Jetour F700 at the Beijing Motor Show: A Strategic Leap Into the Global Pickup Market
A Bold Debut on a Global Stage
At the 2026 Beijing Motor Show, one of the world’s largest automotive exhibitions, Jetour made a decisive statement about its future direction. Among hundreds of vehicle debuts and cutting-edge concepts, the unveiling of the Jetour F700 stood out—not just as a new model, but as a strategic pivot.
- A Bold Debut on a Global Stage
- From SUV Specialist to Pickup Contender
- Design: Rugged Utility Meets Premium Appeal
- Powertrain: Hybrid Performance at Scale
- What’s Missing: No Amphibious Capability
- Market Strategy: A Global Rollout Begins
- Technology and Platform Questions Remain
- A Competitive Landscape Ahead
- What the F700 Means for Jetour
- Conclusion: A Pickup With Strategic Weight
For a brand traditionally associated with SUVs, the introduction of the F700 marks Jetour’s first-ever entry into the pickup (bakkie) segment. Revealed on April 24, 2026, the F700 signals the company’s ambition to compete in one of the most competitive and globally significant automotive categories.
From SUV Specialist to Pickup Contender
Jetour’s evolution has been rapid. Backed by parent company Chery, the brand has built a reputation around practical, lifestyle-oriented SUVs. However, the unveiling of the F700 shows a clear shift in strategy.
The pickup is the second model under the Zongheng sub-brand, which focuses on off-road capability and premium positioning. It follows the G700 SUV and expands Jetour’s lineup into a new, high-demand segment.
This move aligns with Jetour’s broader global ambitions, including its “Travel+” ecosystem—a strategy centered on blending mobility, technology, and lifestyle experiences.
Design: Rugged Utility Meets Premium Appeal
Visually, the F700 carries forward the bold design language introduced by the G700. The pickup retains a boxy, muscular stance, emphasizing durability and off-road readiness.
Key design characteristics include:
- A ladder-frame chassis, reinforcing its workhorse credentials
- Wide wheel arches and high ground clearance
- A squared-off front fascia with a commanding grille
- A full-size pickup profile targeting both utility and lifestyle buyers
Despite transitioning from concept to production, the F700 remains largely faithful to the design first shown in Shanghai, indicating Jetour’s confidence in its original styling direction.
Powertrain: Hybrid Performance at Scale
Perhaps the most defining feature of the F700 is its plug-in hybrid powertrain, confirmed by a CDM-0 badge on the tailgate.
The system combines:
- A 2.0-litre T-GDI petrol engine
- A 31.4kWh battery pack
- Dual electric motors
Together, this setup delivers an impressive:
- 665kW of power
- 1,135Nm of torque
Power is managed through a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission, which is the sole drivetrain configuration currently confirmed.
In terms of efficiency and range:
- Pure electric driving range: 150 km (CLTC cycle)
- Combined range: up to 1,400 km
These figures place the F700 among the most powerful and long-range hybrid pickups currently under development.
What’s Missing: No Amphibious Capability
While the F700 shares engineering DNA with the G700 SUV, it notably excludes one of its sibling’s most distinctive features—amphibious capability.
The G700 gained attention for its ability to operate in water, but the F700 is strictly land-focused. This decision likely reflects a more practical positioning aimed at mainstream pickup buyers rather than niche off-road extremes.
Market Strategy: A Global Rollout Begins
The F700 is not an isolated launch—it is part of a broader expansion strategy by both Jetour and Chery.
Key elements of this strategy include:
- Entry into the global pickup market, a segment dominated by models like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger
- Expansion of Jetour’s lineup beyond SUVs
- Integration into a three-model rollout for South Africa, including:
- The G700 SUV
- The F700 pickup
- A future fully electric SUV
The F700 is expected to arrive in South Africa in 2027, positioning it as a key player in one of the world’s most competitive bakkie markets.
Additionally, it will be joined by other Chery Group pickups such as the KP31 and Rely R08, signaling a coordinated push into the segment.
Technology and Platform Questions Remain
Despite the detailed powertrain information, some aspects of the F700 remain unclear:
- Jetour has not confirmed whether the chassis platform is shared with the G700
- Full technical specifications are yet to be released
- Production details will only be disclosed closer to launch
This suggests that the Beijing reveal is more of a strategic preview than a full technical unveiling.
A Competitive Landscape Ahead
The F700 enters a highly competitive global market where innovation is accelerating rapidly. At the Beijing Motor Show alone, over 1,400 vehicles and hundreds of new models were showcased, highlighting the scale of competition.
Rivals in the hybrid and electrified pickup space are also emerging, making the F700’s combination of performance and efficiency a critical differentiator.
What the F700 Means for Jetour
The unveiling of the F700 is more than a product launch—it represents a turning point for Jetour.
It signals:
- A shift from SUV specialization to multi-segment expansion
- A commitment to hybrid technology as a core pillar
- A push into global markets with diverse consumer demands
With over 2.26 million vehicles sold globally and operations in more than 100 countries, Jetour is leveraging scale to accelerate its next phase of growth.
Conclusion: A Pickup With Strategic Weight
The Jetour F700’s debut at the Beijing Motor Show is a calculated move in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. By combining high-output hybrid performance, rugged design, and global market ambitions, Jetour is positioning itself as a serious contender in the pickup segment.
While many details are still to come, one thing is clear: the F700 is not just another new vehicle—it is a signal of where Jetour is heading next.
