Triton brings the challenge to competitors
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
- Product News
- 21 November 2024
JAC Motors opened its first dealership in Botswana. The company entered the South African market in 2017 and extended its dealer network beyond South African borders in 2021.
Over and above its dealer network of more than 60 dealers in South Africa, the company is also present in Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
"Our continuous growth requires expanding our dealer network into neighbouring countries to better serve our widespread customer base across the southern part of the continent with top-quality after-sales service," says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.
JAC Motors started with only ten dealers in South Africa six years ago. Since then, its dealer footprint has grown extensively across the region and today its network of 74 dealers includes large dealer groups such as CMH, Group One, Halfway, Eastvaal, Tavcor and M&Z Motors in Namibia.
"We are delighted to extend the T-Series by introducing our all-new range-topping T9 in October after it was revealed on the international stage at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year. The interest in the new T9 is phenomenal, and our entire dealer network is ready for the imminent launch of this important product in the local JAC Motors stable," says Karl-Heinz.
JAC Motors started as a truck manufacturer in China 60 years ago. In 2007, the company entered the LCV and passenger car markets, and in 2014 it introduced its first battery-electric truck. Today, it is a leading player in the global market with its battery-electric truck range.
The company has had great success in South Africa with the introduction of its N75 EV 4-tonne battery-electric trucks to various last-mile delivery transport fleets, resulting in substantial cost savings and improved efficiencies whilst reducing their carbon footprint.
In 2022, JAC Motors opened its new headquarters and national parts warehouse in Roodepoort due to its growing car parc.
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
Unlike in the past, when dealerships primarily waited for customers to come to them, we now take a more proactive approach, bringing our vehicles directly to places where people gather, allowing them to experience the product first-hand, including offering test drives,” says Gerrie van der Kaay, Dealer Principal at Supergroup Dealerships Jetour Midrand.
JAC Motors added ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to its X200 2.8L TDI 1.5-tonne single-cab, enhancing safety for both the crew and cargo. This latest upgrade complements the ABS-equipped X200 1.3-tonne double-cab targeted at organisations with labour-intensive crews.
Advertisement
Advertisement
If you are not taking care of your customer, your competitor will.
Bob Hooey
Unlike in the past, when dealerships primarily waited for customers to come to them, we now take a more proactive approach, bringing our vehicles directly to places where people gather, allowing them to experience the product first-hand, including offering test drives,” says Gerrie van der Kaay, Dealer Principal at Supergroup Dealerships Jetour Midrand.
One of the latest Chinese automotive brands to establish itself in South Africa, GAC Motor, is benefitting from the expertise of well-known motor groups in the country, like the BB Motor Group.
Stellantis has announced the expansion of its multi-franchise dealer network with the addition of the Fiat and Jeep brands to the existing Westvaal Motor Group dealership in Klerksdorp in North West Province.