At last year’s Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), Madrid-headquartered global automotive distributor Astara unveiled the JMC brand – or at least its more passenger-oriented portfolio – to the public. Of course, the JMC (also known as Jiangling Motors Group Co., Limited or JMCG) marque has been known here for its trucking/logistics solutions, but Astara Philippines now has the rights to distribute its more, well, everyday-use offerings – specifically the JMC and Vigus and Grand Avenue pickup models.
In an exclusive interview with this writer, Astara Philippines Sales Director MJ del Pilar narrated, “When we launched the JMC brand, our intention at that time… was to come in with pickup vehicles. We all know the Philippines is pickup territory; almost half of the commercial vehicle segment (sales are comprised) of pickups. Even in Metro Manila and NCR, almost 40% of the market are pickups. So at that time, we said the best way to enter the Philippines is through a segment that can serve a larger customer base.”
More than a year hence, JMC is making not a pivot but a measured expansion of its portfolio with the recent local launch of the EV2 and EV3 – two battery electric vehicle (BEVs) that are, notably, very affordably priced.
“We realized, together with our partners, that the Philippine market has so much potential,” Del Pilar continued. “Studies were made, research was made, and we came to a point where we decided that the best strategy to take is to go on a sustainable mobility path for a cleaner and greener future. I think you have seen this through other brands offering electric vehicles or hybrids for the Filipino customers.”
There’s no better time today for JMC Philippines, asserted Del Pilar, because the average buyer “right now is at the level of maturity to understand the value proposition that the electric vehicles are providing.”
Both compact electrics are significantly more affordable than many offerings out there, and the EV2 and the EV3 are positioned, said the executive as “practically compact vehicles, but nonetheless, as you have seen, they are very comfortable. They’re very spacious. The ride is very comfortable, and we have already made dynamic runs with these (two models).”
The EV2 stretches 3,500mm, stands 1,460mm, and is 1,646mm wide. Driving it is a permanent magnet synchronous motor with an output rating of 26kW (35ps) and 84Nm, connected to a 15.86kWh lithium ion phosphate battery. Despite its small size and modest output, JMC – or, more correctly, JMEV (Jiangxi Jiangling Group New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd.), a joint venture of Jiangling Motors Corporation Group and China Agricultural Development Construction Fund Corporation – reports a maximum driving range of 201 kilometers and maximum speed of 105kph for the EV2. The four seater can also take 105 liters of cargo.
The EV2 features a full glass tailgate with a wide opening angle to improve rear visibility, 14-inch aluminum alloy blade wheels, a nine-inch central touchscreen, and a high-strength body reinforced with front anti-collision beams. Standard safety measures include ABS with EBD, an automatic locking system, hill start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
On the other hand, the EV3 is slightly larger at 3,720mm long, 1,640mm wide, and 1,535mm tall. Similarly front-wheel-driven, effective range between full charges of the 31.15kWh ternary lithium battery is a maximum of 330 kilometers, per JMEV. Top speed is 115kph. The EV3 can also accommodate four people within, and a further 177 liters of load in its trunk.
The EV3 gets highlights such as dynamic illumination on the front grille, a 10.1-inch HD touchscreen, keyless start entry, a 360-degree camera system, ABS with EBD, seat belt reminders, Isofix child seat anchors, hill start assist, TPMS, and a high-strength body reinforced with front anti-collision beams made from 1,500MPa thermal-formed steel.
The EV2 is priced at P668,000, while the EV3 costs P788,000.
“The reason why we chose these vehicles at these price points… is because we want to give the Filipino people the opportunity to purchase an electric vehicle. We truly all know that, of course, electric vehicles do not come really cheap. But since we had options like these, we deem these price points are the best price points to offer to the market – whether you purchase them through cash or financing,” maintained Del Pilar. “These are a good opportunity to now consider an electric vehicle. You can also (take advantage of) financing schemes that will allow you to purchase them. That’s the support, of course, that the banks are giving to us.”
For more information, visit the nearest JMC Cars dealership or follow its official channels for inquiries and test drive: https://jmcph.com/, Facebook and Instagram (JMCCarsPH). JMC Cars Philippines currently has nine operational showrooms – a number that may grow by four or five before the year is done.
