Astara, which exclusively imports and distributes GAC and Peugeot vehicles in the Philippines, recently added JMC to the list of distinguished brands under its management.
JMC’s inclusion is no surprise since Astara has been operating the Chinese truck manufacturer’s business in Chile, Bolivia and Columbia since 2019.
Astara CEO Jorge Navea said in a statement: “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.”
Headquartered in Nanchang, Jiangxi in China, Jiangling Motors Corporation Ltd. or JMC started as an Isuzu distributor in the early 1980s.
But by 1993, JMC, after mastering the key core technology of how to produce durable light trucks and their engines, decided to carry out its own independent brand research and development.
The result: High-quality trucks with price tags that are much lower than its competitors, enabling JMC to steadily build a loyal customer base in the Chinese market.
Exporting to over 80 countries
After forming a strategic partnership with Ford in 1995, a first in China, JMC started producing co-developed commercial vehicle models, including light buses. JMC soon began exporting its products to more than 80 countries around the world.
In several of these markets, JMC even turned out as one of the best-selling brands in the pickup truck segment, which included its Vigor and Baodian models that are among the most popular pickup trucks for civilian or military use.
Astara’s distribution of the JMC brand in the Philippines also consolidates the company’s strategic expansion in Southeast Asia that started in 2021.
Details haven’t been released on what JMC pickup truck model will be introduced in the Philippines, but based on teasers it might be JMC’s Grand Avenue pickup truck.
This particular model is powered by a Euro 6C standard, 2.3-liter turbo-diesel (174 hp with 450 Nm) and a 2.3-liter turbo-gasoline engine (242 hp and 400 Nm). Both engines are mated to either a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox or a 6-speed manual transmission supplied by German manufacturing company Getrag.
Astara’s primary focus is to be able to build a solid dealer network, achieve leadership in the pickup truck segment, and implement effective strategies to promote and strengthen the brand’s image and products.
Suen Xiaoquan, president of Jiangxi Jiangling Motors Import & Export Co., said that they are delighted to be collaborating with Astara in the pickup vehicle market.
“Together, we will offer more choices, better options, and exceptional customer service, all designed to meet the evolving needs of the market and exceed the expectations of Philippine consumers,” Xiaoquan said.
