While most Chinese brands have been launching crossovers and people haulers lately, Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) is going another way. It will launch two pickups for the local market at the upcoming 2024 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS): the JMC Grand Avenue and the JMC Vigus.
Let’s start with the Grand Avenue, and like the model name, its design is very much American-inspired, with headlights shaped like those of the Ford F-150. It’s somewhere between mid- and full-size, measuring 5,450mm long, 1,935mm wide, and 1,872mm tall. For reference, the F-150’s midsize sibling, the Ranger, stands 5,370mm long, 1,918mm wide, and 1,884mm tall in Wildtrak 4x4 trim.
There’s one gasoline and one diesel option available, but our market will most likely get the 2.3-liter turbodiesel engine with 174hp and 450Nm of torque, capable of returning up to 12.8km/L. Whichever engine we’re getting, JMC has announced that it will come with a lifetime engine warranty.
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Local specs have not been disclosed yet, but the brochure on the global site indicates that a 10-inch multimedia touchscreen is standard across the range, and higher-spec trims getting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This flagship pickup is available in 4x2 and 4x4 spec, with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Compared with the Grand Avenue, the Vigus is more basic and utilitarian. JMC describes it as “a versatile and fuel-efficient daily driver, offering the best value, best suited for business fleet needs.” Again, there’s a diesel and a gasoline option, but our money’s on the diesel being offered here. The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine makes 129hp and 315Nm in Euro 4 spec, and is paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
“We are ready to meet the demand for cutting-edge pickups in the country,” said Arlan Reyes, brand head of JMC Philippines. “The launch of our new models brings better options into the market, offering Filipinos a choice for performance, efficiency, and comfort with the best value for money. Backed by the support of Astara Philippines, JMC is ready to kick off a prosperous journey in the Philippines.”
No final prices have been released for the pickups yet, but JMC Philippines has revealed indicative ranges: sub-P1 million to P1.11 million for the Vigus, and P1.221 million to P1.569 million for the Grand Avenue. Think these prices will attract interest to these models?
More photos of the JMC Grand Avenue:
More photos of the JMC Vigus:
UPDATE, 20 March 2024: This article was edited to add indicative pricing for the Vigus and the Grand Avenue.
