The Chinese automakers have long had pick-up trucks which are easy to develop since they use a simple chassis frame platform that is also used for lorries and commercial vehicles. And like other automakers, the evolution of Chinese trucks began with them being plain workhorses for business use to being ‘lifestyle machines’ that are alternatives to passenger cars.
Over the past 10 years, the Chinese automakers have seen the growth of lifestyle-oriented trucks and steadily developed models to cater to that segment. Today, we have models like the Shark 6 from BYD, Cannon from GWM and T9 from JAC which can rival the Japanese trucks that became lifestyle machines from the 1990s.
The latest to start entering the global market is the MG U9 (not to be confused with BYD’s Yangwang U9 supercar). The early markets are in Australia and New Zealand which will get the truck before the end of 2025.
Adapted from Maxus truck
The U9 is adapted from Interstellar X by Maxus (Terron 9 outside China with either Maxus or LDV brands, depending on market). The models for the Chinese market have electric and combustion engine powertrains but it seems that for now, export versions (some sold as a P9) will have just a combustion engine.
The powertrain is a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel with 218 ps/520 Nm, coupled to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The drivetrain uses an advanced BorgWarner Super Select 4WD system, with electronically-controlled locking differentials on both axles, so it should be a pretty robust and capable truck.
Multi-link rear suspension
Of note is the multi-link rear suspension system; not something new but not typical for trucks. The choice of a multi-link suspension is indicative of what the U9’s target market is as MG says it offers ‘exceptional comfort, grip, and handling for versatile performance across a range of on and off-road conditions’. Paired with double wishbone front suspension, there’s good anti-roll capability and more precise wheel control, improving handling on and off the highways.
The varied and rough conditions of Australia draw manufacturers to carry out testing of their vehicles for durability and MG did a lot of development work there. The company is confident that while it offers comfort for long highway journeys, the U9 is also tough enough for rough terrain and heavy payloads.
Electric tailgate
A highlight of the U9 is the electric opening tailgate. With the touch of a button, the rear tailgate lowers, exposing the drop-down step that allows safe, practical access to the cargo bed. Engineered with comfort, safety and convenience in mind, the tailgate allows loading and unloading with ease, catering to professional and recreational demands alike.
Beyond its functional advantages, the tailgate can be utilised as a convenient seating option when in the lowered position, complete with built-in cupholders. MG’s Australian unit claims credit for having such features added to the truck.
The U9 is as safe as Japanese trucks and when tested by EuroNCAP, it was rated with the full 5 stars. It comes Bosch ESP 9.3 included which integrates vehicle dynamic control, traction control and automatic emergency braking to enhance safety.
U9 for Malaysia?
Although the truck market in Malaysia saw a decline in 2024, it has generally been a significant segment ever since Ford introduced the Ranger in the late 1990s and regulations changed to allow private ownership and use. The Japanese, led by the Toyota Hilux, dominate the market although Ford does also take a meaningful share of sales with the Ranger.
The dominance of the Japanese models (and Ford) has made it difficult for newcomers, even in neighbouring markets. BYD launched the Shark 6 in Thailand earlier this year but with weak response so far, the automaker has decided not to go ahead with sales. It could be that the Shark 6 is a PHEV and truck-buyers may not be so confident with electrified drivetrains (for now, at least) or it shows just how entrenched models like the Hilux and Isuzu D-MAX are that newcomers just don’t draw enough buyers.
In Malaysia, it would probably be a similar case. Although the ‘legacy brands’ are going through a challenging time, demand for their trucks remains strong with the Hilux the clear leader for the past 20 years.
JAC is the only one in recent times to try with Evolvelectric Motors introducing the T9 EV in March this year. And like the Shark 6, this truck (priced from just under RM200,000) has a fully electric drivetrain which may make commercial vehicle customers hesitate. Nevertheless, Lau Yit Mun, CEO of Evolvelectric Motors, sees a small niche for electric trucks which can be purchased by companies needing to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements. Having electric trucks in their fleet is one way of demonstrating commitment to sustainability and responsible business operations.
