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 has introduced the new T9 Hunter 4x4 Special Edition following its recent 24-hour Endurance Challenge, where it broke a 15-year-old record for commercial vehicles set by a rival bakkie brand.
The T9 2.0L CTi used in this race covered 4 084 kilometres in 24 hours at an average speed of 170.1 km/h around the oval track at Gerotek's Testing Facilities in Pretoria, Gauteng.
"To celebrate this record-breaking victory, we are producing 24 uniquely branded T9 Hunters in 4x4 configuration, featuring enhanced performance and exclusive comfort features," says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa. "Each unit will be individually numbered from one to 24 to commemorate this remarkable milestone in our journey."
The new T9 Hunter delivers an impressive performance, generating 144kW at 3 014r/min and 487Nm at 2 704r/min from its 2.0-litre intercooled turbocharged common-rail direct-injection diesel engine. Power is seamlessly transferred through an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, a trusted choice among high-performance vehicles worldwide.
Karl-Heinz notes that the launch of the new T9 Hunter coincides with JAC Motors South Africa's increasing sales. "T9 sales from January to May 2025 grew by nearly 28% compared to the same period in 2024, while T8 sales surged by more than 140% during the same timeframe."
The second half of 2025 will be a busy period for JAC Motors South Africa, starting with the launch of the exciting T9 PHEV in July, followed by the introduction of the T6 single-cab. Thereafter, the T8 and X200 line-ups will expand with new engine options, offering customers greater choice and improved performance to meet diverse needs and evolving market demands.
JAC Motors has a network of over 70 dealers across Southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Chinese automakers are pushing to unlock Africa's underdeveloped potential, with a focus on electric and hybrid vehicles.
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