What started as a casual braai challenge between four friends creating content for IgnitionTV ended in victory, as JAC Motors’ T9 2.0L CTi smashed the official South African 24-hour Endurance Record for commercial vehicles, covering 4,084 kilometres at an impressive average speed of 170,1 km/h at Gerotek, just outside Pretoria in South Africa.
The 24-hour endurance challenge was the brainchild of adventurer and content creator Danie Botha from Wild in SA. “The idea was to have a bit of fun with the IndyCar races in the USA, while giving the motoring public a glimpse into the thrilling world of endurance racing, unofficially attempting to break a 15-year-old record using just one T9 over 24 hours.”
“When the 24-hour endurance challenge idea was pitched, we immediately knew it was a great opportunity to showcase the outstanding reliability and durability of our products,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.
Göbel says market research shows car buyers ask four key questions about Chinese vehicles: Are they reliable, are parts supply consistent, how many dealerships support after-sales service, and what trade-in value can you expect when it is time to sell in a few years?
“We’ve ticked all the boxes after eight years of local trading, building a network of over 70 dealers across Southern Africa, delivering great after-sales service and consistent parts supply to more than 7,000 satisfied customers. This 24-endurance challenge proves JAC Motors’ reliability — our vehicles are as tough and reliable as any established brand — and we are here to compete with the best.”
The 24-hour endurance challenge, held on 12–13 April, took a casual approach with no specialised tools used during pit stops. Four racing drivers, Michele Habig, Setshaba Mashigo, Phillip Kekana and Daniel Barbosa, all of whom are also driving instructors, took on the mammoth task of attempting to break Isuzu’s South African 24-endurance record set in 2010.
Isuzu’s record attempt, also held at Gerotek, featured its powerful 2.5L and 3.0L turbo-charged KB single-cab bakkies. The goal was to surpass the previous 24-hour endurance record set by the Toyota Hilux in 2003 — 159.1 km/h average speed and 3,818 kilometres. Isuzu succeeded, with its KB300 TDi averaging 169.3 km/h and covering an impressive 4,063 kilometres in 24 hours.
“When I watched historic footage of Isuzu’s meticulously executed attempt — precision pit stops, high-pressure fuel systems, and a trained crew — I wasn’t always confident we would break the record, especially when compared to our video production team and helpers taking over five minutes per pit stop. The pressure mounted, but our drivers stayed focused and committed to chasing the record,” says Göbel.
“Regardless, one thing was certain and as regular as clockwork, the sound of our T9’s tyres, powered by its efficient 2.0L turbo-diesel engine, speeding past for over 1,350 laps of the Gerotek track. Demonstrating outstanding reliability and durability, it covered more than 4,000 km at full speed, with an impressive average fuel consumption of just 16.5L/100 km.”
Continental Tyre SA sponsored the 24-hour endurance race, fitting the T9 with CrossContact ATR tyres. Designed for 70/30 on- and off-road use and speed-rated up to 210 km/h, they delivered confidence-inspiring grip, comfort, and durability throughout the entire challenge.
Engen sponsored the fuel for the 24-hour endurance event. The T9 was powered by Engen Lubricants’ high-performance 10W40 CK-4 Full Synthetic Engine Oil, introduced across JAC Motors’ product range in June 2024. Providing enhanced thermal stability and wear protection, this upgrade extended the T9’s service intervals to 20,000 km, reducing downtime and improving efficiency.
“We are honoured and grateful to have our suppliers onboard as sponsors, providing products that exceeded performance benchmarks. Their exceptional performance stood out under the extreme conditions we subjected the T9 to, pushing it to its limits for 24 consecutive hours at maximum speed, where reliability and endurance were non-negotiable,” adds Göbel.
The JAC T9 2.0L CTi used in the 24-hour endurance challenge is on display at the JAC Motors stand, F2a, at Nampo Park in Bothaville, from 13 to 16 May 2025. Visitors can test-drive the T9 and T8 on the off-road track during the show. The 24-hour endurance challenge will be broadcast on DStv’s IgnitionTV, Channel 189, on 19 May, with ten repeat airings through to 25 May.
“This remarkable achievement coincided with the finalisation of our new warranty for the T9 line-up. With confidence, we are extending the standard 100,000 km warranty to 200,000 km over five years, effective from 1 March 2025. The new 5-year/200,000 km warranty is backed by a 5-year/100,000 km service plan,” concludes Göbel.
JAC Motors entered the South African market in 2017 with the X200 2.8L TDI 1.5-tonne forward-cab workhorse. Its X-Series has since grown to include a unique double-cab derivative and the new battery-electric X200 EV 1.9-tonne. Launched in 2018, the T-Series is now led by the flagship T9 2.0L CTi. The N-Truck range is spearheaded by the N75 EV 4-tonne truck, South Africa’s top-selling battery-electric truck.
JAC Motors has a network of over 70 dealers across Southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. This broad footprint ensures after-sales service that meets global standards, delivering a consistent and positive customer experience throughout the region.
