22 January 2025
NZ’s newest Ute has arrived from premium-Chinese truck brand JAC (pronounced ‘Jack’)
Who said you couldn’t make a Ute under $50,000 for the New Zealand market well the team at NZ Automotive Ltd have just launched the Jac T9 for $49,990 plus on road costs.
“Like its no-nonsense name, the price is pretty straight-up too,” says JAC General Manager, Andrew Craw.
Who is JAC, well they were Established in 1964 and currently employing over 33,000 staff, JAC Motors sells passenger and commercial vehicles to over 100 countries worldwide. JAC Motors is a premium-Chinese truck brand and a top exporter that has established itself as a formidable player in the industry, partnering with renowned entities like Volkswagen Group, Cummins, and Huawei. JAC is also the #1 Ute exporter in China boasting over 20% of all Utes exported.
“Targeted at the Kiwi tradie market it’s fair to say this JAC is stacked with features and extras, so you’d be hard pressed to find another Ute offering more bang for buck given all the tech and specs stacked in the T9 at its launch price of just $49,990 including GST.”
The one we had a chance to drive did have a few issues like a grabby brake pedal and a transmission that might have needed a little more time to adjust to New Zealand roads but will hold judgment until we have a chance to drive the vehicle for more than just a 30-minute test drive.
We were told that the team at JAC were very responsive to changes so hopefully a quick update will improve this little teething issue we experienced.
If you are in the market for a highly spec vehicle, it offers.
5 Star ANCAP Safety Rating, 18 ADAS safety features
2.0L Turbo Diesel pushing out
Max. Power 125kW @ 3600rpm
Max. Torque 410Nm @1500~2500rpm
With a 8 Speed ZF BorgWarner Transmission
Tow Rating 3.0T Braked / 750kg Un-Braked
And even has a 1-ton payload that can fit a full-size pallet.
“You can’t have a tradie’s Ute without a pie warmer, and the hot/cool box within the console can be chilled or warmed from the AC and heater, even if you aren’t a tradie who doesn’t like a hot pie.
The T9 Ute will join JAC New Zealand’s existing lineup of 100% Electric, and Cummins Diesel light-duty trucks. JAC Motors New Zealand is proudly backed by NZ Automotive Ltd (NZAL), which is a New Zealand subsidiary of the Colonial Motor Company Ltd (CMC) which has supported Kiwi in automotive retail and distribution of over 100 years. They offer a diverse range of vehicles,
And let’s not forget the 24/7 Roadside Assist with Warranty: 5 Year / 200,000km whichever occurs first.
Launching in its three confirmed locations; Southern Autos Manukau, Avon City Christchurch, and Energy Motors New Plymouth, the ute dubbed as the “JAC of All Trades” is available for pre-orders with its sharp launch price of $49,990+ORC with the first stock penned for arrival in February and March 2025
.jpg)
