Credit: BLK Auto
Queensland-based specialist vehicle importer and distributor BLK Auto has announced plans to bring the Chinese-manufactured JAC T9 electric ute to Australia in the second quarter of 2024.
BLK Auto, which operates in Australia and New Zealand, will be bringing both a diesel and electric version of the JAC T9 ‘Hunter’ to Australia.
The JAC T9 will reportedly be priced in the same range as other Chinese-made utes, which if it is similar to the newly launched LDV eT60 electric ute will be around $92,000, around double the price of the fossil fuel version from the same manufacturer.
JAC, which unsuccessfully tried to launch in Australia a decade ago, is seemingly more confident in its partnership with BLK Auto, following the launch of its JAC N55 electric truck, which has been undergoing trials in Australia and New Zealand for the last two years.
The launch of a diesel variant will only be an option in Australia, given that New Zealand has implemented penalties on high-emitting internal combustion engine vehicles imported into the country.
Both New Zealand and Australia, though, will get the electric JAC T9 at the same time.
“We will launch the electric ute in New Zealand and Australia at the same time, expected to be at the beginning of the second quarter of 2024,” said Jason Pecotic, managing director of BLK Auto.
“Australia’s best-selling vehicles overall are the Toyota Hi-Lux and the Ford Ranger – pickup trucks are incredibly popular at the moment,” said Pecotic.
“This segment is huge, it’s about 180,000 units per year. But many buyers face a long wait to buy a pickup, so we expect the JAC T9 to be an extremely attractive alternative at a more affordable price point.”
BLK Auto is also aiming to achieve a 5-star ANCAP safety rating for the T9 when it launches. Safety features include seven airbags, electronic stability, hill descent control, lane departure and lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, and forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.
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