JAC Motors Australia’s managing director Ahmed Mahmoud has offered a glimpse into the Chinese importer’s potential future local product portfolio, with a ute-based SUV model currently under study and “traditional” SUVs from its global line-up being considered for an Australian launch.

 

Speaking with GoAuto at a preview drive event for the Hunter Plug-in Hybrid ute, Mr Mahmoud explained that while JAC currently only competes in Australia’s ute market, its product roadmap presents opportunities for expansion into other segments.

 

“So, JAC competes at the moment in one segment and our product roadmap affords us the opportunity to compete in multiple segments in the future. Where JAC sits in the order of things will be dependent on how quickly we can bring these new vehicles (with) right-hand drive, (a) five-star ANCAP, what have you, to the Australian market,” he said.

 

When asked what segments JAC may be entering in the future, Mr Mahmoud mentioned a ute-based SUV as well as “traditional” SUV models.

 

“We’ve got some studies being undertaken in the ute-based SUV and the more traditional SUVs that you see out there at the moment as well so we’re currently investigating those opportunities to bring those cars to the market in the not too distant future.”

 

According to Mr Mahmoud, models from JAC’s global portfolio could be on the cards for Australia provided that it makes sense to sell these vehicles in right-hand drive form.

 

“So if you just jump on the JAC Motors website, there are huge amounts of cars. There’s 130 different distributors around the globe that import JAC’s products, but most of those countries are left-hand drive countries and we need right-hand drive models.”

 

“So whilst the platform or the base is available to us, the commercials around whether or not it makes sense for that vehicle to be brought into Australia, that’s the negotiation point with JAC China.”

 

The ute-based SUV model in question is almost certainly the T9-based JAC JS9, images of which have surfaced from overseas markets.

 

It is expected to use the T9’s 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel 4×4 powertrain and accommodate seating for seven.

 

Should this model come to the Australian market it would share the ute-based SUV space with the likes of the Ford Everest and the Isuzu MU-X.

 

While generally not as popular as monocoque-based models, ute-based SUV models are still able to achieve sales success.

 

The Ford Everest is consistently represented among Australia’s best-selling vehicles, while the MU-X made up over 36 per cent of Isuzu’s local sales last year.

 

Further “traditional” SUV models offered by JAC overseas include (but are not limited to) the seven-seat JS8 Pro, the mid-size JS6 (available in petrol and plug-in hybrid guises), and the compact JS4 (available with both petrol and battery electric power).

 

Should it come to Australia, the JS8 Pro could compete in the family SUV space against the likes of the Chery Tiggo 8, Mitsubishi Outlander, and the MG QS.

 

Meanwhile, selling the JS6 and the JS4 locally would allow JAC to compete in Australia’s highly-lucrative mid-size and small SUV segments respectively.

 

Rivals for the JS6 could include the Chery Tiggo 7 (in both petrol and PHEV guises), the BYD Sealion 5 and Sealion 6, and the GWM Haval H6 (also in petrol and PHEV guises.

 

The JS4 could be positioned as a rival to the Chery Tiggo 4 and the Mahindra XUV 3XO while the battery electric e-JS4 could go up against the BYD Atto 2 and the Leapmotor B10.

 

Beyond SUVs, JAC’s overseas line-up includes the battery electric E30X hatchback, the RF8 MPV (available with both petrol power and as a PHEV), the J7 sedan and its e-J7 BEV equivalent among other offerings.

 

However, none of these models have been officially confirmed by JAC for an Australian release.

 

JAC currently sells the diesel-powered T9 ute in Australia, which will soon be joined by its Hunter plug-in hybrid sibling, reservations for which opened recently.

 

The T9 line-up comprises six variants across dual cab and cab-chassis body styles. Australian prices range from $38,990 to $47,079 before on-road costs.

 

As for the Hunter PHEV, from launch the dual cab model will be sold in entry-level Pro and range-topping X spec, with the line-up expanding soon with a cab-chassis variant. While local pricing is yet to be officially confirmed, it will start from “under $50,000” according to JAC.

