JAC Motors Australia has completed initial local testing of the highly anticipated JAC Hunter plug-in hybrid Dual-Cab 4×4 Utility at the globally-acclaimed Lang Lang Proving Ground.
This engineering evaluation phase of Hunter’s comprehensive local engineering program establishes the baseline for optimising JAC’s first plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute for Australia’s demanding climates and diverse real-world conditions.
By the program’s conclusion, engineers will have completed more than 50,000km in development of the PHEV on Australian roads and tracks.
“This local development program is our most exhaustive and ambitious to date,” said Ahmed Mahmoud, Managing Director of JAC Motors Australia. “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.”
JAC Hunter made its world premiere at the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show in April, impressing showgoers with its rugged styling and attention-grabbing turbocharged petrol/electric hybrid powertrain.
Since then, JAC has been evaluating Hunter’s real-world capabilities for Australian conditions, with Lang Lang representing one of several key stages. This phase was completed in partnership with independent engineering firm Segula Technologies Australia.
The list of vehicle systems going under the microscope is comprehensive: vehicle durability and dynamics, powertrain performance and calibration, towing and load-carrying, on-road and off-road performance, acceleration and braking, and ADAS systems.
JAC Motors Australia Technical Director, Hongjian Jiang, described the Lang Lang Proving Ground as an exceptional facility with a proven track record of adapting international vehicles to Australia’s uniquely tough conditions.
“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.”
Engaged for the Lang Lang testing and assessment phase, Segula Technologies has worked extensively with local and international carmakers across all facets of vehicle design, development and production.
“Segula is a recognised leader in Australian automotive development, and JAC will benefit greatly from their experience optimising global vehicles for success in Australia,” said Mr Jiang.
Australia Contributing to JAC’s Global Excellence
Findings from JAC’s Australian development program will be evaluated by Hunter’s global development team for other markets, demonstrating the strategic importance of Australian customer requirements to JAC Motors’ global planning.
“Australia’s unique combination of challenging conditions, sophisticated buyers, and high usage demands makes it an ideal proving ground,” said JAC Motors’ Hongjian Jiang. “Improvements we identify through this program have potential to benefit Hunter customers worldwide.”
