JAC Motors South Africa recently hosted a high-level delegation from JAC Motors International, based in Hefei, Anhui Province, China. The delegation aimed to explore opportunities and develop plans to further expand JAC Motors’ investment in the South African market, with a strong focus on advancing growth in the new energy vehicle sector.
Operating in South Africa since 2017, JAC Motors has become the market leader in battery-electric trucks, serving major customers across various industries, including Eskom, Takealot, DSV, Adcock Ingram, Interwaste, DP World and Blue Ribbon Bakeries, providing sustainable green energy solutions to the transport industry.
In China, the JAC Group, in collaboration with battery manufacturer CATL and its subsidiary EVOGO, has recently completed the first integrated battery swap test for commercial vehicles utilising the new “Choco-SEB” system. The test achieved a full battery swap in less than three minutes. This innovative system promises rapid energy replenishment and significant cost savings for commercial fleets.
During the visit, Mr Oscar Yu, GM of JAC Motors International and Mr Jerry Zhou, GM of its Asia-Africa Sales Company, emphasised the South African subsidiary’s pivotal role in the brand’s global right-hand-drive strategy. They highlighted how the local distributor has effectively leveraged the growing new energy market, underscoring its vital role in global operations and commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.
“We are proud and excited about JAC Motors South Africa’s remarkable progress over the past eight years, since starting with just one product and ten dealers. Today, the company offers a full range of lifestyle bakkies and light- and heavy-duty commercial workhorses, with more than 8,500 units in its carpark, while leading South Africa’s Electric Commercial Vehicle (ECV) market.”
JAC Motors South Africa experienced exceptional growth in 2025, with year-to-date sales increasing by more than 50%. The product line-up is soon to expand with the new T6 single-cab, featuring a fuel-efficient 2.0L turbo-diesel engine. Buyers can also look forward to the recently launched powerful T9 Hunter and the upcoming advanced T9 PHEV bakkie.
In 2026, JAC Motors will launch the JS9 seven-seater SUV in 4×2 and 4×4 versions, with the 4×4 featuring a low-range transfer case. Built on the popular T9’s ladder-frame platform, the eye-catching JS9 combines luxury and space for a comfortable car-like drive. A next-generation 8-tonne battery-electric truck will also debut in 2026.
“Our discussions focused on building upon eight years of achievements and preparing ourselves, along with our dealer network, for the evolving automotive landscape,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa. “In the highly competitive market where we operate, customers are indeed spoilt for choice.”
JAC Motors South Africa has confirmed that, following the introduction of the JS9 in 2026, the company will expand its SUV range to include mid-sized SUVs and passenger cars. These new models will first be developed for right-hand-drive markets before becoming available locally in 2027.
“We are immensely proud of our growth over the past eight years and grateful to our customers, dealer network, head-office staff and JAC Motors International for their support in successfully establishing and expanding the brand in Southern Africa. Our ongoing growth will benefit current owners and future customers as we look forward to building strong, lasting relationships with all stakeholders and valued customers, concludes Göbel.”
JAC Motors South Africa has a network of over 70 dealers across Southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique (independent). This extensive footprint ensures that after-sales service meets global standards, delivering a consistent and positive customer experience throughout the region.
Founded 61 years ago in China, JAC Motors today offers a full range of passenger cars, pick-ups and trucks for both left- and right-hand-drive markets. Operating in over 130 countries, the company holds strategic partnerships across multiple automotive-related industries.
Turnip King
A green match – The development towards a sustainable future is of high priority in South Africa, and many of the challenges facing South Africa are solvable with Danish technology that ensures sustainability. An example is the South African water sector, which Denmark has supported since the fall of Apartheid in 1994. Today, Danish water companies thrive in the South African market, as Denmark is global leader in water use and efficiency, and deliver solutions that save water and energy.