TRUCK MAKER JMC is back in the Philippines with a new distributor, Astara, and is embarking on a nationwide mall tour this July 2024 to showcase their flagship model, the Grand Avenue. The tour will cover selected locations in Pasig, Alabang, Cagayan de Oro, and Bacolod, offering potential customers a closer look at the pick-up truck’s unique blend of ruggedness and refinement.
JMC was previously manufactured and distributed by the now defunct Star Motors run by Universal Motors Corp. (UMC, assimilated into the Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) merger with Yulon’s Nissan Motor Philippines Inc. (NMPI). After the cessation of assembly of JAC trucks and pick-ups here, JMC continued to sell under various gray market dealers. The takeover of Astara promises to give the brand a strong push in the local market.
“The Grand Avenue promises owners adventures, blending toughness with a premium experience. Through our nationwide mall tour, we want more Filipinos to discover the remarkable features of the Grand Avenue. This pick-up truck is designed to provide memorable journeys for families and adventurers alike,” Timmy De Leon, Astara Philippines Marketing Director said in a press statement.
The Grand Avenue sets itself apart from typical utility-focused pick-up trucks by offering a harmonious blend of capability and comfort. Its tough exterior, highlighted by a prominent two-bar grill, is complemented by premium features such as automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, skid plates, and 17-inch alloy wheels with 265/65 series tires.
The spacious interior comfortably accommodates five passengers and comes standard with leather upholstery, keyless entry with push-start button, flip-up rear seats, automatic climate control with PM 2.5 filtration, a 3.5-inch TFT digital multi-information display, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Automatic variants further elevate the experience with a 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, rear air-conditioning vents, paddle shifters, and an electronic parking brake.
The Grand Avenue is powered by a 2.3-liter Puma turbodiesel engine generating 177 PS and 450 Nm of torque (400 Nm for manual models). Customers can choose between a Magna 6-speed manual or a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, both engineered in Europe for exceptional performance. All 4×4 variants feature the BorgWarner electronic four-wheel-drive system for optimal off-road capability.
Safety is paramount, and the Grand Avenue comes equipped with a wide range of safety features, including cruise control, electronic stability program, hill-launch assist, hill-descent control, rollover mitigation, parking sensors, and a reverse distance display. Dual front airbags and ISOFIX child-restraint anchors are standard across all variants, with side and curtain airbags available in automatic models.
JMC Philippines stands behind the Grand Avenue’s quality by offering a competitive aftersales package, including a 5-year/150,000-kilometer warranty, a lifetime engine warranty, and free 24/7 emergency roadside assistance for the first year.
The JMC Grand Avenue is available in various colors: Pearl White, Silver Sand Black, Cosmic Grey, Shining Silver, and Sandy Brown.
