A JAC Motors showroom is set to be opened along Jalan 222 in Petaling Jaya. While the showroom is not quite ready for primetime yet, an advertisement board for the yet-to-be-announced JAC T9 pickup truck has already been spotted outside the showroom, pointing to an imminent launch here in Malaysia.
Incidentally, the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, yesterday also revealed on his social media pages the Chinese carmaker’s plans to invest in an assembly facility here in Malaysia for pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. Could the upcoming JAC T9 be locally assembled here in Malaysia?
Writing on his Facebook page, the Minister said, “The investment will not only create more high-skilled job opportunities, but also bolster local capabilities in the production of electric and hybrid commercial pick-up trucks and vehicles,” adding that the company intends to make Malaysia its hub for commercial vehicle manufacturing and export to the ASEAN region.
“These investments will also contribute to the development of local automotive supply chains and strengthen the country’s commercial industry,” said Zafrul.
RELATED: Tengku Zafrul: Volkswagen to make Malaysia its regional production hub, including EVs
While the JAC T9 pickup was not on display at the showroom yet, a handful of posters have already been put up on the showroom walls, giving us a first look at what the Chinese pickup truck might offer when it does make its official debut in Malaysia. According to a sales rep at the showroom, the pickup truck could be launched as early as next month.
From the posters, it appears the JAC T9 will be jam packed with premium features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a digital instrument cluster, wireless charging pad, seven airbags, and an advanced driver assistance suite (ADAS) with Level 2 SAE semi-autonomous driving capability.
As for powertrain, the JAC T9 will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, making 170 hp and 410 Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via an electronic part-time four-wheel drive (4WD) system and a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox, enabling a 3,500 kg towing capacity. Intriguingly, it appears the JAC T9 will feature a multi-link rear suspension, rather than the usual leaf spring setup.
JAC Motors is primarily known for its commercial vehicles, including pickup trucks, vans, as well as fully electric delivery trucks. The JAC Group also has its own line of passenger vehicles, including fully electric BEV models, with many of its products stemming from the now-discontinued Sehol brand that was formed as a joint venture between JAC and Volkswagen.
The Chinese carmaker also produces electric vehicles for Nio, and last year also signed a new partnership agreement with Huawei to introduce the Maextro EV brand.
