JAC Automotive has announced plans to boost dealership numbers from the current 62 outlets as it prepares to expand its model range and looks to add passenger-car models.

It unveiled two production utes – one a plug-in hybrid and the other an EV – at the recent Melbourne Motor Show, with the PHEV set for sale early next year and the EV ute now on trial with mining companies in Western Australia. It also showed the De-Fine four-seater concept car that links to a planned passenger car range.

JAC Australia managing director Ahmed Mahmoud said the importer has more than 60 dealers and recently opened a parts warehouse in Melbourne in preparation of increasing sales and an expanded model range.

“We are now looking to expand that dealership number and we have some ‘open points’ in mind,” he said.

JAC Australia managing director Ahmed Mahmoud

“The key is to ensure profitability for our dealers.

“For this reason, we are increasing our range of models and the diversity of those models. At the moment we have a diesel ute and we add a plug-in hybrid ute early next year. 

“We are then looking in time at other models for different target buyers, such as the EV and an SUV.

“We are also looking at adding a cab-chassis variant of the T9 ute, in addition to an SUV version of the T9.”

Mr Mamhoud told GoAutoNews Premium that the PHEV will go into a sector of the market that has already accepted the plug-in EV concept.

“To us, the success of the EV ute is more about ensuring the infrastructure for recharging is mature enough to support EV models,” he said.

JAC will add its PHEV from early 2026 and is discussing with the JAC factory about adding passenger vehicles to its Australian portfolio.

“I’d love to see an SUV in Australia,” Mr Mahmoud said.

“Our competition has SUV variants and they do well in sales in our market. We’d now like to work on a business case for making an SUV for Australia.”

He said that JAC has “a lot” of options for new models in Australia from the factory, but admits it is not always easy to select a right-hand drive model that can meet stringent Australian Design Rules.

“Our plan has always been to meet or exceed the NVES standards,” Mr Mahmoud said.

“NVES makes a lot of sense for us, the public and the industry.”

The importer has also introduced a comprehensive support package for its buyers.

“We like to think we do things a little bit differently in aftersales,” he said.“We have a seven year warranty, and that is for every one — retail and fleet.

“What we have also launched in the past year is a ‘ute-for-ute’ program that gives all owners a loan car while their vehicles are in the dealership for repair, service or warranty work. 

“We see this as being of particular value to fleet owners, including tradies, who cannot afford to have their vehicle off the road.”

The program is operated by Australian company Carbiz that has partnered with JAC to provide a JAC T9 dual-cab ute loan vehicle to approved owners during warranty repairs, paid for by JAC.

“We know that the ute is more than just a vehicle – it’s essential to our customers’ businesses, daily operations, and family life,” Mr Mahmoud said.

“Getting them back on the road quickly is our absolute priority.”

Carbiz will draw loan vehicles from its fleet of T9 utes.

Mr Mahmoud said it was planned that JAC customers would get  a timely and efficient service across Australia. 

The offer falls under the JAC ‘All Roads Assurance’ program developed by JAC and Mr Mahmoud.

This comprises the loan vehicle offer; seven-year unlimited km vehicle warranty and seven-year roadside assistance; seven-year capped-price servicing; access to an Australian-based parts warehouse for quick parts delivery; and the assurance of dealing with factory-certified JAC technicians at every JAC dealership.