JMC confirms two utes for New Zealand
Words: Kyle Cassidy
JMC will launch in New Zealand with two double-cab utes, the Grand Avenue and the Vigus, according to the brand’s new local website.
The site, operated by Armstrong’s JMC importer Armstrongs Distribution Limited, describes both models as all-new and says they are coming soon to a nationwide dealer network. Pricing, grades and dealer locations have not been released. The site is collecting registrations of interest.
Both utes use a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
The Grand Avenue is the larger and more powerful of the two, with 155kW and 500Nm and a braked towing capacity of up to 3500kg. Those figures match the CarJam record for one of two Grand Avenues spotted in an Auckland holding yard last week. That record also lists a 3270mm wheelbase, a tare weight of 2120kg and a gross vehicle mass of 2990kg.
In South Africa, the Grand Avenue is sold in a single GL grade in 4×2 and 4WD form, with a claimed payload of 870kg and fuel use of 7.2L/100km. The 4WD version has a BorgWarner system with a rear locking differential, 245mm of ground clearance and an 800mm wading depth.
The Vigus produces 123kW and 430Nm and is rated to tow up to 2500kg braked. It is slightly smaller than the Grand Avenue, at 5335mm long on a 3150mm wheelbase.
JMC is offering a seven-year/200,000km factory warranty. The site also lists a 12-inch touchscreen and a 360-degree camera, though it does not say which models or grades get them.
Neither ute has an ANCAP safety rating, and JMC has not yet said what driver-assist technology New Zealand models will get.
JMC names three suppliers on the site: ZF for the automatic transmission, BorgWarner for the four-wheel-drive system and Bosch for the diesel fuel injection.
Armstrong’s announced its partnership with Jiangling Motors Corporation in May. JMC will sit within the group’s Auto Distribution Holdings division, alongside brands including Dongfeng, BAIC and Leapmotor. The agreement also covers vans and buses, but the website covers only the utes.
New Zealand is JMC’s 111th export market. The Grand Avenue went on sale in South Africa in September, and the brand is also returning to Australia.
