JAC T9 bakkie beats Isuzu KB and Toyota Hilux endurance records

Many years ago, endurance records was one the most popular ways vehicle manufacturers showcased their vehicle’s reliability and performance capabilities to the buying public.

How it worked was that you went to a bona fide test facility and drove your vehicles flat out for 24 hours or longer under the watchful eyes of independent observers and announced the result to the world.

It was very much a tit-for-tat game back then, with manufacturer after manufacturer all looking to outdo the other. Toyota set the benchmark in 2003 when they averaged a speed of 159.1km/h for 24 hours at Gerotek in their Hilux.

Isuzu hit back in 2010 when they averaged 169.3km/h at the same venue and over the same period with their KB. A record they have held up onto for 15 years.

ALSO READ: Plug-in hybrid JAC T9’s switch flipped for South Africa

JAC T9 the new champion

JAC Motors has just gone and taken the crown from Isuzu with their T9 2.0L CTi by covering 4 084km at an average speed of 170.1km/h at the very same Gerotek, just outside Pretoria in South Africa.

The 24-hour endurance challenge was the brainchild of adventurer and content creator Danie Botha from Wild in SA.

“The idea was to have a bit of fun with the IndyCar races in the US, 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 JAC T9 over 24 hours.”

“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 JAC products,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.

Convincing the public

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?

ALSO READ: AC T9 shows Chinese bakkies can threaten Hilux and Ranger

“We’ve ticked all the boxes after eight years of local trading, building a network of over 70 dealers across Southern Africa, delivering great after-sales service and consistent parts supply to more than 7 000 satisfied 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.”

The 24-hour endurance challenge, held on 12 and 13 April, took a casual approach with no specialised tools used during pit stops. Four racing drivers, Michele Habig, Setshaba Mashigo, Phillip Kekana and Daniel Barbosa, all of whom are also driving instructors, took on the mammoth task of attempting to break Isuzu’s South African 24-endurance record set in 2010 in the JAC T9.

Hats off the drivers

“When I watched historic footage of Isuzu’s meticulously executed attempt — precision pit stops, high-pressure fuel systems, and a trained crew — I wasn’t always confident we would break the record, especially when compared to our video production team and helpers taking over five minutes per pit stop. The pressure mounted, but our drivers stayed focused and committed to chasing the record,” says Göbel.

Continental Tyre SA sponsored the 24-hour endurance race, fitting the JAC T9 with CrossContact ATR tyres. Engen sponsored the fuel for the 24-hour endurance event.

“This remarkable achievement coincided with the finalisation of our new warranty for the T9 line-up. With confidence, we are extending the standard 100 000km warranty to 200 000km over five years, effective from 1 March 2025. The new five-year/200 000km warranty is backed by a five-year/100 000km service plan,” concludes Göbel.

ALSO READ: VIDEO: JAC T9 makes a strong case silencing the sceptics

JAC T9 heads bakkie line-up

JAC Motors entered the South African market in 2017 with the X200 2.8L TDI 1.5-ton forward-cab workhorse. Its X-Series has since grown to include a unique double-cab derivative and the new battery-electric X200 EV 1.9-ton.

Launched in 2018, the T-Series is now led by the flagship JAC T9 2.0L CTi.