The JMC brand has been officially announced in Malaysia. JMC stands for Jiangling Motors Co, and it’s the sixth largest commercial vehicle brand in China. The Nanchang-based company has appointed Angka-Tan Motor (ATM) – a subsidiary of Bursa-listed Warisan TC Holdings and part of the Tan Chong Group – as the official distributor in Malaysia. Their first model is the JMC Vigus Pro 4×4 pick-up truck. Both parties signed an agreement on July 1 last year that gives ATM the sole right to manufacture, assemble and sell the JMC Vigus Pro truck and related parts and components in Malaysia. ATM plans to offer the Vigus Pro at 13 sales and service outlets nationwide.
ATM has released initial details on the Malaysia-spec JMC Vigus Pro, with detailed specs to come later this month. The truck will be powered by a 2.0 litre turbodiesel using variable geometry turbo (VGT), packing 141 PS at 3,600 rpm and 340 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 2,600 rpm. The TDI is paired to an eight-speed ZF-sourced automatic transmission with manual mode.
The Vigus Pro’s 4WD system is by BorgWarner, and it has the usual 2H, 4H and 4L modes, along with a rear differential lock by Eaton. ATM claims class-leading fuel economy of 7.8 litres per 100 km, which is 12.8 km/l. In terms of kit, only a reverse camera was mentioned in the press release, but the JMC Malaysia website also shows a Bosch ESP pack that also includes ABS, EBD, traction control, hill descent control and hill start assist.
A small gallery on the site teasing the Vigus Pro shows a multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles, cruise control, auto headlamps, 8.0-inch touchscreen head unit with the above-mentioned reverse camera, electronic gear selector stick, power adjustable and retractable side mirrors with LED turn signals and heater and a fibreglass sports bar. Four colours are listed – Brilliant Silver, Glossy Black, Solid White and the curiously named Steady Brown. Now open for booking, the JMC Vigus Pro 4×4 can be viewed at ATM’s flagship showroom in Klang.
