Chinese automotive brand JMC has appointed Danny Lenartic as chief executive officer of JMC Motor Australia as it prepares to return to the local market in 2026.
Lenartic announced his appointment on LinkedIn, stating his immediate priority is “leading the Australian launch and establishing a dealer network for JMC’s portfolio.”
The executive brings extensive experience with Chinese automotive brands in Australia, having spent more than three years with SAIC Motor Australia and New Zealand in various senior roles including general manager of the electric vehicle (EV) division and director of marketing and product development.
JMC, short for Jiangling Motors Corporation, previously operated in Australia from 2015 to 2018 with a single model, the Vigus dual-cab ute, before exiting due to poor sales performance.
Dealer network recruitment underway
The local operation will operate under a distributor model rather than being factory-backed, though Lenartic has not confirmed how many JMC dealers will be established across Australia.
JMC has already secured Australian Design Rules approval for its new Vigus dual-cab ute, which is completely unrelated to the previous model offered locally. Pre-production versions are reportedly on their way to Australia for prospective dealers to evaluate.
Lenartic confirmed the company is actively seeking dealer partners for the brand’s return, stating “we’re now engaging with dealer partners interested in a first-mover advantage and welcome a coffee and conversation.”
Technical specifications confirmed
According to Australian road vehicle type approval documents, the new Vigus will be powered by a 3.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 118kW, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system.
The ute measures 5335mm long, 1882mm wide and 1892mm tall with a 3150mm wheelbase and 210mm ground clearance. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels with optional 18-inch rims available.
Interior features include a 12.8-inch central touchscreen and 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, along with air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, and central locking. Safety equipment comprises anti-lock braking system (ABS) and dual front airbags, though active driver assistance technologies such as autonomous emergency braking are notably absent.
The approval documents list towing capacity as zero, suggesting certification for trailer hauling is still pending.
JMC’s return comes as the Australian ute market has become significantly more competitive since the brand’s previous departure, with several Chinese manufacturers now established in the segment.
Join the conversation