Chinese utes gain traction

     Arthur Burkes’s John Veale (left) and Tim McCracken with the new JAC ute at the Amuri A&P Show. Claire Inkson

Chinese-built utes are gaining momentum in the New Zealand market, offering buyers a new value-driven option and beginning to reshape a segment long dominated by familiar brands.

At Arthur Burke Ltd, which has its main branch in Amberley and a second workshop in Waikari, sales manager Tim McCracken says interest in the JAC T9 has been strong, particularly among tradies, while farmers are starting to take a closer look.

“Tradies are fine,” he says. “Farmers are still a little bit reserved. Not against it, but they want to see how it goes over a couple of years.”

That hesitation is less about where the vehicle is built and more about proof over time.

“There’s a bit of a feeling that if they start seeing bigger organisations, like vet clinics or councils, running them, that gives them confidence.”

While newer to New Zealand buyers, JAC has been building vehicles since 1964, with a long track record in commercial trucks and export markets.

But price is where the T9 is gaining traction.

At $47,990 drive away for a cab chassis, it sits well below most of the established players while still delivering a one tonne payload and up to 3,200kg towing.

“The only one that gets close is Mitsubishi,” McCracken says. “They’ve always been at that more affordable end.”

The value equation extends beyond the purchase price.

JAC is backing the T9 with a five year, 200,000km warranty, something McCracken says is helping ease buyers into a new brand.

“When you’re asking people to try something new, that warranty gives them a bit of confidence,” he says.

Specification is another part of the appeal, with features such as leather trim, driver assist systems and a five-star ANCAP safety rating included across the range.

There are also a few touches that lean into everyday use. One of the more talked about features is a centre console that can double as a pie warmer, using airflow from the cabin to keep food warm or cool drinks.

Not essential, but very New Zealand.

Running costs are also entering the conversation. JAC quotes fuel use at 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, with real world figures closer to the low eights depending on use.

Interest is also building around what comes next.

A hybrid version is expected to be revealed at Fieldays in July, and McCracken says enquiries are already coming in.

“Most of the enquiries we’ve had lately are about the hybrid. We can’t do anything with it yet, but people are definitely asking.”

Early sales suggest buyers are willing to take the step.

Arthur Burke sold six units in March, including customers moving out of Hilux, Navara and Colorado models.

“They were all a bit nervous at the start, but so far no regrets,” McCracken says.

The T9 runs a 2.0 litre turbo diesel paired with an eight-speed automatic. It is not chasing top end power, but McCracken says its simplicity may work in its favour.

“There’s plenty that can go wrong with modern vehicles. This hasn’t gone over the top. “It’s been built to a good standard without overcomplicating it,” he says.

The long-term test, however, is still to come.

“If the reliability is there, that’s what will establish the brand,” McCracken says.

Backing and support are part of that equation.

In New Zealand, JAC vehicles are brought in by NZ Automotive Ltd, part of Colonial Motor Group, with parts supported through Southpac Trucks.

“That’s where people get a bit more confidence. It’s not just something that’s turned up out of nowhere,” he says.

For now, the shift appears to be building steadily.

For many buyers, these utes are fast becoming a serious contender rather than an alternative.