Top Chinese vehicle exporter invests directly in SA market with new range of bakkies
An all-new diesel-powered light commercial vehicle was recently officially launched at a ceremony in the JMC West-Rand Flagship showroom, Gauteng. Known as the JMC and manufactured in China, it will be marketed with a range of eight variants in single and double cab versions in 4x2 and 4x4 versions in the RSA.
Initially JMC plans to open 15 dealers nationwide increasing to 30 outlets next year. A parts warehouse has already been set up in Gauteng and a large national parts centre will be commissioned in Durban by the end of this year. Executive general manager David Dai says the aim is to eventually achieve a penetration of 10% in the diesel bakkie market and 15% in the light truck segment.
Recognised as the leader in the Chinese light commercial market, JMC also presents to be the only export brand in China with a joint venture background. Appearing in the China Top 100 Listed Companies for five consecutive years JMC’s bakkie is also ranked as China’s top diesel pick-up for nine consecutive years. JMC will be investing directly into South Africa and has the support of the Chinese government and banks.
The JMC group has ties with large corporations such as Ford, Itochu, Isuzu, Bosch and others, with 524 outlets in China, 196 showrooms with 309 dealers and 162 service stations in overseas regions and countries. JMC also exported more than 50 000 units up to the end of 2009.
Some 30% of the JMC ‘umbrella’ company shares are owned by Ford while the engineering/development subsidiary Jiangling-Isuzu has two share blocks each of 12.5%, owned respectively by Isuzu and Itochu. To that end the resemblance of the company's JMC pickup to the KB Isuzu is via agreement and not simply by the act of copying.
A range of new models and medium trucks is planned for later this year and as vice president Liang Bo stated at the South African official launch, JMC is the only Chinese motor company with overseas shareholdings currently exporting vehicles.
David Dai went on to stress that the company will be concentrating on building a solid distribution and service network in the RSA over the next three years. Along with the direct long term investment, JMC will also create 500 job opportunities with the first models to go on sale will be the BD, an Isuzu-like 2.8-litre turbodiesel pick-up and the more styled model known as the Boarding.
A range of 2-3.5 tons light duty trucks are in the pipeline while next year could see the arrival of the N350, a modern-looking vehicle resembling the Toyota Harrier and Lexus RX in SUV and double-cab versions. Popular with Chinese consumers, the Ford Transit has been developing steadily in the mid and high end commercial vehicle segment and dual passenger/cargo vehicle markets.
JMC also continues to dominate the Chinese high-end light bus market and excels in other diesel-engine commercial vehicles in sales volume. The sales volume of JMC Baodian pickup, Carrying and ‘JMC’ light truck series also continue to dominate the Chinese mid and high end market.
In January 2008 the new generation Ford Transit with powerful engine, sedan-style design, advanced configuration, low Euro4 emission levels, outstanding drivability, high safety level, diesel engine technology and environment friendliness saw to it that JMC remained at the sharp end of the Chinese light bus industry.
JMC has become one of two key commercial vehicle export brands supported by Ministry of Commerce in China. Being customer oriented, JMC adopted the Ford global Service 2000 standard modes, JMC Cares service system and other quality service processes that combine to achieve the best customer satisfaction appraisal levels among Ford global companies.
Good marketing principles, extensive network and fast and mature customer service levels has led to JMC’s core competitiveness in the Chinese market. As a ‘Chinese Well-known Trademark’, JMC has built its brand image into a renowned commercial vehicle brand.