JAC T9 bakkie sets new SA 24-hour endurance record
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Behind the wheel were four experienced racing drivers – Michele Habig, Setshaba Mashigo, Phillip Kekana and Daniel Barbosa – all of who are also driving instructors. Despite not having a dedicated pit team or advanced refuelling systems, the team pushed through with minimal delays, relying on the T9's consistency and strength.
Related: JAC T9 Plug-in Hybrid Bakkie SA Launch Date Confirmed
Isuzu's record, also set at Gerotek, stood at 4 063km, with an average speed of 169.3km/h using its KB300 TDi. Before that, Toyota held the record with its Hilux, reaching 3 818km at an average of 159.1km/h in 2003.
JAC's T9 has now outpaced both in 2025, with the Chinese automaker stating that the T9's 2l turbo-diesel engine operated superlatively. The bakkie maintained high speeds for over 1 350 laps of the circuit, with an average fuel consumption of 16.5l/100 km. It ran on Continental CrossContact ATR tyres and used Engen's 10W40 CK-4 full synthetic oil, which has recently been rolled out across JAC's vehicle line-up to improve thermal stability and reduce engine wear.
JAC Motors South Africa CEO Karl-Heinz Göbel says the record is more than just a bragging point — it's a real-world demonstration of the brand's reliability. Since arriving in South Africa in 2017, JAC has built a network of over 70 dealers across Southern Africa and now supports its T9 with a five-year/200 000km warranty and a five-year/100 000km service plan.
Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!
The post JAC T9 Bakkie Runs Non-Stop for 4 084 km to Set New SA 24-Hour Endurance Record appeared first on CAR Magazine.
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On a year-to-year comparison, the medium-term outlook remains brightened by rising numbers of inward tourists, continued strong vehicle sales, and increasing prices for precious metals; yet, a significant decrease in merchandise exports casts a shadow over the otherwise uplifting picture. "Though local business confidence has at least stabilised, it is important that it returns to levels achieved earlier in the year as the newly formed Government of National Unity took shape," Sacci said. "The downside risks of potential or real higher trade tariffs to the economy, elevated uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions that persist should make way by restoring confidence, predictability, and sustainability of economic performance." BUSINESS REPORT