 

JAC Motors has released more details regarding its incoming Hunter PHEV – the plug-in hybrid version of the T9 ute that landed on Australian shores back in 2024 – set to wear a starting price starting from “under $50,000” before on-road costs.

 

This pricing is likely to make the Hunter PHEV the cheapest plug-in hybrid ute on sale in Australia when it hits Australian showrooms later this year. 

 

For reference, the GWM Cannon Alpha Lux PHEV – which kicks off the Chinese importer’s PHEV ute range – is priced from $54,490 drive away until 31 May 2026, while the entry-level Shark 6 cab chassis model is priced from $55,900 before on-road costs.

 

The base-model plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger – which is currently on run-out – starts from $62,000 drive away as of 1 April 2026.

 

As of 5 May, prospective customers can secure a Hunter PHEV reservation for a fully refundable $1000, with the first 1000 customers to place a reservation and take delivery receiving either a home EV charger or a $500 JAC genuine accessories voucher.

 

JAC has also officially detailed some of the Hunter PHEV’s specifications.

 

The four-wheel drive powertrain consists of a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, dual electric motors, a 31.2kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery (supporting 3.3kW vehicle-to-load functionality), and a dedicated hybrid transmission for a combined system output of 360kW.

 

A combined torque figure is yet to be officially announced, but the internal combustion engine makes 370Nm, while the front and rear electric motors produce 300Nm and 340Nm respectively.

 

These output figures are good for a 3500kg braked towing capacity, regardless of the battery’s state of charge. JAC also quotes a 915kg payload for the Hunter PHEV.

 

Claimed combined fuel economy is 1.6 litres per 100km on the NEDC cycle with a claimed total driving range of 1005km.

 

It also benefits from local testing, with JAC detailing its 50,000km validation program earlier this year.

 

Two variants will make up the Hunter PHEV dual cab ute range – the entry-level Pro variant and the range-topping X model. However, a cab-chassis variant is also expected soon.

 

JAC is yet to reveal a full list of variant-specific features for the Hunter PHEV.

 

What we do know is that the Hunter Pro will be equipped with chrome exterior elements, a leather-accented interior – complete with black quilting and black stitching – while front and rear differential locks will be available as an optional extra.

 

Meanwhile, the Hunter X receives front and rear differential locks as standard, black exterior elements, red accent stitching in the interior while a sunroof is available as an optional extra.

 

When it was unveiled at the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show, the show car was equipped with a10.4-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

 

Whether the 10.25-inch infotainment cluster will be found in Australian customer cars – as opposed to the seven-inch unit found on its T9 stablemate – remains to be seen.

 

While a full list of safety features is also yet to be confirmed, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and a 360-degree camera have been previously listed among the Hunter PHEV’s ADAS suite. 

 

Based on the T9’s testing results under 2024 protocols, the Hunter PHEV has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

 

The Hunter PHEV will be offered with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty (including for commercial use, a seven-year capped-price servicing program (intervals and pricing to be determined), seven years of roadside assist, and a ute-for-ute warranty loan program.

 

Speaking with media gathered at a pre-production drive of the JAC Hunter PHEV in the Hunter Valley this week, JAC Australia managing director Ahmed Mahmoud said the vehicle can meet the many and varied requirements of Australian buyers.

 

“We have built this vehicle through disciplined localisation, sustained testing, and direct feedback from Australian conditions,” he said.

 

“Over 50,000km of local validation has shaped (the Hunter PHEV). Extreme heat, heavy rain, unsealed roads, towing loads, long distance touring, we have put the vehicle through it all; and along the way, we have done three simple things – we have observed, we have listened, and we have absolutely acted.

 

“For months, Australian new buyers have been weighing up rapidly changing landscapes. Increasingly, they are being shaped by a new reality – the rise of electrification, efficiency, and of course, predominantly for fleets, the total cost of ownership.

 

“What we’re seeing is a clear surge in interest in electrified vehicles as buyers look for stronger performance with lower running costs, improved efficiency without compromise, and technology that can better support both work and lifestyle demands.

