Marque growing Kiwi network

JAC Motors New Zealand is expanding its reach across the country and has announced plans for nine more dealerships as it prepares to bring its T9 Ute to the domestic market.

The company already has retail operations in Manukau and Christchurch and further sites are set to open in Pukekohe, New Plymouth, Masterton, Lower Hutt, Kapiti, Timaru, Queenstown, Dunedin and Invercargill.

Andrew Craw, JAC NZ general manager, says the business had set itself a goal of providing Kiwi consumers with support across the country. 

“We’ve already had nationwide servicing coverage for our light trucks through our Southpac network, and our existing two sales locations, so adding nine new full dealerships from the Colonial Motor Company network is another milestone for the brand,” he adds.

JAC Motors NZ is the local distributor for the Chinese brand and is backed by NZ Automotive Ltd, which is a subsidiary of Colonial.

The expansion plans were announced at the same time the marque revealed the turbodiesel JAC T9 Ute, pictured, is due to hit showrooms in the coming months.

Craw says the model has been put through the “toughest test for any new NZ vehicle” and has a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

“We’ve had the JAC T9 ute four-wheel driving through a range of Kiwi terrain for months already, including snow, mud, sand, metal, river crossings and more,” he continues.

“No surprises – it came up trumps. We’ve worked with the factory to ensure this model is designed and refined for Kiwis.”

Pricing and specification details will be announced closer to launch.