The JAC Motors’ T9 2.0L Cti broke the 15-year-old 24-hour endurance record for commercial vehicles with 4 084 kilometres at an average speed of 170.1km/h.
Image: Supplied
As so often happens in South Africa, there’s lots of banter around a braai fire as well as discussions, heated arguments and occasionally, there’s even a challenge thrown in which, more often than not, is forgotten when the fires have died down.
This was pretty much the case when adventurer and content creator Danie Botha from Wild in SA and a couple of mates came up with the idea of beating the official South African 24-hour Endurance Record for commercial vehicles.
The challenge
Enter the JAC Motors’ T9 2.0L Cti and 4 084 kilometres later at an average speed of 170.1km/h at Gerotek, just outside Pretoria, that record is now held by a Chinese bakkie.
The 15-year-old record was previously held by Isuzu with their KB300 TDi averaging 169.3km/h and covering 4 063 kilometres in 24 hours.
"The idea was to have a bit of fun with the IndyCar races in the USA, while giving the motoring public a glimpse into the thrilling world of endurance racing, unofficially attempting to break a 15-year-old record using just one T9 over 24 hours," explained Botha.
"When the 24-hour endurance challenge idea was pitched, we immediately knew it was a great opportunity to showcase the outstanding reliability and durability of our products," said Karl-Heinz Göbel, the CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.
The 24-hour endurance challenge took a casual approach with no specialised tools used during pit stops.
Image: Supplied
Casual
The 24-hour endurance challenge took a casual approach with no specialised tools used during pit stops. Four drivers; Michele Habig, Setshaba Mashigo, Phillip Kekana and Daniel Barbosa, all of whom are also driving instructors, took on the task of attempting to break Isuzu's record set in 2010.
The JAC T9 2.0L Cti is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine providing 125kW and 410Nm coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Key questions
Göbel says market research shows car buyers ask four key questions about Chinese vehicles: are they reliable, are parts supply consistent, how many dealerships support after-sales service, and what trade-in value can you expect when it is time to sell in a few years?
"We've ticked all the boxes after eight years of local trading, building a network of over 70 dealers across Southern Africa, delivering after-sales service and consistent parts supply to more than 7 000 customers. This 24-endurance challenge proves JAC Motors' reliability — our vehicles are as tough and reliable as any established brand — and we are here to compete with the best."