The importance of Africa for Chinese vehicle manufacturers
Chinese automakers are pushing to unlock Africa's underdeveloped potential, with a focus on electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Industry News
- 4 July 2025
JAC Motors announced the introduction of new X200 2.8L TDI derivatives to slot in the entry-level side of the current X200 range.
These additions enhance the X200 forward-cab range, making it more affordable for entrepreneurs and transport operators to acquire economical, rugged workhorses.
This move follows customer research indicating that prospective buyers of forward-cab bakkies seek more affordable acquisition prices owing to increased budget pressure. With transport costs rising, the new X200 2.8L TDI derivatives are the ultimate workhorses to reduce ownership costs, says JAC.
JAC Motors is the sole competitor in the forward-cab segment, offering a double-cab configuration that legally seats six people. This feature makes the X200 double-cab ideal for labour-intensive organisations, ensuring compliance with AARTO safety regulations prohibiting the transport of workers on the back of a bakkie.
The two new derivatives to the X200 range feature JAC Motors' 2.8-litre four-cylinder direct-injection, inter-cooled turbo-diesel engine mounted under the front seats. This fuel-efficient engine produces 68 kW and 210 Nm of torque with a 5-speed manual transmission sending power to the back wheels.
The X200 range, features a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, and customers can now select either the new 68 kW or existing 80 kW derivatives.
Although the X200 was developed to excel in the harshest working conditions, it features standard equipment such as a height-adjustable steering wheel, a Radio/CD/MP3 player with Bluetooth and speakers fitted in the front doors. The X200 double-cab also boasts electric windows.
The X200 is the only double-cab in a forward-cab configuration in the local market and offers distinctive benefits regarding crew transport. Considering that it still supports a payload of 1.3 tonnes like its single-cab rivals, it makes sense for companies with labour-intensive working teams to keep their workers safe and to comply with AARTO legislation, says JAC.
Prices:
X200 2.8L TDI 68 kW 1.5-tonne Single-cab (A/C) – R339 900, X200 2.8L TDI 68 kW 1.3-tonne Double-cab (ABS, A/C & E/W) – R359 900, X200 2.8L TDI 80 kW 1.5-tonne Single-cab (A/C) – R389 900 and the X200 2.8L TDI 80 kW 1.3-tonne Double-cab (ABS, A/C & E/W) – R409 900.
Chinese automakers are pushing to unlock Africa's underdeveloped potential, with a focus on electric and hybrid vehicles.
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