The JMC Kaiyun is the name Jiangling Motors gives to its main line of light-duty trucks, produced since 2004. Over four generations it moved from an Isuzu-derived platform to an independently developed range of diesel trucks, and it is exported to Southeast Asia, Africa and South America as the JMC Carrying.
JMC Kaiyun at a glance
| Maker | Jiangling Motors (JMC), China |
|---|---|
| Class | light-duty truck (cab-over) |
| Production | since 2004, four generations |
| First generation | 2004–2013 |
| First-generation engines | JX493 and JX104 diesels, 92–115 hp |
| First-generation payload | 3 tonnes |
| Second generation | 2013–2019, 4JB1/JX493 diesel, up to 3.5 tonnes |
| Third generation | 2019–2022, 2.5-litre 4D25 diesel, 130 hp |
| Fourth generation | Kaiyun+ from late 2022 |
| Fourth-generation engines | 100–150 hp, 5-, 6- or 8-speed manual |
| Fourth-generation payload | 3.5–6 tonnes |
| Electric version | JMC Lexing E-Road, unveiled June 2023 |
| Export name | JMC Carrying |
Based on one source: the English Wikipedia article describes all four generations, and no other language version was available.
History of the JMC Kaiyun
First generation (2004–2013)
The first Kaiyun appeared in 2004 as JMC’s first largely self-engineered light truck, although it kept the technical roots of the company’s cooperation with Isuzu. It used the familiar cab-over layout with a durable ladder frame and JX-series diesel engines: the JX493 and JX104 units developed between 92 and 115 hp. A five-speed manual gearbox was fitted and the payload was 3 tonnes. The first generation met China II and III emission standards.
Second generation (2013–2019)
The second generation arrived in 2013 with a redesigned cab for better visibility and improved ergonomics, alongside new diesel calibrations. Power came from a 4JB1 or JX493 inline-four diesel. Power steering and optional ABS were now available, and the maximum payload rose to 3.5 tonnes. Facelift versions from about 2016 were marketed as the Kaiyun Upgraded.
Third generation (2019–2022)
The third-generation Kaiyun of 2019 brought major styling and structural changes: a wider grille, improved aerodynamics, extra cabin insulation and China VI engines. The engine was a 2.5-litre 4D25 diesel developing 130 hp, and the cab was both wider and more aerodynamic at the front.
Fourth generation (2022–)
The fourth generation, branded Kaiyun+, debuted in late 2022 on a fully redesigned platform with an all-new aerodynamic cab, a lightweight frame and a more comfortable interior. It was sold alongside the previous truck, now called the Classic Kaiyun. Diesel engines produced between 100 and 150 hp and were matched to five-, six- or eight-speed manual gearboxes, with payloads from 3.5 to 6 tonnes depending on the model. Reviews singled out improved ergonomics, seat comfort and noise insulation.
Electric version
The electric variant of the fourth generation is the JMC Lexing E-Road, also called the Lexing E-Luda. It uses J-Blue, Jiangling’s new energy system with high-torque flat-wire motors, silicon-carbide multi-in-one controllers and EHB electronic hydraulic brake energy recovery. It was unveiled on 19 June 2023.
Design and features
- Ladder frame and cab-over cab: a traditional light-truck layout kept through all four generations.
- Wide engine range: from 92 hp in 2004 to 150 hp in the Kaiyun+.
- Growing payload: 3 tonnes at launch, up to 6 tonnes in the fourth generation.
- China VI emissions: introduced with the third generation in 2019.
- Electric option: the Lexing E-Road uses the J-Blue electric system.
JMC Kaiyun versions
- First-generation Kaiyun (2004–2013): JX493 and JX104 diesels, 3-tonne payload.
- Kaiyun Upgraded (from 2016): facelift of the second generation.
- Third-generation Kaiyun (2019–2022): 2.5-litre 4D25 diesel with 130 hp.
- Kaiyun+ (2022–): fourth generation with 100–150 hp engines and 5-, 6- or 8-speed manuals.
- Lexing E-Road (2023–): electric version of the fourth generation.
- JMC Carrying: the export name used in Southeast Asia, Africa and South America.
JMC also builds the Baodian pickup, and the Landwind X6 SUV came from the same Jiangling group. More JMC vehicles are in the JMC collection.
Sources
- JMC Kaiyun, English Wikipedia: generations, engines, payloads, export name
