JAC Motors is entering the Philippine pickup truck market with the all-new T9, marking its most ambitious venture into this competitive, utility-driven segment. The Chinese automaker launches with the 4x2 variant, combining a strong mechanical foundation, modern features, and advanced safety at a price point expected to challenge established Japanese brands.
Global credibility and strategic partnerships
JAC Motors has delivered more than 1.4 million units globally and exports to over 132 countries. In 2024 alone, it exported 246,800 vehicles across Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The company has ongoing partnerships with global leaders like Volkswagen, Huawei, CATL, and Cummins to strengthen its powertrain, EV, and intelligent vehicle platforms.
The T9 is already available in countries such as Australia, where it earned a five-star safety rating under the 2024 Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). It is the first Chinese pickup to achieve this milestone under the latest protocol, with safety scores of 85 percent for Adult Occupant Protection, 87 percent for Child Occupant Protection, 87 percent for Vulnerable Road Users, and 89 percent for Safety Assist systems.
A solid foundation
The T9 is underpinned by JAC’s third-generation ladder-frame platform and features multi-link rear suspension—a notable upgrade over the leaf springs commonly used in the segment. This setup supports better ride comfort, especially for a 4x2 truck. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering 172 PS and 410 Nm of torque. The engine offers multiple drive modes, including Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow, and is tuned for low-end torque and smooth gear transitions. Though only the 4x2 variant is launching first locally, the upcoming 4x4 version includes electronic part-time four-wheel drive and an electronic locking rear differential. Despite being a rear-wheel-drive model, the T9 offers impressive utility, including a claimed towing capacity rated between 3,000 to 3,500 kilograms, figures that match many 4x4 competitors.
Premium interior experience
Inside the cabin, the T9 boasts a surprising level of refinement and technology. The Philippine-spec 4x2 model, previewed to media, features a large central touchscreen for infotainment, a fully digital instrument cluster, 64-color ambient interior lighting, a modern dashboard layout with soft-touch trim, and a music-synchronized lighting mode.
Forward-looking product roadmap
The diesel 4x2 is only the beginning of JAC’s rollout in the Philippines. Several variants are expected in the coming years, with a premium 4x4 said to follow soon. The T9 EV 4x4 has already been launched in Singapore, and its entry into the local market may follow. For now, the focus remains on the 4x2 diesel variant, aimed at cost-conscious buyers, fleet managers, and commercial users.
Technology and safety in future variants
Alongside the base T9 Advance 4x2, JAC is preparing the T9 Flagship 4x4 with a comprehensive ADAS suite. This will include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Monitoring System, Blind Spot Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Warning. Other features such as a 360-degree camera, power sunroof, and power-adjustable seats are also expected. These will position the T9 as a competitive yet affordable alternative to premium pickup offerings.
A strategic entry into a competitive segment
The JAC T9 4x2 pickup enters a segment historically dominated by Japanese brands, but its mix of engineering strength, feature-rich interiors, and proven safety offers a compelling alternative. Although pricing has not been finalized, a company executive hinted that the top-spec 4x2 will be priced similarly to the base models of popular Japanese pickups, targeting buyers who want more features without the premium price tag. This could be the first step for the brand to establish itself in the Philippine commercial and passenger vehicle segments.