New ute brand JMC hits NZ roads ahead of 2027 launch

Another ute brand is preparing to enter New Zealand, with JMC testing its Vigus and Grand Avenue double-cabs on local roads ahead of a planned launch in the new year.

The Chinese manufacturer is starting with two diesel-powered, four-wheel-drive utes. They will arrive in a market already packed with established names and new challengers, but JMC has yet to announce local pricing or the complete equipment list.

JMC's local distributor says its validation programme will assess how the vehicles cope with New Zealand conditions, including towing, carrying loads and driving on and off road. The results will be shared with JMC's engineers as the brand prepares for launch.

What are the two utes?

The JMC New Zealand website lists the Vigus and Grand Avenue as double-cab models, both with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, an eight-speed automatic and four-wheel drive.

The Vigus is listed with 123kW and 430Nm, and a braked towing capacity of up to 2,500kg. The Grand Avenue gets more power and torque, at 155kW and 500Nm, with a claimed braked towing capacity of up to 3,500kg.

Those towing figures are maximums, so buyers will need to check the limits and conditions for their particular vehicle and load once the final local details are available.

What about price and warranty?

JMC is advertising a seven-year, 200,000km factory warranty across its local landing page. As always, buyers should check the full warranty terms and servicing requirements when the final offer is available.

The brand has not published complete NZ prices and specifications for the two utes. Those details will be important in a segment where payload, safety equipment, running costs and after-sales support can matter as much as purchase price.

An initial dealer network is being prepared in the North and South Islands. The distributor is also working with accessory suppliers so owners can tailor their utes for work or leisure.

When will they arrive?

The latest distributor announcement points to a launch in the new year, although the JMC NZ website still refers to the brand coming in 2026. We will update the timing once a firm local on-sale date is available.

For buyers considering a ute, the Grand Avenue's claimed towing figure and the Vigus's more modest output provide an early indication of how the two could fit different jobs. Whether they offer good value will depend on the final prices, specifications and how they stack up on local roads.

Images: JMC New Zealand.