Chinese JAC Motors Starts to Deliver Cars on March 18th

J6 minivan can carry seven people

The arrival of JAC Motors in Brazil represents a further step by the Chinese auto industry here. Although there are already other brands imported from China sold in Brazil, it is the first time that Chinese models appear to have any chance to complete with the automakers who already established in Brazilian soil.

The ZAP Carros attended the official launch of the JAC and its first two models---hatchback J3 and sedan J3 Turin, and found a significant improvement in quality of finishing and construction, making a comparison with other Chinese brands.

JAC J6

Besides coming with the best products of the country, JAC Motors offers Brazilian consumers a dealer network that the other manufacturers in this country have not yet. On March 18, 50 stores will be opened simultaneously with the delivery of the first sold 200 cars.

The family of J3 arrives to compete in the range of R$ 40,000. The hatchback of R$37,900, while the sedan has a suggest price of R$39,900. The competitive targets are compact auto models.

JAC J5 midsize sedan has the size similar to the Fiat Linea

Later in this year, two other models will intensify the competition for Brazilian pockets. In June, J6 will come, a seven-seat minivan with a similar size to the Chevrolet Zafira. In September, the big sedan J5 will have its debut. A fourth model will come in the next year, the J2, which is a super compact with the size of Kia Picanto.

The prediction of Sergio Habib, president of SHC, responsible for the arrival of JAC Motors in Brazil, is selling 35,000 units in 2011, get 1% of the market share. "The auto makers that have longer history in Brazil will lose their market shares" he says. "Even if sales increase, their market share will be lower."

The family of J3 arrives to compete in the range of R$ 40,000. The hatchback of R$37,900, while the sedan has a suggest price of R$39,900. The competitive targets are compact models, such as Fiat Palio, Volkswagen Fox, Renault Sandero, Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Corsa (hatchbacks) and Fiat Siena, VW Voyage, Renault Logan and Ford Fiesta (sedans).

Later in this year, two other models will intensify the competition for Brazilian pockets. In June, J6 will come, a seven-seat minivan with a similar size to the Chevrolet Zafira. In September, the big sedan J5 will have its debut. A fourth model will come in the next year, the J2, which is a super compact with the size of Kia Picanto.

J2 compact was presented, but will not be sold this year

Habib also promises the lowest price of category maintenance. The first maintenance of 2,500 km is built into the price. The second, 5,000 km, will cost R$87. From this mileage, the visits to dealership are made every 5,000 km.

For now, the line J3 comes with 1.4 petrol engine. For the next year, it is expected to receive a bi-fuel version, but the details were not disclosed.