JAC Motors has engaged vehicle dynamics engineer Michael Barber from Multimatic to support the local development of the upcoming JAC Hunter ahead of its planned Australian launch in mid-2026.
The appointment forms part of JAC’s Australian ride and handling tuning program, which aims to adapt the plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute to local road conditions. Barber brings more than three decades of vehicle dynamics engineering experience, including work on locally developed models such as the VE and VF generations of the Holden Commodore, as well as projects supporting international manufacturers.
According to Ahmed Mahmoud, the engagement reflects the company’s focus on tailoring the vehicle for local expectations.
“Australian roads demand specific engineering expertise, and Michael Barber has spent his career mastering exactly that,” Mahmoud said. “His understanding of what Australian drivers expect will make Hunter match-fit and ready for work.”
The local development program focuses on suspension optimisation and the integration of key vehicle dynamics components. Engineers are working to tune the system so the vehicle performs consistently across a range of Australian conditions, including varying road surfaces, long-distance travel and mixed on-road and off-road environments.
JAC said the goal of the program is to ensure the suspension system operates as a unified package, with each component calibrated to work together across different driving scenarios.
Barber explained that the development process involves testing multiple configurations to achieve the most suitable setup.
“The investment JAC is making, in both time and resources, demonstrates their commitment to developing a vehicle truly suited to Australia,” Barber said. “JAC has sent us an impressive library of tuning components, which gives us the scope to explore different configurations and find the optimal setup.”
The program will focus on ride comfort, steering precision and predictable handling across a range of payload and terrain scenarios—factors that are particularly relevant for fleet and commercial buyers who operate vehicles in varied conditions.
Barber noted the unique challenges of the local driving environment.
“Australian roads are unique – we have challenging surfaces, long distances, and demanding conditions from urban to Outback. I want customers to find Hunter easy to drive and confident across all those conditions, straight out of the box.”
JAC’s technical team in Australia is also working closely with the engineering program. Hongjian Jiang, Technical Director for JAC Motors in Australia, said Barber’s experience adds specialist expertise to the company’s broader validation work.
“Michael brings a level of dynamics expertise that is rare globally and invaluable for the Australian market,” Jiang said. “His work for JAC is primarily focused on optimising Hunter’s driving dynamics for Australia, while also influencing JAC Hunter’s suspension tune for China and international markets outside Australia.”
The Hunter is expected to become a key product for JAC as the brand expands its presence in the Australian ute market. Final pricing and specifications for the plug-in hybrid model will be announced closer to launch.
JAC confirmed the Hunter will be covered by its All Roads Assurance (JARA) ownership package, which includes a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty covering commercial use, roadside assistance, capped price servicing and a warranty loan vehicle program.
For fleet buyers, the local engineering program signals that the Hunter is being developed with Australian operating conditions in mind—an approach that has historically been valued in the ute and light commercial vehicle segments.
