New China ute heading to NZ
The Chinese-made JAC T9 ute will be launched in New Zealand from the middle of next year with a fully electric version to follow in 2024.
BLK Auto, a specialist vehicle importer and distributor, is introducing the dual-cab, four-wheel-drive vehicles to New Zealand and Australia.
A two-litre turbo diesel version is schedule to hit the markets in June 2023 and an electric model is due to arrive in the second quarter of the following year.
Australia and New Zealand will be the first international export markets for the JAC T9, which is currently only sold in China.
BLK Auto, which has bases in New South Wales and Queensland, is looking to soon establish a home in Auckland and develop a “comprehensive dealer network” this side of the Tasman.
It has had the JAC N55 electric truck in trials in both countries for the past two years and hopes the launch of the T9 ute will help the business grow further.
Jason Pecotic, managing director, says the JAC T9 will be priced similarly to rival Chinese-manufactured utes such as the GWM Cannon and the LDV T60.
He adds the T9 will also be an attractive and more affordable alternative to top-selling utes such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford’s Ranger.
The T9 measures 5330mm long, 1,965mm wide and 1,920mm high, while its wheelbase spans 3,110mm.
The diesel version will produce 125kW/410Nm, has a 3,500kg braked towing rating, and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission pairs with a part-time four-wheel-drive system.
There are no details yet about the powertrain for the electric model.
On the inside is a 10.4-inch touchscreen entertainment system, electronically adjustable seats, cruise control and a 360-degree camera.
Safety features include seven airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill descent control, lane departure warnings and lane keeping assist, blind spot detections, a rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking.
Pricing and specification of the JAC T9 will be announced closer to its launch.
Pecotic says the JAC pick-up range will complement the existing electric truck offering from the marque.
“By the end of 2023 we will be importing three models of JAC electric trucks and the two JAC pick-up models will significantly add to the product range and help us grow our dealer network by giving our dealers more products to sell.”
