Following a gruelling 24-hour Endurance Challenge that shattered a long-standing record, JAC Motors South Africa has launched a special edition of its T9 bakkie: the T9 Hunter 4x4 Special Edition. The feat took place at Gerotek Testing Facilities in Pretoria, Gauteng, where a standard T9 2.0L CTi covered an impressive 4 084 kilometres in 24 hours.
This achievement eclipsed a 15-year-old commercial vehicle endurance record previously held by a rival brand, averaging a steady 170,1 km/h on the demanding oval track.
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Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa, announced the celebratory model: "Marking this record-breaking victory, we're producing just 24 uniquely branded T9 Hunter 4x4 models. These special units boast enhanced performance and exclusive comfort features." Each bakkie will be individually numbered from one to 24, commemorating the milestone.
Powering the new T9 Hunter is a 2,0-litre intercooled turbo-charged common-rail direct-injection diesel engine. It delivers 144 kW at 3 014 r/min and 487 Nm of torque at 2 704 r/min. This power is channelled through an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
The launch coincides with strong sales momentum for JAC Motors locally. Göbel highlighted the trend: "T9 sales between January and May 2025 grew by nearly 28% compared to the same period in 2024. Even more significantly, T8 sales surged by over 140% in that same timeframe."
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JAC Motors South Africa is gearing up for a busy second half of 2025. The exciting T9 PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) is set for launch in July, followed by the introduction of the T6 single cab bakkie. Later expansions will see new engine options added to the T8 and X200 ranges, broadening customer choice and enhancing performance to meet diverse needs and market shifts.
Backing these vehicles is an extensive Southern African network. JAC Motors boasts 70 dealers spread across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Malawi, Zimbabwe,and Mozambique. This wide footprint ensures customers receive consistent, globally standard after-sales service and support throughout the region.
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