China & Pakistan have an extremely close and supportive relationship with each other since 1950s. China has provided economic, military and technical assistance to Pakistan and each considers the other a close strategic ally. Talking about automobiles, after the new auto policy was revealed, Chinese car companies are also interested to explore our automobile market and intend to fill a huge gap in the affordable & low-budget segment, the segment which is currently wholly enjoyed by Pak Suzuki with their obsolete & overpriced options.
According to latest news, JAC Motors, a Chinese state-owned automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturer has expressed its plans for establishing a production facility in the port city of Gawadar, for producing affordable cars in Pakistan. According to JAC, Pakistan will prove to be a huge & important market for the manufacturing & selling of Right Hand Driven (RHD) Chinese cars. The Gawadar plant may also serve as an export-base for these RHD vehicles.
JAC already has a presence in our market with their medium-sized trucks, being sold by Afzal Motors. However JAC isn’t just about commercial vehicles and trucks, in fact they produce quality sedans, hatchbacks, MPV as well as hybrid & electric vehicles. CarSpiritPK is here to give its readers an opportunity to know more about the company JAC & the vehicles they offer.
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About JAC
Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Company Ltd. (JAC) based in Hefei, Anhui Province China, is a state-owned automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturer. Established in 1964 as Hefei Jianghuai Automobile Factory, its name was changed to Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Company Ltd. in 1997. In China more than 200,000 units of JAC passenger cars are sold in each year, while the company also holds a decent reputation in export markets including South America, Africa & Middle-East regions.
The JAC Lineup
JAC J2
The JAC J2 was designed by Italy’s renowned design firm, Pininfarina. The Jac J2 comes with a 1 liter engine producing 68bhp, and meeting Euro IV emission levels. With a good reputation in export markets packed with features like Airbags, Power Steering, Power Windows, Mp3/ USB connectivity, “Follow-me-home” Headlights, ABS+EBD etc, the J2 is priced from just 38,800 yuan (6.0 lac PKR) to 41,800 yuan (6.5 lac PKR)
JAC J4
The J4, also known as A30 in some markets, is a compact sedan produced by JAC. Born on JAC’s second-gen platform for compact cars, the J4 is slotted between J5 and J3. Daniele Gaglione at JAC’s design center in Italy was responsible for the car’s exterior styling. Available with a 1.5 liter VVT engine, mated to either a 5 speed manual or a CVT transmission, the J4 is equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS), Bosch ABS, EBD, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Anti-subsidence Seats, 5-star collision protection, 6 Airbags, Climate control, Multi-function Steering Wheel, Mp3/ USB connectivity, Parking Sensors & Sunroof etc. Price ranges from 49,900 yuan (PKR 7.7 lac) up to 76,900 yuan (11.9 lac PKR).
JAC J5
Designed in collaboration with Pininfarina, the JAC J5 is more than just the prettiest model in the brand’s line-up. Awarded with a 5-star NCAP crash test rating, the J5 is as safe as it is good-looking, with its honeycomb grille, wrap around headlamps, chrome around the fog lamp housings and discreet rear diffuser.
Available with 1.5 & 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engines, mated to a 5 speed manual or a 4 speed automatic transmission, sourced from Mitsubishi, the J5 comes equipped with ABS & EBD, Engine Immobilizer, Airbags, Reversing Sensors, Multi-function Steering Wheel, Mp3+ USB Connectivity & Sunroof etc. The J5 is priced between 59,800 yuan (PKR 9.3 lac) to 85,800 yuan (13.3 lac PKR)
JAC A60
The A60 is a premium flagship model in the JAC lineup. The car is all set to be officially launched in China with an estimated price tag of 170,000 yuan (PKR 26.6 lac) up to 240,000 yuan (PKR 37.18 lac). There will be two engines available: a 1.5 liter turbocharged petrol engine with 174hp and 251nm, and a 2.0 turbo with 190hp and 280nm. Both engines will be mated to a 6 speed manual or a 6 speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).
JAC S2
The JAC S2 is a compact SUV with a price starting from 58,800 yuan (PKR 9.1 lac) and ends at 75,800 yuan (PKR 11.7 lac). The engine is called ‘Green Jet’, which sounds fast and environment friendly. Engine is a 1.5 liter 4 cylinder petrol unit with 113hp and 146nm, mated to a 6-speed manual or a CVT.
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There are many other vehicles that JAC produces including minivans, pickups, mini trucks, hybrid & electric vehicles, but it’s too early to expect anything at this stage. The new Auto policy has opened up gates for many new entrants and in addition to European car makers, the Chinese car companies are equally interested to penetrate into our automobile market.
The monopolistic Japanese trio has kept open quite a lot of room for new entrants by not offering vehicles in competitive segments and this is sure going to hurt them in the longer run. Zotye, another Chinese manufacturer is in talks with Raja group to establish a production base in Pakistan. And while the Europeans already in talks with the government, finally it looks as if the auto consumer of Pakistan will be getting better choices & healthy competition in the automobile market.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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