JMC Dadao: Chinese ute spotted at Ford Australia's engineering headquarters

The JMC Dadao ute – also known as the JMC Grand Avenue – was unveiled in March 2023 based on an all-new frame platform with petrol or diesel engines and an electric version set to follow.

4X4 Australia has reached out to Ford Australia for comment about the left-hand drive JAC Dadao spotted under evalaution by its local engineering team.

Under the bonnet, the petrol Dadao features a version of Ford’s 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder, which is also fitted to the Ranger, Everest, Mustang, Focus ST and Volkswagen Amarok.

This is due to Ford’s joint venture with JMC – short for Jiangling Motors Corporation – in China, which has led to several co-developed vehicles since the mid-1990s, including the Ford Territory small SUV that bears no connection to the Australian model, apart from borrowing its name.

The 2.3-litre turbo-petrol in the JMC Dadao produces 180Nm and 400Nm – compared to 222kW and 452Nm in the Volkswagen Amarok in Australia. It is matched to a six-speed Getrag MT82 manual – also found in some Ford products – or an eight-speed ZF torque-converter automatic.

A diesel version of the JMC Dadao is also available, featuring a 130kW/450Nm 2.3-litre four-cylinder matched to the same six-speed manual or eight-speed auto as the turbo-petrol model.

Like the modern Dadao, the JMC Vigus also featured a version of Ford’s EcoBoost turbo-petrol motor.

JMC has not announced any plans to return to the Australian new-car market.