Chinese automaker JAC Motors has officially launched its T9 range of pickup trucks in Malaysia, marking the brand’s entry into the local market with both internal combustion engine (ICE) and fully electric (BEV) variants. This milestone follows the company’s previously announced investment plans, which aim to position Malaysia as a key hub for the production and export of commercial vehicles to the ASEAN region.

Founded in 1964, JAC Motors — also known as Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd. — is a state-owned Chinese manufacturer specialising in commercial vehicles, SUVs, and electric vehicles. The company is recognised as one of China’s leading automotive brands, with a diverse product portfolio that extends from passenger cars to light and heavy-duty trucks.

In 2024, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz revealed JAC Motors’ entry into Malaysia, highlighting that the investment would create high-skilled jobs and enhance local capabilities in producing electric and hybrid pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. Zafrul also confirmed that JAC’s presence is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s automotive supply chain and bolster the nation’s commercial vehicle industry. However, the specific location for local assembly (CKD) operations has not been disclosed.

Leading JAC’s product debut in Malaysia is the T9 double-cab pickup truck, which is positioned to compete against established players in the segment, such as the Ford Ranger Wildtrak. The T9 arrives as a fully imported (CBU) model from China. While the current models are imported, plans are underway to begin local assembly in the future.

The diesel-powered JAC T9 is built on a ladder-frame chassis and features a robust double-cab design. Measuring 5,330 mm in length, 1,965 mm in width, and 1,920 mm in height with a 3,110 mm wheelbase, the T9 offers a kerb weight of 2,055 kg. The pickup provides a payload capacity of 1,000 kg and a towing capability of up to 3,500 kg. The cargo tray measures 1,520 mm long, 1,590 mm wide, and 470 mm tall, while the approach and departure angles are rated at 27 degrees and 23 degrees respectively. Ground clearance stands at 210 mm, and the vehicle boasts a water wading depth of 800 mm.

Under the hood, the T9 diesel variant is powered by a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 167hp and 410Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels via a part-time 4WD BorgWarner transfer case and an electronically locking rear differential.

The T9’s suspension system comprises double-wishbones at the front and a multi-link leaf spring setup at the rear. Electric power steering provides ease of handling, similar to systems found in the Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton. The pickup rides on two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 265/60R18 tyres and features disc brakes on all four corners. Safety and durability are prioritised with 48% high-strength steel construction and reinforced side impact beams. Integrated recovery hooks at the front are rated for 3,100 kg each.

Exterior features include LED headlamps with DRLs, LED tail lamps, fog lamps at both ends, front and rear parking sensors, roof rails, a sports bar, and off-road side steps. Inside, the T9 is equipped with a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless smartphone charger. The air-conditioned centre console storage box adds further comfort. Equipped with 64-colour ambient light and music rhythm lighting, the T9 ensures a vibrant and dynamic cabin atmosphere.

Driver and passenger convenience is enhanced with four-way power-adjustable heated seats, leather upholstery in either black or brown, and multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, alongside a 220-volt power socket. Visibility and manoeuvrability are aided by a 360-degree camera system with a reverse camera.

In terms of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the T9 diesel includes lane departure warning, lane keep assist, emergency lane keeping, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, door opening warning, traffic jam assistant, driver monitoring, and front and rear autonomous emergency braking.

The pickup is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of active safety features such as ABS, EBD, brake override, hill start assist, brake assist, traction control, and stability control. Seven airbags, including a front centre airbag, are standard, and the model has earned a five-star rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

The diesel-powered T9 is available in five exterior colours — red, black, dark grey, silver, and white — with a choice of black or brown interior upholstery, and is backed by a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Joining the diesel variant at launch is the T9 EV, which shares the same dimensions and rugged styling as its ICE counterpart but features blue JAC badging to signal its electric credentials. While the exterior proportions and cargo bed remain identical, ground clearance is slightly reduced to 205 mm. Unlike the diesel version, the T9 EV omits front parking sensors and roof rails.

The T9 EV is powered by a dual-motor setup and delivers a total power output of 295hp alongside a total peak torque of 516Nm. This configuration enables the T9 EV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, with a top speed of 140km/h. Power is supplied by an 88 kWh LFP battery pack that is sourced from Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL). DC fast charging at up to 88 kW allows for a 30-80% charge in just 35 minutes, while AC charging via an 11 kW Type 2 connection takes six hours and 50 minutes for a full recharge.

Like its diesel sibling, the T9 EV rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and features front and rear disc brakes. Inside, the cabin mirrors that of the diesel variant with a seven-inch digital instrument display, a 10.4-inch infotainment system, wireless smartphone charging, and a cooled centre console storage box. However, the T9 EV offers electric seat adjustment only for the driver and swaps the traditional transmission selector for a rotary dial.

The T9 EV also comes with a full suite of ADAS features, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, driver monitoring, and intelligent high beam control. Seven airbags are standard, along with the same five-star ANCAP rating.

The T9 EV is available in the same five exterior colours as the diesel variant, paired with black or brown leather interiors depending on the chosen exterior colour. It is covered by a six-year, 200,000 km warranty.

With the simultaneous launch of both diesel and fully electric pickup trucks, JAC Motors is positioning itself to appeal to a wide range of Malaysian consumers while taking a significant step towards establishing Malaysia as a strategic production and export hub for commercial vehicles in the ASEAN region.

To empower Malaysians and celebrate the successful launch of the T9, Evolvelectric Motors is extending the introductory price of the T9 until the end of the year. The T9 Diesel variant is priced at RM119,888 (Peninsula Malaysia, on-the-road without insurance) and includes an 8-year or unlimited mileage engine warranty for the first owner, whichever comes first, subject to the applicable service policy, along with a 5-year or unlimited mileage warranty.

Meanwhile, the T9 BEV variant is available at RM199,888 (Peninsula Malaysia, on-the-road without insurance) and comes with a 6-year or 200,000km battery warranty, whichever comes first.