Another Chinese ute to launch in NZ – with electric option

Specialist vehicle importer and distributor BLK Auto is introducing a new range of diesel and electric pickup trucks to Australia and New Zealand, with the Chinese-manufactured JAC T9 to land in the country midway through next year.

BLK Auto will import an electric version in the second quarter of 2024.

Australia and NZ will be the first international export markets for the JAC T9, which is currently only sold in China.

BLK Auto has had the new JAC’s N55 electric truck in trials in Australia and NZ for the last two years and is aiming to leverage the launch of the pickups to establish a comprehensive dealer network across both countries.

BLK Auto managing director Jason Pecotic said the JAC T9 would be priced similarly to Chinese-manufactured pickups such as the GWM Cannon and the LDV T60, which retail at less than $45,000.

Pecotic says he expected the T9 to tap into increasing demand for pickup trucks.

“Australia’s best-selling vehicles overall are the Toyota Hi-Lux and the Ford Ranger – pickup trucks are incredibly popular at the moment,” Pecotic says.

“This segment is huge, it’s about 180,000 units per year.

“But many buyers face a long wait to buy a pickup, so we expect the JAC T9 to be an extremely attractive alternative at a more affordable price point.”

The T9 is 5330mm long, 1,965mm wide and 1,920mm high, while its wheelbase spans 3,110mm.

The 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel version will produce 125kW/410nM and has a 3,500kg braked towing rating, while an eight-speed automatic transmission pairs with a part-time 4×4 system.

Interior comforts include heated power adjustable seats, climate-controlled air conditioning, a 10.4-inch touch screen entertainment system offering Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless charging unit, active cruise control and a 360° Around View camera.

Pecotic says JAC is aiming for a five-star ANCAP safety rating for the T9, with safety features including seven airbags, an electronic stability program, 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.

He says BLK Auto is seeking to work with new dealer partners and its existing network to distribute the T9 pickups across the country.

“The JAC pickup range will complement the existing electric truck offering from JAC and provide our dealer network with a new option to market,” Pecotic says.

“By the end of 2023 we will be importing three models of JAC electric trucks, and the two JAC pickup models will significantly add to the product range and help us grow our dealer network by giving our dealers more products to sell.”