Chinese JAC T9 dual-cab ute confirmed for Australia

Aussie tradies and adventure seekers on a budget will soon have a new 4WD dual-cab ute to consider that’ll undercut favourites by thousands.

A new ute brand is headed to Australia.

A new ute brand is preparing an assault on the Aussie market.

Australian importer BLK Auto is bringing in the Chinese JAC T6 dual-cab ute by the middle of 2023, aimed at tradies on a budget.

The unknown ute brand is expected to be priced close to other China-sourced utes such as the LDV T60 and the Great Wall Motors Cannon that retail for roughly $10,000 less than equivalent vehicles from Ford and Toyota.

BLK Auto managing director, Jason Pecotic, says buyers should expect a sub-$45,000 price tag for the JAC T6 when it arrives.

Aussie importer BLK Auto is bringing the JAC T9 dual cab ute to Australia.

Chinese car brands have experienced big success in the past few years in Australia and have carved out a healthy amount of sales. Mr Pecotic sees a big opportunity for the T9.

“Australia’s best-selling vehicles overall are the Toyota HiLux and the Ford Ranger – pick-up trucks are incredibly popular at the moment,” says Pecotic.

“This segment is huge, it’s about 180,000 units per year.

“But many buyers face a long wait to buy a pick-up, so we expect the JAC T9 to be an extremely attractive alternative at a more affordable price point.”

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that makes 125kW and 410Nm matched to an eight-speed auto. These outputs trail mainstream rivals but are on par with Chinese competitors.

It has four-wheel drive and a 3500kg braked towing capacity.

A 3500kg braked towing capacity beats vehicles such as the GWM Cannon and matches hot shots such as the new Ford Ranger.

The T9 has interesting style with a giant prison cell type grille and chunky plastic guards upfront.

The brand is chasing a five-star ANCAP safety rating and has equipped the T9 with a wide array of safety gear including must-have items such as blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and auto emergency braking among others.

Inside, too, is kitted out with an impressive list of standard gear. Buyers can expect a 10.4-inch central touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless device charging pad, birdseye view camera and adaptive cruise control are included as standard.

BLK Auto says they are planning to import an all-electric version of the T9 to Australia by 2024.

The company is also bringing JAC’s electric trucks to Australia.