A successful battle with the bush has been used to assist prepare the JAC J9 for its imminent arrival in Australia.
The off-road trip with six of the Chinese pickups, to Mount Disappointment north of Melbourne within the Victorian high country, was one in every of the ultimate hurdles on the brand’s three-year road to local showrooms.
The event plan has also included calibration of all the pieces from the J9’s suspension to its driver assistance systems, plus work on local accessories.
“JAC initiated the R&D process tailored for the Australian market three years prior, underscoring its commitment to thorough preparation and understanding of local requirements and preferences,” the deputy managing director of JAC Motors, Danny Lenartic, told CarExpert.
“Mount Disappointment was chosen to explore how the JAC T9 is perhaps utilised by a weekend adventurer searching for to flee Melbourne’s bustling city life.
“Each test location is chosen with careful consideration to simulate real-world scenarios and challenges.”
One among the J9 test vehicles has now covered greater than 20,000 kilometres in various conditions, with other work including six additional J9s in top-level Oasis specification.
“This effort includes a radical examination of durability testing, ensuring that changes being made to the vehicle align with local preferences and withstand the rigours of Australian conditions. Balancing innovation with timelines and resources is our biggest challenge,” Mr Lenartic said.
The team working on the vehicles includes engineers from JAC in China, engineering staff members of local importer LTS Auto, and contractors.
“Each parties are working in a continued partnership. (We) will proceed to commit resources to deal with improving products to perform under Australian conditions and standards,” said Mr Lenartic.
“We’re continually gathering data. The recent experience at Mt Disappointment… emphasising our dedication to making sure vehicles are well-equipped for diverse terrains.
“It’s all a piece in progress. It also extends to among the heavy-duty accessories that are also being developed and built locally.”
The test program began in the ultimate quarter of last 12 months and has been ramping up since then.
Based on Mr Lenartic, JAC has put special emphasis on driver assistance systems – a standard cause for complaints at other Chinese brands.
“From day one JAC have been committed to satisfy Australian road safety standards. By specializing in the proper calibration of those systems, we’re not only embracing cutting-edge technology, but in addition prioritising the protection of drivers, passengers and pedestrians,” he said.
Despite the extensive J9 test program, there isn’t a update from JAC about other models for Australia, including the SUVs and passenger cars from the corporate’s extensive lineup at home in China.
“Our focus is on the T9 ute,” said Mr Lenartic.
But he did give a big hint with news of the subsequent step of JAC’s local development program involving greater than just the J9.
“Looking ahead, similar programs will proceed, underscoring our commitment and the importance we place on delivering durable and competitive vehicles for the evolving consumer needs,” he said.
“Future models are scheduled to reach later this 12 months.”
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
