Another pickup that is already available in some markets belongs to a new brand of Chinese origin. We tell you everything about the Dadado range.
The advance of pick up continues at a steady pace in all markets around the world. With Chinese brands increasingly focused on this niche, competition is becoming stronger due to high demand and the various options that are arriving to confront generalist brands.
The manufacturer JMCfrom the acronym Jianling Motors Corporation, launched a new brand of pickup truck called Dadao which was launched last year and its first model is based on a new platform that has a lot of high-end technology since It was developed together with Ford.
JMC currently maintains partnerships with several manufacturers, including Ford. Isuzu and Changan, while it is responsible for the production of the first Jenhoo NEV brand vehicle called EV48. And although its model line includes SUVs, vans and trucks, they now said they were launching this new brand that already offers a very versatile pick-up.
Dadao, the new pickup brand that seeks to be Premium
The Chinese manufacturer that launched into the automotive industry in 1993 positions the Dadao brand above its current model line and even tried to invent an independent category for it. Yes, the name of this pickup is called PUV, which stands for Possibility Unique Vehicle.
Yes, it sounds strange, but JMC went even further. According to its representatives, this PUV shows that Dadao pickups are no longer just utility vehicles but multifunctional models with decent performance, high-end features and suitable for everyday use.
Unlike the JMC models, the Dadao brand has a new logo that represents five “avenues” (that is the meaning of Dadao, in addition to being also the name of a giant blade). Each letter of Dadao’s name and each avenue of the logo represent specific values of this new brand.
The first pickup launched on the market by Dadao was captured on a new platform jointly developed by JMC and Ford. Accepts bodies from 4.8 meters in length up to 5.7 and a wheelbase of 2,700 to 3,500 mm.
Initially, Dadao will only be made up of a pickup model and three versions, but its platform will also be able to support SUVs or medium-sized vans or vans. As for propulsion systems, this modern platform supports ICE, EREV (range extender), PHEV, BEV and FCEV (hydrogen) models.
What is the new Chinese pickup like and what engines does it have?
Clearly inspired by American pickup trucks like the Ford F-150, the Dadao range maintains a block design with a high hood line, wide fenders, large headlights and a large chrome grille. The standard version does not have any plastic trim on the lower part of the body, but the off-road version does.
Available in different versions, the first is a commercial variant, the second is for private customers and the third is a version for off-road use. The dimensions are 5,450, 5,685 and 5,706 mmrespectively, so it would be located by size between a Ford Ranger and an F-150with a wheelbase ranging from 3,270 to 3,470 mm, and a ground clearance of 220 mm.
The interior of this new pick also varies depending on the version. The instruments can be analog or digital and can have a great 12 inch floating main screen, which can turn towards the driver in the Premium variant. The quality, according to the manufacturer, is above the segment average.
Finally, and being one of the most interesting novelties, is that under the hood we find two Ford engines: an Ecoboost gasoline engine 2.3 liters that generates 258 HP and 450 Nm and a Puma diesel 2.3 liters of 177 HP and 450 Nm. Both can work in tandem with manual or automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive.
