JAC celebrates 60th anniversary, highlights NEVs at Auto Guangzhou 2024

GUANGZHOU: Jianghuai Automobile Company Limited (JAC) has celebrated its 60th anniversary by displaying a host of new-energy vehicles (NEV) at the ongoing Auto Guangzhou 2024.

Zigwheels Philippines has been invited by the Chinese car manufacturer’s local subsidiary (JAC Philippines) and we were able to see some of its conventional internal combustion, hybrid, and fully electric models — some of which are bound for the Philippines.

JAC T9

Making its rounds on various automotive news platforms sometime in September, word of the JAC T9 entering the Philippine market later this year created a buzz.

However, JAC Philippines Brand Head Tonette Lee told Zigwheels Philippines that it will be launched in the second quarter of 2025 instead, at next year’s Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

The pickup truck’s global version was displayed at Auto Guangzhou 2024, alongside its electric vehicle (EV) counterpart.

JAC RF8 PHEV

Another nameplate set to enter the Philippine automotive arena is the JAC RF8 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

The nameplate is set to excite the local multi-purpose vehicle segment by offering Filipino car buyers a new option when looking for a fuel-efficient family car and a ride that can usher them into a more sustainable means of mobility.

JAC Philippines’ figurehead noted that it will be released in the country after MIAS 2025, which means that it could be in the second or third quarter of the year.

It will compete with the likes of the Toyota Zenix and possibly the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid.

PHEV versions of JS6, JS8 Pro

Locally, JAC Philippines is offering the JS6 and JS8 Pro with traditional internal combustion engine powerplants. A glimpse of what might come in the future was embodied by the PHEV versions of the said nameplates.

Both the JAC JS6 PHEV (known as the QX PHEV in China) and the JS8 PHEV (called the X8 in its domestic market) are fitted with a 1.5-liter hybrid engine with a dedicated hybrid transmission.

With the growing popularity of hybrids, the two models could slot in nicely in JAC Philippines’ roster and ride the increasingly growing waves of hybrid adopters in the country.

Dressed-up Ytterby

Also garnering looks at JAC’s pavilion were kitted versions of the Ytterby EV.

While the nameplate looks cutesy and feminine in its stock form, slapping it with accessories like a roof rack, large wheels and tires, as well as various lighting appointments can make it look dapper and sleek.

These iterations of the electric city car evoke adventurous and playful vibes often seen executed by one iconic small English car brand.

Define concept car

One automobile that got much attention was the JAC Define concept.

Striking is its sexy and aerodynamic silhouette paired with its large suicide doors. Its overall dimensions and design recall cyberpunk style, which makes it all the more interesting.

It is worth noting that the JAC Define is a winner of the prestigious Red Dot Design award.

Notable are its one-arch silhouette, unique golden brown body paint and metallic leather interiors, as well as its its skyline cockpit with a 50-inch panoramic, forward-mounted curved screen and a 15.6-inch central screen.

JAC at Auto Guangzhou 2024

The 22nd edition of Auto Guangzhou is scheduled to run until today, November 18, 2024.

It is one of the largest gatherings of automobile manufacturers that display its latest technologies and newest innovations.

At the JAC pavilion, its guests not only saw its vehicles but were also treated to various activities immersing them in the Chinese culture.

Also read:

JAC displays T9 pickup at Auto Guangzhou 2024, defers PH arrival to Q2 2025

JAC PH starts MM roadshows this month

JAC showcases RF8 PHEV at Auto Guangzhou 2024, to be launched in PH next year