a run down on them.
JAC Motors in New Zealand is backed by Kiwis and has three dealerships at launch including Southern Autos in Manukau, Energy Motors in New Plymouth and Avon City in Christchurch. These locations fall under the same parent business of the long-established Colonial Motor Company who also back Kenworth and DAF distributor Southpac Trucks.
Current JAC range
The current JAC range consists of three variants: the all-electric EV truck, a diesel-powered truck and the 4×4 T9 ute. The vehicles have all been tailored for local conditions and tested in various forms before being released to the market.
One of the key aspects JAC has been making buyers aware of is the use of components from established suppliers, such as Cummins, Allison, Honeywell, Bosch, and CATL batteries for the EV truck.
EV model
Rated between 65-130kW and 415Nm to a peak of 1200Nm of torque, the EV truck is one model that has Louis and the JAC sales team particularly excited, with Woolworths and KiwiHarvest already using them for urban deliveries.
“Our EV truck has 107kW CATL batteries, giving an urban range of over 200km,” says Louis. “It offers both AC and DC charging, so can be charged at the truck’s base or fast charged through a commercial facility to 80% capacity in about 45 minutes.”
Urban use is where the EV model performs the best and Louis says that KiwiHarvest are only using 25% of the battery capacity and that is with the chiller running off the ePTO.
Available in three wheelbase lengths, 3365mm, 3845mm, 4475mm, and with several EV trucks in stock and various configurations built, the example we looked at had been set up in a traffic management configuration, with JAC NZ being able to co-ordinate the fitting of other bodies with local suppliers when required.
“Among the important safety features are the electronic air brakes on the JAC EV and truck range,” says Louis. “The JAC EV also has driver aids such as Hill Start Assist and Lane Assist, along with Media Centre Bluetooth connectivity and USB charging ports.”
The EV model currently has an up-to-$35k government grant available, which brings down the initial purchase significantly.
Diesel model
The JAC Diesel Truck is powered by a 4L Cummins engine with the option of either Allison Automatic or ZF Manual transmission.
Buyers of the auto transmission model can choose from a 3365mm or 3845mm wheelbase, while those purchasing a manual model have the 3845mm and 4175mm wheelbase choices.
“The diesel model is well-appointed and would suit a buyer that is looking for a lower cost of entry into the new truck market, while still benefiting from the features that are available in the more expensive brands,” says Louis. “In some instances, the features on our JAC models exceed what is available on some of the competitor brands, such as air brakes.”
Current built-up options in New Zealand include tipper and transporter trucks, and like the EV model JAC NZ can design a truck according to a client’s needs.
JAC T9 UTE
As readers will have seen over the last few months, the JAC T9 ute has been getting some decent media exposure, thanks to its numerous features, ANCAP Five Star safety rating and 4×4 configuration.
JAC NZ has spec’d the ute well for Kiwi drivers, with running boards, rear sports bar and even a hot/cold food storage box and extra-large cup holders, ideal for those 1.5-litre drink bottles.
“It is powered by a two-litre diesel engine and has enough tray space to fit a wooden pallet,” says Louis.
“It really is a foreman’s ute at apprentice prices. At $49,990 including GST plus on road costs, we believe this is one of the best value-for-money 4×4 utes available – and with a five-star ANCAP safety rating, it is one of the safest out there.”
Warranty and servicing
All the JAC trucks models and T9 ute are backed with a five-year, 200,000km warranty. Servicing is supported nationally by sister company Southpac Trucks, which should assure owners that their vehicles are being looked after by professionals who understand the importance of commercial transportation in New Zealand.
“We’re very excited to offer a well-chosen range of vehicles to the local market and to have JAC NZ part of one of the largest vehicle distributors in the country shows how important we believe it is to have high quality affordable vehicles available for buyers,” says Louis.
For more information, visit jac.co.nz
Images by Editor