Two new diesel-powered double-cab utes are heading our way, with JMC putting the Vigus and Grand Avenue through their Kiwi paces ahead of a local launch in the new year.
New Zealand’s ute market isn’t exactly short of competition. From established Japanese favourites to an ever-growing collection of Chinese contenders, there’s no shortage of manufacturers wanting a slice of the double-cab pie. Now, another name is preparing to join the party – JMC.
Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) is getting ready to introduce two new utes to New Zealand, but rather than simply unloading a few containers and hoping for the best, the brand is taking a more hands-on approach. The Vigus and Grand Avenue have begun a local testing and product validation programme designed to make sure they’re ready for the demands of Kiwi drivers.
And that’s not a bad idea. After all, a ute in New Zealand needs to do considerably more than look good outside the local café. Towing boats, hauling building materials, navigating muddy farm tracks and tackling the occasional family road trip are all part of the job description.
JMC has been around since 1968 and has built its reputation in commercial vehicles, pickups and light-duty transport. Interestingly, it also has some rather significant international connections. Ford became a strategic investor in the company back in 1995 and currently holds a 32% equity stake, with the relationship extending across manufacturing, product development and commercial collaboration.
For its New Zealand arrival, JMC will be represented by Auto Distribution Holdings, the distribution arm of the Armstrong’s group.
According to JMC General Manager David Herbert, the local testing programme is about ensuring the vehicles are properly suited to our market.
“These new utes have already been tried and proven in multiple markets around the world, but we’re taking things one step further with a local validation programme, designed to test the new vehicles in our conditions in preparation for the upcoming launch.”
That validation includes towing, payload capability, on- and off-road performance, ride and handling, practicality and overall customer suitability. Feedback is being sent directly to JMC engineers in China, with product enhancements being incorporated into the pre-launch development process.
In other words, these aren’t simply showroom arrivals with a Kiwi price sticker slapped on the windscreen.
Two utes, two personalities
The initial New Zealand line-up will consist of the JMC Vigus and the more premium Grand Avenue. Both will arrive as double-cab 4×4 models, powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Vigus produces 123kW and 430Nm, while the Grand Avenue steps things up to 155kW and 500Nm.
The Vigus is positioned as the practical all-rounder, combining purposeful exterior styling with a spacious cabin, modern infotainment and a functional cargo tray. It’s intended to appeal to both commercial operators and private buyers looking for a working ute that can comfortably moonlight as a weekend adventure machine.
The Grand Avenue, meanwhile, takes a more premium approach, with greater emphasis on styling, performance and everyday comfort. Think less purely worksite tool and more lifestyle companion that can still get its hands dirty when required.
JMC is also keen to highlight the cabin experience, particularly its approach to usability and technology.
Herbert says the vehicles feature tactile physical buttons, intuitive controls and thoughtfully positioned screens designed to make everyday operation straightforward.
And frankly, that’s something worth celebrating. Touchscreens might look wonderfully futuristic in a brochure, but when you’re bouncing along a gravel road trying to adjust the climate control, a proper physical button can be worth its weight in gold.
No hunting through menus, no tiny virtual icons and hopefully no need to take your eyes off the road for longer than necessary.
The Kiwi aftermarket gets involved
Recognising that New Zealand ute buyers love to personalise their vehicles, Auto Distribution Holdings is also working with local accessory and equipment specialists to establish an aftermarket support network ahead of launch.
The supplier list already includes Fleetline, Camco, 360 Link, Forged Alloy, YHI, Loadmaster and Maxim, alongside several other local businesses.
The aim is to have accessories and equipment available from day one, covering everything from load carrying and vehicle protection to towing, touring and work-focused applications.
It’s a sensible move. A ute is rarely just a ute in New Zealand. Depending on who’s buying it, it might need a canopy, a towbar, a deck liner, tool storage, additional protection or enough touring equipment to disappear into the wilderness for a week.
Having those options ready at launch could give JMC a useful head start.
Building a nationwide network
JMC is also establishing its New Zealand dealer footprint, with an initial eight locations planned across Albany, Greenlane, Takanini, Hamilton, Tauranga, Taupō, Wellington and Christchurch.
That provides the beginnings of a nationwide sales and aftersales network, something that will be particularly important as the brand looks to establish itself against some very familiar names.
Pricing and final specifications for both the Vigus and Grand Avenue are yet to be confirmed, with further details expected closer to their local launch in the new year.
So, there’s still a little waiting to do before we know exactly how JMC intends to position its newcomers against the likes of the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton and the growing number of Chinese-built ute alternatives.
But with two diesel-powered 4×4 double-cabs, an eight-speed automatic, local validation and a developing accessory network, JMC appears to be taking its New Zealand introduction seriously.
The ute market is getting crowded, but competition is rarely a bad thing – particularly when it gives Kiwi buyers more choice.
Now, the big question: just how much will these two newcomers cost? That’s the detail we’re waiting for.
