Salvador Caetano South Africa, the recently appointed importer and distributor of JMC, has confirmed the local introduction of the Carrying Plus truck, a commercial vehicle designed for demanding professionals.
Following on the recent announcement of the local introduction of the current-generation Vigus bakkie range in South Africa, this latest addition reinforces Salvador Caetano’s promise of renewed vigour and focus, stronger global and local backing, as well as a clear mission of establishing products which are Built for More.
The reintroduction of the brand locally includes a plan to roll out 40 JMC dealerships nationwide by 2026, with showrooms receiving both the current-generation JMC Vigus Single Cab and Double Cab ranges this week, alongside the reintroduction of the current-generation Carrying Plus Truck.
The reintroduction of the Carrying Plus – which forms part of the comprehensive product plan for JMC bakkies and trucks targeting consumer needs locally – addresses the commercial need for a truck that combines robustness through to an innovative and reinforced chassis, with an overall lightweight yet highly durable structure that stands up to the demands of everyday work.
Designed with maximum efficiency, advanced safety and convenience in mind, the Carrying Plus is powered by a 2.8-litre diesel powertrain, producing 68kw and 210Nm. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, this truck has a rated top-speed of 100km/h, making it no slouch in the daily delivery-cycle, with the 83-litre fuel tank, and 8l/100km fuel consumption rating ensuring a generous range between daily deliveries.
Fleet owners will also appreciate that safety features like power steering, exhaust brake, and ABS are standard, making for an overall safer driving experience. Reinforced front and rear beams, and stabilizing bar, add to the safety bouquet on offer.
On sale in three different configurations, the Carrying Plus promises to address customer needs across various sectors including logistics, construction, delivery operations, cargo and fleet deliveries, and everyday commercial use. Boasting a reinforced steel rear axle, stronger chassis, and heavy-duty components for higher payload capacity – along with cargo baseboard as standard – the Carrying Plus is engineered to adapt to the needs of small businesses, growing fleets, and large-scale operations.
The Chassis Cab, at a hard-to-ignore starting price of R299 900 (excluding Vat), offers customers an adaptable entry-point into the Carrying Plus range, which can be configured by owners into whichever configuration suits the relevant business need. Be it a tipper or a refrigerated solution, the chassis cab provides the foundation for real adaptability and a solution-driven focus.
The Dropside offering, at R347 739 (excluding Vat), features an open, flat load bed surrounded by hinged side-doors and a hinged tail-door. All these doors can be lowered for quick and easy loading or unloading from any side of the bed. The Dropside derivative makes for the ideal solution when transporting bulky, irregular or even palletised goods, with lashing points adding to both convenience and safety attributes. The construction industry is especially fond of this derivative for moving items like bricks and sand between construction sites, while this open design is also favoured for agricultural deliveries and general haulage. The Dropside is your answer for loading materials that are not easily accessible through enclosed doors.
The Box Van, at a very competitively priced R365 130 (excluding Vat) offers generous dimensions of 5980 x 2130 x 3085 and ticks the box of being the more traditional truck offering. With rear dimensions alone of 4080 x 2050 x 2050, this is a truck designed to haul those big loads over shorter or longer distances with ease. Combine this with a wheelbase of 3 360mm and operators are ensured of stability and ride quality that excels in the segment. The Box Van is the off-the-shelf solution for small businesses, growing fleets, and large-scale haulage operators.
Across the range the driver’s high-strength cab offers tilting functionality, along with ergonomic seating for a driver and two passengers. On the safety front drivers will appreciate that remote central locking, radio with MP3 and USB, multifunction and adjustable steering wheel, power windows, quick-cooling air conditioning, reverse warning, and front fog and clearance lamps are all standard fare.
Improved noise insulation in the cabin is a key consideration, as well as storage with no less than eleven easy storage areas identified for driver and passenger convenience. Designers further factored in an easy to reach control panel, and the use of high-quality materials throughout the interior, ensuring durability and resistance to everyday wear and tear.
The Carrying Plus, a product based on an accumulation of rich manufacturing technology with manufacturing partner Isuzu, assures local customers of high-level quality and durability. JMC started its truck manufacturing journey in 1967, with almost six decades under its commercial-vehicle belt giving the Carrying Plus the credence to meet and deliver on all local expectations.
Carrying Plus enjoys Isuzu as an engine partner and Getrag as a gearbox partner, alongside other global partners including Honeywell for the turbocharger and Bosch for many other key componentry. Durability testing at the gruelling testing grounds in Xiangyang included hundreds of hours on different surfaces for stability, driving performance and comfort levels, ensuring that this final current-gen product will meet even the most arduous of local commercial demands.
Highlights on the design front include a simple yet fashionable take on this segment, with low wind resistance; sharp, aerodynamic lines; and little touches like the Tiger power headlamps, safety corner lamps and vertical door handles all adding up to a modern package – and the Carrying Plus winning many prestigious design awards in home-market China.
“Whether it’s long-distance transport or carrying heavy loads, the Carrying Plus is the ideal choice for those seeking a truck that delivers power, efficiency, and reliability in every situation,” says Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director at Salvador Caetano South Africa. “JMC is a global powerhouse, backed by 34 000 employees and selling approximately half a million cars annually across the globe, all equating to a revenue base of approximately R325-billion in 2024 alone, making this brand easily poised to compete with locally established Commercial Vehicle players, some of which share similar intrinsic DNA to the Carrying Plus”.
The Carrying Plus goes on sale this week and includes a 5-year/150 000km warranty, visit www.jmcsouthafrica.co.za for additional product information or to find your nearest dealer.
Chassis Cab – R299 900 (excluding Vat)
Dropside – R347 739 (excluding Vat)
Box Van – R365 130 (excluding Vat)
