Chinese manufacturer JMC has launched its first truck in Australia, at the same time affirming plans to open new dealerships and establish a stronger presence in the local market.
Following in the wheel tracks of its Vigus utility launched last year, the new Conquer truck will be available from a network of 14 Australian dealers from September.
Manufactured in central China, JMC’s pioneer model is available in four different cab/chassis variants, with plans afoot to offer tipper and pantec configurations in the near future.
Anchoring the line-up is the car licence-friendly Conquer short wheelbase 55-90, priced from $31,990 in cab chassis form. Armed with a 90kW/315Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that is Euro5 emissions tested, the entry model is available with either 4.5-tonne GVM or 5.5-tonne GVM load ratings. Like all JMC offerings, the engine is tied exclusively to a six-speed Getrag manual transmission.
Sharing the same 2.4-litre engine is the Conquer medium wheelbase 60-90, priced at $34,990 in cab/chassis guise. Gross Vehicle Mass rises to 6.0 tonnes in this guise, with a longer 3360mm wheelbase.
A higher-rated medium wheelbase 67-110 is also available, at $36,990. Employing a larger capacity 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that makes 110kW and 375Nm, the MWB is rated to a higher GVM of 6.7 tonnes and is fitted with air brakes.
Sitting atop the line-up is the Conquer long wheelbase 75-110. It too shares the larger capacity engine and air brakes, but is armed with a superior 7.5-tonne GVM and longer 3815mm wheelbase.
According to JMC national director Amos Yue, the new Conquer truck coincides with plans to increase JMC’s dealer network in Australia and establish itself as a stronger player within the truck and commercial market.
"This year we’re not anticipating too much volume but we see that increasing in the next year," he said.
"Australia is a very tough market for Chinese brands. At the moment we’re looking for more dealers to sell our trucks, which are a totally different channel to our utes.
"We’re accepting a total of 25 dealerships in the next year. We don’t have big targets, and we are very careful in bringing these new products to the Australian people. The product needs to be good, the servicing needs to be good – and we believe we’ve got that in our product. We have full confidence in our quality and our price, which is about 30 per cent lower than most competitors."
All JMC Conquer models are backed by a three-year, 100,000km warranty. Standard features include air-conditioning, fog lights, AM/FM/AUX/CD radio and ABS brakes.
The exterior presents in much the same way as the Isuzu NPR Series – reflecting a loose collaboration between JMC and the Japanese truck maker several years ago. The interior is resplendent with ample cubbies and storage compartments, along with seating for three people.
No airbags, stability control, cruise control or rear differential lock functions are yet available.
JMC Conquer pricing (cab/chassis price subject to on-road costs)
Short wheelbase 55-90 4x2 - $31,990
Medium wheelbase 60-90 4x2 - $34,990
Medium wheelbase 67-110 4x2 - $36,990
Long wheelbase – 75-110 4x2 - $39,990
