JMC Grand Avenue targets mid-spec Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger

The JMC Grand Avenue shown in the flesh on 26 March 2026 in Midrand. Picture: Supplied Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer, Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), plans to further expand its local bakkie line-up in the coming months. After rolling out the work-ready Vigus Pro and step-up Vigus in the first quarter of 2026, the manufacturer is now gearing up to introduce the even fancier Grand Avenue by June.

The bakkie’s styling resembles American “pick-up trucks” like the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-150. JMC gave a glimpse of the Grand Avenue when it introduced the all-new Vigus in Midrand last week and also disclosed limited details around the incoming bakkie. The biggest news is that it will feature an up-tuned version ofthe 2.5-litre turbodiesel enginethat powers the Vigus.

The mill produces 155kW of power and 500Nm of torque, which places it smack-bang in the territory of the 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre Toyota Hilux and 154kW/500Nm 2.0-litre bi-turbo Ford Ranger. The JMC Grand Avenue will not only go up against flagship models of the GWM P300 and JAC T9, but also mid-spec derivatives of the Hilux, Ranger and 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre Isuzu D-Max. The Grand Avenue features an eight-speed automatic gearbox and BorgWarner four-wheel drive system.

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It has a rated towing capacity of 3.5 tons. The bakkie brings very competitive pricing to the table. The flagship JMC Vigus costs R499 900.

According to Brian Smith, marketing and product director at Salvador Caetano South Africa that imports the bakkies, the Grand Avenue won’t be priced to far beyond the Vigus. In its home market, the JMC Grand Avenue comes with LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, folding electric mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and a sunroof.

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