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www.thevillagenews.co.za
24 March 2021
Local and international growth for JAC Motors T
he year 2020 will most probably be recorded in history as one of the most challenging years the world had to face – the human tragedy of the Covid-19 pandemic and the devastating impact on business across the globe. The automotive industry was not spared the subsequent effect of this pandemic, with some domestic markets experiencing extraordinary challenging trading conditions. However, the JAC Motors Group, one of the rising stars in the automotive industry, has announced that its annual sales in the Chinese domestic market have grown to 453 000 units. This sales performance is 7.6% higher YoY despite new-vehicle sales of the most prominent car market in the world declining by 1.4% YoY, mainly due to the impact of Covid-19. Similarly, in South Africa, JAC Motors has maintained its market growth since its market inception in 2017 and consistently grew its sales over this period despite the decline of new-car sales of 2.8% and 21.9% in 2019 and 2020. "Establishing and growing the JAC
Motors brand in South Africa has been extremely rewarding," says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa. "Many results over this period exceeded my expectations by far. From local customer acceptance of our product range to the global introduction of the company's new N55EV electric truck, all characterise the makings of a successful automotive brand.
ferent countries on the continent.
The innovative, newly-launched N55EV is a thoroughly tested electric truck from JAC Motors, fitted with its latest onboard EV technology.
Starting with only ten dealers in 2017 and selling an average of 15 units per month, JAC Motors has grown its dealer footprint to 52 dealers countrywide, including 15 dealers selling and servicing its medium and heavy commercial truck ranges.
It is safe, reliable, comfortable, and economical and regarded as the perfect light truck option for logistic businesses. Increased dealer footprint to cater to a bigger target audience In July 2017, JAC Motors introduced its pick-up and commercial range of trucks in the South African market, marking a significant breakthrough for the company, which entered the African market through Algeria in 2002. Since then, the company has steadily grown its African footprint and is currently exporting to 28 dif-
"From the time we introduced the JAC Motors brand to the South African motoring public, our biggest priorities have been the extension of our dealer network and the implementation of rigid after-sales service capabilities, including a five-year/150 000-kilometre manufacturer warranty," says Göbel.
"With the extension of our dealer network and product range, we are now selling three times more units per month through our inspired dealer group, which represents our brand at the grassroots level. We are pleased with our accomplishments over the last three-and-a-half years. We are especially proud of the enthusiasm of our dealers who have implemented our highly-acclaimed global after-sales programme aimed at supporting the mobility needs of our
customers in both the lifestyle- and commercial segments of the market," adds Göbel. Versatile workhorse- and lifestyle double-cab bakkie range Before the Covid-19 lockdown hit South Africa last year, the company has extended its local product range by introducing the all-new T8 double-cab bakkie with its eye-catching design. The T8 bakkie, available in 4x2 and 4x4 guise, slots in above the T6 double-cab range and now leads the company's quest in the lifestyle segment of the local bakkie market from just over the R380 000 mark. The all-new T8 pick-up is the most advanced pick-up ever to be developed by JAC Motors in China and is exported to more than 40 countries worldwide. The T8 boasts a highly responsive 1.9-litre turbo-diesel power-plant paired to a six-speed manual transmission that effortlessly reigns in all the torque available throughout its powerband. The contemporary styling of the allnew T8 complements its workhorse
aesthetic, with a striking appearance consisting of neat lines, design curves and a stylish front fascia, which make this newcomer to the JAC Motors' stable stand out from its competitors. "The latest design elements from JAC Motors' international design centres in Italy and Japan give the new T8 a rugged appearance. With its attractive styling, good equipment level and high build quality, the new T8 is an outstanding offer in the lifestyle double-cab segment of the market," says Göbel. In addition to the all-new T8 bakkie, two T6 Comfort double-cabs in 4x2 and 4x4 configuration complete JAC Motors' lifestyle bakkie range. The T6 is powered by a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine boasting advanced technology and driver comfort, which have lately become synonymous with modern-day lifestyle double-cabs. "Our proven and reliable T6 double-cab range is available from just over R320 000, enabling us to extend our product offering to a considerably bigger group of prospective double-cab buyers," adds Göbel. Continues on P23
