JAC Motors Australia has completed initial local testing of the highly anticipated JAC Hunter plug-in hybrid dual-cab 4×4 ute at the globally acclaimed Lang Lang Proving Ground.
The engineering evaluation phase establishes the baseline for optimising JAC’s first plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute for Australia’s demanding climates and diverse real-world conditions.
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By the conclusion of the local development program, engineers will have completed more than 50,000 kilometres of testing on Australian roads and tracks.
“Our most exhaustive and ambitious program to date”
Ahmed Mahmoud, Managing Director of JAC Motors Australia, said the Hunter program represents the brand’s most comprehensive local engineering effort so far.
“This local development program is our most exhaustive and ambitious to date,” said Mahmoud. “It will push JAC Hunter – and engineers from China and Australia – to the absolute limit.
“By the time JAC Hunter goes on sale, it will not just represent outstanding value, provide exceptional practicality, and come with JAC’s industry-leading warranty program. It will be match-fit and ready for Australia.”
Comprehensive local evaluation
The JAC Hunter made its world premiere at the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show in April, showcasing rugged styling and a turbocharged petrol/electric hybrid powertrain.
Since then, the vehicle has undergone extensive evaluation to ensure suitability for Australian conditions, with Lang Lang forming a key stage of the program.
This phase was conducted in partnership with Segula Technologies Australia, an independent engineering firm with experience across vehicle design, development and production.
Testing has covered a broad range of systems, including durability and dynamics, powertrain performance and calibration, towing and load-carrying capability, on-road and off-road performance, acceleration and braking, and ADAS systems.
Engineering for Australian conditions
JAC Motors Australia Technical Director Hongjian Jiang described Lang Lang as a world-class facility uniquely suited to adapting global vehicles for local requirements.
“Lang Lang has been globally recognised as an automotive centre of excellence for many decades. The extensive real-world testing we can replicate on its many arduous bitumen, dirt and offroad circuits all contributes to optimising JAC’s first plug-in hybrid ute for Australian conditions – and for Australian ute buyers.”
Jiang added that partnering with Segula strengthens the program’s technical depth.
“Segula is a recognised leader in Australian automotive development, and JAC will benefit greatly from their experience optimising global vehicles for success in Australia,” he said.
With local validation well underway and more than 50,000 kilometres of development targeted, JAC Hunter’s program signals the brand’s intent to deliver a plug-in hybrid ute engineered specifically for Australian expectations.