JAC Motors is a relatively young brand in the Philippines, and with the relaunch of the brand under Astara Philippines, it may well find success in our growing automobile market. Even in its home market of China, JAC is a “small player” with annual sales of around 600,000 units out of 25 million cars sold in 2023.

First making a name for itself with utility vehicles, JAC expanded the lineup to include MPVs and SUVs in the early 2000s. The current Philippine lineup consists of a tightly focused stable of an urban EV (Ytterby), the JS2 Pro, the JS4, the five-seater JS6, the seven-seater JS8 Pro, and the T8 Pro pickup truck.

On the occasion of its 60th anniversary, JAC invited us along with other members of the international media to see and experience its latest models and concepts at the Guangzhou International Motor Show.

Easily the most eye-catching at its booth was the De-Fine vision concept car. Penned by the M.I.N Design studio in China, the De-Fine’s sleek and futuristic shape has an eye toward interstellar travel while also subtly telling observers that “we don’t have to make trucks all the time.”

It won the prestigious 2024 Red Dot Design Award. It may look like a coupe, but it’s actually a four-door with automatic-opening coach-style doors. The De-Fine runs on an electric drivetrain with quick-charging batteries, a drive-by-wire chassis, and advanced driving aids. The suspension features active anti-dive and anti-squat technology, while the steering incorporates tank-turn capability.

The glass roof ends at the C-pillar, which spans the entire width to act as a roll bar, and then the glass backlight hinges up to access the boot. Inside is a 50-inch curved screen, and then another 15.6-inch touchscreen to access various functions.

The Ytterby EV, now available in the Philippines, was shown off in two vibrant colorways. Echoing the cuteness of the Mini Cooper, the Ytterby EV was dressed up with roof racks, extra lights, and racy wheels to showcase its potential for customization.

With the JS6 and the JS8 Pro in the Philippine lineup, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle versions for both were put on display and made available for a short test drive. With combined system output of 310hp, a full electric range of 110km, and classy styling in and out, the JS6 PHEV could be a hit in the Philippine market where hybrids and EVs are rapidly gaining acceptance.

Similarly, the JS8 Pro PHEV could be an enticing offer with its combination of seven-passenger seating and fuel efficiency.

The RF8 PHEV, on the other hand, will give the Toyota Alphard and the GAC M8 a run for their money. With a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, luxury seating, and a subdued aesthetic, we found in our brief test drive that it has a smooth ride, comfortable seating, and responsive and quiet acceleration. Even a mid-level variant without the automatic-opening doors and tailgate demonstrated impressive fit and finish.

Finally, the T9 pickup truck will attempt to steal some market share from the Japanese when it arrives next year. Slightly bigger than the currently available T8 by a few centimeters in all dimensions, it uses JAC’s third-generation platform and  has a 2.0-liter turbodiesel rated at 167hp and 410Nm of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed transmission.

Ruggedness is built in its DNA with traditional front double wishbone/rear leaf spring suspension, a rigid axle, and a mechanical-locking rear differential, but modern comforts like wireless charging, cooled armrest box, and driver aids make it a very civilized truck.

Variants with multilink rear suspension and electronically locking differential are also available. An off-road course consisting of tight turns, lumpy terrain, stream crossings, and muddy ramps demonstrated its proficiency even in stock trim.

While JAC Motors Philippines currently has only six dealerships, they are currently working to expand this network in the coming months. If everything goes according to plan, the T9 and the RF8 will be presented to the public at next year’s Manila International Auto Show, with the formal launch soon after.