 

“So, against that backdrop, the questions have evolved, but the expectations have not. Capability still must come first.

 

“The Hunter Plug-in Hybrid will start from under $50,000 MSRP. A breakthrough position indeed for a vehicle delivering this level of capability, performance and efficiency.”

 

Further details are set to be revealed closer to the Hunter PHEV’s official sales start in mid-2026.

JAC Motors Austraia said an expected 50:50 sales volume split between the JAC T9 diesel ute and the inbound Hunter Plug-In Hybrid will greatly help its New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) position. 

 

Like every car manufacturer in Australia, JAC must meet the requirements of NVES emissions regulations introduced in January 2025.

 

The JAC T9 is classed as a Light Commercial Vehicle or a Type 2 Vehicle under the NVES regulations, meaning under 2026 standards it must emit on average 180 grams of CO2 per kilometre or less to avoid incurring NVES penalties.

 

However, the T9 is rated at a non-compliant 202g/km, but JAC is confident it can balance the NVES scales with its low emissions Hunter PHEV according to its local director of technical and Product Hongjian Jiang.

 

“The CO2 emissions on the NEDC testing cycle for the PHEV is 38 grams per kilometre. It’s very low. So, we will be in a very good position to balance the T9 diesel,” he told GoAuto at a recent preview drive for the Hunter PHEV in NSW.

 

Save for the BYD Shark 6 Performance – for which the brand quotes its WLTP test figure of 23 grams per kilometre – the JAC Hunter PHEV’s carbon emissions are the lowest in Australia’s plug-in hybrid ute segment.

 

For reference, the cab-chassis and non-performance dual cab variants of the BYD Shark 6 are rated at 46g/km on the NEDC cycle.

 

Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger PHEV emits 66g/km while the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV emits 39g/km.

 

JAC Motors Australia managing director Ahmed Mahmoud said he is expecting a 50:50 volume split between the diesel-powered T9 and the plug-in hybrid Hunter, although production remains flexible enough to accommodate a vast majority of either powertrain.

 

“If it’s 100 per cent diesel or 100 per cent hybrid, the factory is agile enough to be able to accommodate what we need here in Australia,” he said.

 

“But I would say it will settle to a point where we’d be around 50:50.

 

“At launch, because there’s going to be your natural early adopters that jump on board, I think you’ll find the ratio will be more in favour of the Hunter before it settles out, because there are still plenty of customers out there that need a diesel ute and (for whom) electrification or plug-in (hybrid technology) just doesn’t work for.”

 

The proposed 50:50 volume split seems to contradict trends in the wider Australian automotive industry.

 

While the PHEV space has grown dramatically in recent years, the technology still holds a relatively small market share compared with vehicles powered solely by internal combustion.

 

According to the latest available data on the Australian Automobile Association’s Electric Vehicle Index, 64.23 per cent of new vehicle sales so far in 2026 are ICE-powered only, while plug-in hybrids make up 6.82 per cent of all new vehicles sold.

 

Looking at 4WD utes, ICE-powered models make up just shy of 90 per cent of new vehicle sales while plug-in hybrids take up 9.55 per cent.

 

The leading success story when it comes to plug-in hybrid ute sales is unquestionably the BYD Shark 6.

 

With 18,073 examples sold in 2025, the Shark 6 was the best-selling plug-in hybrid ute in Australia, but also the best-selling PHEV regardless of segment and the 18th best-selling vehicle overall.

 

Since its Australian arrival back in 2024, just shy of 2000 examples of the JAC T9 diesel ute have been sold on local shores.

 

When the Hunter PHEV goes on sale in the middle of this year, the range will comprise the entry-level Pro and the range-topping X variants, with pricing starting “under $50,000” before on-road costs.

 

A cab-chassis variant of the Hunter PHEV is also expected in the near future.

 

This pricing is likely to make the Hunter PHEV the cheapest plug-in hybrid ute on sale in the Australian market.

 

With an exact figure yet to be revealed, it remains unclear precisely where it will sit relative to its T9 stablemate, which is currently available from $38,990 + ORCs.