Astara Philippines has been chosen as the official distributor of Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) pickup trucks for the local market. The company currently holds the distributorship of Peugeot and GAC Motor locally, but this is the first time it has brought in a brand with a strong pick-up truck portfolio.
The JMC Grand Avenue
According to Astara PH, JMC’s local entry under its wing coincides with its strategy of expanding in Southeast Asia. With the new brand, the company is set to establish a more solid dealer network, and potentially become a big contender in the pickup truck segment.
Note likewise that the relationship between Astara and JMC isn’t actually new. In 2019, the company also started to operate JMC’s business in the South American countries of Chile, Bolivia, and Columbia.
Grand Avenue from the rear
With regard to this development, Astara CEO Jorge Navea said: “At astara we are honored to include JMC in our distribution activities in The Philippines. This leading brand stands as a great asset to our portfolio in the Philippines, aligning perfectly with astara’s vision for the future of mobility. Our successful representation of the brand in other countries demonstrates our ability to serve its loyal customers, dealer network, and business partners".
For now, the company has yet to specify which JMC model it will bring into the Philippines. There is a good chance, however, that it will be the JMC Grand Avenue mid-size pickup truck.
Grand Avenue's cockpit
In other markets, the JMC Grand Avenue uses a 2.3-liter turbodiesel engine or a 2.3-liter turbocharged gasoline mill. At maximum, the diesel option can churn out 174 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. The Grand Avenue’s gasoline engine meanwhile, can generate up to 245 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Either engine is then paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox or a six-speed manual transmission.
Other notable features present aboard this truck include a touchscreen infotainment system, tailgate assist, keyless entry, and one-touch start, as well as a Borg Warner 4x4 system.
For more details on JMC’s upcoming models, keep it here on Philkotse.