JMC to expand its SA bakkie lineup in 2026

Chinese automaker JMC has announced its plans to expand its South African bakkie portfolio in 2026.

JMC Vigus front

Vigus. Image: JMC

Following JMC’s (Jiangling Motor Corporation) re-entry into the South African light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment with the Vigus Plus and Vigus Pro – the latter of which we sampled at the local launch in January 2026 – the Nanchang-based automaker has confirmed its plans to expand its bakkie portfolio in 2026 with three new models. Salvador Caetano Auto South Africa will oversee local importation and distribution for the JMC brand.

At the SA introduction of the initial Vigus lineup, the automaker revealed a pre-production version of the new Vigus, which is scheduled to be released in 2026. The model on display sported a set of 20-inch wheels, shod in all-terrain tyres. Expected to launch in SA in the first quarter of 2026, the new Vigus will join the current models in the brand’s local bakkie portfolio. In other markets, this derivative is available with the choice of two engine options: 141 kW/340 N.m 2.5-litre turbodiesel and 160 kW/350 N.m turbocharged petrol. Transmission options come in the form of a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic.

JMC also has plans to launch the Grand Avenue in the second quarter of 2026. The Grand Avenue measures 5 450 mm in length, 1 935 mm in width, and 1 872 mm in height. The wheelbase spans 3 270 mm. According to the brand, the nearly 5.5 metre-long double-cab offers a ground clearance of 235 mm, and approach and departure angles of 30 and 26 degrees, respectively. The water-fording depth is rated at 800 mm. The Grand Avenue is powered by a Ford-sourced 2.3-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel, which churns out 130 kW and 450 N.m of torque – the latter delivered to the road via a BorgWarner four-wheel drivetrain coupled with a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox.

In addition to the new Vigus and Grand Avenue, the company is also set to launch a larger double-cab bakkie, which has yet to be named, in the fourth quarter of 2026.

These new JMC bakkies aren’t the only new bakkies scheduled to launch in our market in 2026, though. Indeed, as we highlighted in Every bakkie confirmed for SA in 2026, there are several more, including the new Toyota Hilux, Chery Himla, and Kia Tasman.

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The post JMC to expand its SA bakkie lineup in 2026 appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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