Brand reignites local presence with ‘value’ products, expanding dealer network
By Dylan Afuang
JAC IS AMONG the flurry of China-headquartered brands that are establishing a foothold in our market, and its reentry is backed by global mobility group Astara Philippines. Following JAC’s local relaunch last April, the brand recently fielded its entry to the heated market of models made by our northern neighbor — the JS6 compact crossover and JS8 Pro midsize SUV.
“JAC is proud to celebrate its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of providing dependable vehicles to customers around the world,” JAC International Regional Director for Asia Pacific, Left-Hand-Drive Markets Jessica Ji expressed to kick off a quick road trip that enabled the media to experience the latest, and commendable, offerings from JAC Philippines.
Formally known as the Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group, JAC was founded in Hefei, China, in 1964, and manufactures commercial vehicles and passenger cars under various sub-brands. Leading the local distribution of the JAC-branded passenger cars is Astara Philippines, which also handles the distribution of China-headquartered GAC, JMC, and French auto marque Peugeot.
The JS8 Pro seven-seat SUV and JS6 five-seat crossover signal the brand’s local reignition — and they retail for introductory prices of P1.35 million and P1.38 million, respectively. The two models are now available at the JAC Manila Bay outlet — and soon, at the brand’s dealerships in Alabang, Calamba, Iloilo, Pasig, and Quezon Avenue, the company said in a release.
The JS8 Pro and JS6 also boast what a company executive described as value for money, given how the cars offer a wealth of convenience and safety tech for the money.
“Value is when you get more than what you pay for,” JAC Philippines Brand Head Tonette Lee explained, adding that this quality is “the strength of the positioning of JAC in the Philippines.” (Ms. Lee and company executives pronounced the brand’s name as “jack.”)
“JAC vehicles will suit every Filipino in every stage of their lives,” Ms. Lee added, “from beginning to drive, to becoming a responsible driver, and to managing a business.” Other JAC vehicles available here are the JS2 Pro and JS4 subcompact crossovers, and the T8 Pro pickup truck.
The JS8 Pro and JS6 are equipped with two 12.3-inch screens that display the instrument cluster, and the touchscreen infotainment system complemented by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system. More creature comforts include front wireless charging pads, rear USB ports, climate controls front and rear, and expansive sunroofs.
Safety equipment shared by the JS8 Pro and JS6 are a 360-degree camera, electronic stability program, hill-start assist, and blind-spot detection. Exclusive to the JS6 are lane departure warning, frontal collision warning, remote light switch, and automatic emergency braking.
Motivating the new entrants smoothly and efficiently is the same turbocharged 1.5-liter, four-cylinder gasoline unit producing 182hp and 300Nm of torque, both coursed to the front wheels through a six- (for the JS6) and seven-speed (for the JS8) dual-clutch transmissions.
Assuring owners of the reliability of the JS8 Pro and JS6 are a five-year, 150,000-km warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance. To learn more about JAC Philippines lineup, customers can visit jacmotors.com.ph and follow
@jaccarsph on Facebook and Instagram.
