JMC Grand Avenue utes spotted ahead of New Zealand launch?
NZ Autocar
Two JMC Grand Avenue double-cab utes have been spotted parked in an Auckland holding yard, offering an early look at what could be another nameplate set to join New Zealand’s ute market.
The sighting follows Armstrong’s announcement of a distribution partnership with Chinese manufacturer Jiangling Motors Corporation Limited. A range of commercial vehicles is due to arrive here later this year, with utes, vans and buses included in the agreement.
While the local JMC website is yet to go live, vehicle information listed on CarJam provides some clues about what buyers could expect.
A record for one of the utes, a yellow 2026 Grand Avenue, lists a 2498cc turbo-diesel engine producing 155kW, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. It’s a five-seat, four-door model with a 3270mm wheelbase.
Of particular interest to prospective buyers is the listed tow rating: 3500kg braked and 750kg unbraked. The record also gives a gross vehicle mass of 2990kg and a tare weight of 2120kg.
Those details offer an indication of the Grand Avenue’s mechanical package, although final New Zealand grades, equipment and pricing are still to be detailed.
Armstrong’s has identified affordability and capability as key reasons for bringing the brand here.
“JMC has strong appeal to Armstrong’s as we have identified a clear opportunity in the market for affordable, durable and capable commercial vehicles suited to the evolving needs of New Zealand drivers and businesses,” said founder and executive director Rick Armstrong.
The agreement was signed at JMC’s headquarters in Nanchang, China. Distribution will sit within Armstrong’s Auto Distribution Holdings division, alongside its existing brands.
Founded in 1968, JMC has established partnerships with Ford and Isuzu, and works with suppliers including Bosch, Continental, Denso and ZF.
JMC says New Zealand will become its 111th export market, with Australia and South Africa also among its recent expansion targets.
Auto Distribution Holdings chief executive Simon Rutherford said the company was still refining the order in which JMC models would be introduced here.
“JMC also now offers a very fresh and versatile new model portfolio. We’re in the process of refining exactly what our model launch sequence will be in New Zealand, but we know all new arrivals will deliver on looks, capability and value.”
