JMC has revealed its full native automobile mannequin vary and pricing, marking a daring new chapter below the distribution of Salvador Caetano South Africa. It is a vigorous relaunch, with contemporary power, sharper focus, and a lineup able to sort out the bakkie market.
JMC, or Jiangling Motors Corporation Limited, has gone by a whole strategic revitalisation. It is rebuilding the model expertise from the bottom up. Upgraded dealership requirements, stronger aftersales help, and a refined product vary are all a part of the plan. The aim is to roll out 40 JMC dealerships nationwide by the top of 2026, making certain that prospects throughout South Africa can have easy accessibility to gross sales, servicing, and help.
Leading the cost on this launch section are the JMC Vigus Single Cab and Double Cab, each provided in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. They are joined by the Carrying Plus, which arrives in three totally different physique guises to go well with varied enterprise wants. JMC is clearly aiming to cowl all bases.
More essential, it’s aiming at critical gross sales quantity, given its pricing technique (see beneath).
Of course, the actual enjoyable begins behind the wheel, particularly within the JMC Vigus 4X4. I had the chance to be a passenger whereas Thami Masemola put the Vigus 4X4 by its paces in an off-roading expertise on the Lion Park. There is one thing splendidly surreal concerning the automobile being engaged into low-range whereas figuring out a lion lazily stretches within the distance. It will not be the typical off-road route, however it’s a good place to understand simply how succesful this bakkie is.
The Vigus 4X4 tackled uneven tracks, unfastened gravel, rocky sections, and deep ruts with aplomb. The four-wheel-drive system delivered good traction, maintaining the automobile secure and composed even when the terrain tried its greatest to be dramatic. Ground clearance proved greater than ample, permitting us to glide over obstacles that will produce other autos scraping nervously beneath. The suspension soaked up bumps with ease, making the journey really feel managed slightly than bone-rattling.
What stood out most was how approachable the off-road expertise felt. This will not be a bakkie that calls for expert-level talent to get pleasure from its capabilities. Engaging the 4X4 system was simple, and the Vigus responded accordingly.
Back on smoother roads, the Vigus settled into a cushty and easy drive, proving that rugged doesn’t should imply tough. It balances workhorse toughness with on a regular basis usability, making it simply as appropriate for weekday duties as it’s for weekend escapes.
*Pricing for the JMC line-up is as follows:
| Model | Specification | Price excluding VAT | Price together with VAT |
| JMC Vigus | Single Cab 4X2 MT | R260,783 | R299,900 |
| JMC Vigus | Double Cab 4×2 AT | R382,522 | R439,900 |
| JMC Vigus | Double Cab 4×4 AT | R434,696 | R499,900 |
| JMC Carrying Plus | Chassis Cab | R299,900 | R344,885 |
| JMC Carrying Plus | Dropside | R347,739 | R399,900 |
| JMC Carrying Plus | Box Van | R365,130 | R419,900 |
* Sheryl Goldstuck is common supervisor of World Wide Worx and editor of GadgetWheels. Follow her on Bluesky on @crazycatbuzz.bsky.social.