JMC targets fleets with aggressive pricing push

JMC is offering South African fleet operators aggressively priced bakkies and light trucks, positioning total cost of ownership (TCO) at the centre of its growing fleet strategy. COLIN WINDELL reports that some pretty terrific deals are on offer.

With TCO now a decisive factor in fleet and business purchasing, JMC (Jiangling Motor Corporation) – newly imported and distributed in South Africa by the Salvador Caetano Group – is entering the market with highly competitive pricing across both bakkies and light trucks.

Marking its 80^th anniversary, the Portuguese Salvador Caetano Group, which operates in 50 countries and generated €5 billion in revenue in 2024, is shifting from a manufacturing partner and niche distributor to a more direct market competitor.

“Our plan for the group was, and remains, to grow and expand,” says Leslie Ramsoomar, managing director of Salvador Caetano South Africa. “We started with GAC here, now we have JMC, and our footprint continues to increase. This will necessitate more frequent engagement with the market.”

In the key single-cab segment, the Vigus Single Cab is priced at R299,900. Although effectively an outgoing model with a new-generation Vigus range due in April, it will continue to serve as the entry-level offering.

Powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, the model comes standard with 17-inch wheels, cruise control, electronic stability control (ESP) and a five-year/100,000-km warranty.

While the average price of a 4×2 double cab has risen to well over R600,000 today, JMC is countering with the Vigus Pro 4×2 Automatic at R439,900. This model features a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, along with a modern 9.7-inch touchscreen offering wireless smartphone integration.

The Vigus Pro 4×4 Automatic, priced at R499,900, adds a BorgWarner four-wheel-drive system and an Eaton rear differential lock – equipment often reserved for significantly higher-priced competitors.

Expanding into the commercial arena

Beyond bakkies, JMC is also introducing the Carrying Plus range into the medium commercial vehicle (MCV) sector. Built around the proven 2.8-litre 4J-series diesel engine – well regarded for durability in local conditions – the range starts with a chassis-cab variant for customisation priced at under R300,000. A ready-to-work dropside model is priced at R399,900, while a box-van derivative is available at R420,000. The focus remains on low TCO, reliability and a driver-focused cabin.

To support this expansion, JMC is rapidly building its retail network, with 29 dealerships already operational and a target of 40 nationwide by the end of 2026.