JMC brand returning to South Africa with two new bakkie products
Image: Supplied
Just when you thought you might get through an entire week without hearing about another Chinese brand launching in South Africa, comes news that JMC is returning to our shores.
But not only is the brand familiar to South Africans; its importer Salvador Caetano has already established itself through its retailing of the GAC brand since its launch in 2024.
The collaboration between Salvador Caetano and the Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) is intended to revitalize the Chinese vehicle brand in South Africa, ensuring availability of parts, local service support and a range of vehicles tailored to the needs of local businesses.
The current-generation JMC Vigus will be launched in 2025.
Image: Supplied
The brand reintroduction will kick off in this year with the release of the current-generation Vigus bakkie, but it will be followed in early 2026 with the introduction of a new-generation Vigus, available in single cab and double cab guises.
This could be the new-generation JMC Vigus.
Image: Supplied
Also on the cards for local introduction is the more upmarket Grand Avenue double cab bakkie.
Overseas the Grand Avenue is available with 2.3-litre turbodiesel and turbopetrol engines, which are based on Ford designs. The diesel unit produces 130kW while the petrol is good for 180kW, with an eight-speed automatic gearbox being available on both.
For the record, JMC is Ford's manufacturing partner in China, and it produces the Ford Territory SUV that's sold in South Africa.
For the commercial market, Salvador Caetano will also offer the JMC Carrying Plus range of trucks in South Africa, aimed at industries such as construction and logistics.
JMC Carryin Plus
Image: Supplied
'Partnering with JMC aligns perfectly with our vision of bringing trusted, high-performance mobility solutions to the South African market,' Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director at Salvador Caetano SA.
'We're proud to represent a brand that shares our commitment to reliability, innovation, and customer-focused service, delivering value to both lifestyle and commercial vehicle customers across the country.'
More information on the local range, specifications and pricing will be released in due course.
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