The JAC T9 2,5 turbodiesel double-cab bakkie has been confirmed for a local introduction into South Africa. According to comments made in a global sales presentation, the local arm’s head stated that this decision was to affirm the brand’s presence in the African market.
Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa says “The South African market is an important right-hand-drive market for the company, which is evident in the latest technology products being available to the local market,”
JAC Motors South Africa showed a remarkable sales performance on local shores, realising the exact sales numbers for the first semester of 2021 as recorded for the entire 2020 calendar year. Since its market inception in 2017, its sales steadily grew despite new car sales declining by 2,8 per cent and 21,9 per cent in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
“The inspiring performance of our brand globally means that the latest technology products, like the exciting all-new T9 2,5-litre turbodiesel large body double-cab, will soon be introduced in the local market,” concludes Göbel.
The JAC T9 was revealed at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show with a rather outgoing exterior design. The double-cab bakkie features two turbodiesel engine options; a 2,0-litre and 2,5-litre with four-cylinders. The former, which will be sold in South Africa, boasts a power output of 141 kW which is sent to a 4×4 drivetrain via a six-speed manual gearbox. No information regarding an automatic transmission is available.
The JAC T9 won’t exactly be the smallest bakkie to enter our market. Based on claimed figures, it measures in at 5 620 mm long, 1 965 mm wide and 1 920 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3 400 mm. The bed is rather generous as well with a dimension of 1 810 mm by 1 590 mm by 470 mm.
Local spec, an introduction date an pricing is yet to be confirmed by the Chinese manufacturer’s local arm. The JAC T9 will slot in above the currently available T8 range.
