BAIC sales rev up Jetcon’s earnings
Growing demand for its China-manufactured BAIC automobiles has accelerated earnings for Jetcon Corporation Limited which posted a strong rebound in third-quarter results for the three months ended September 30, 2025.
At the end of the reporting period, the auto trader recorded a net profit of $26 million, reversing a $10-million loss recorded in the corresponding period last year.
The improved performance driven by a 56 per cent surge in sales saw revenues climbing to $209 million. This pushed nine-month sales to $633.6 million and profit to $67.9 million — nearly doubling the out-turn for the same period in 2024
Executive Chairman Andrew Jackson, pleased with the company’s sustained growth, told the Jamaica Observer that Jetcon’s decision to become the exclusive local dealer for the Chinese car brand has been yielding significant results.
“Since our transition from used to new, we have seen where our new car portfolio has been growing. We were having some difficulties getting the cars quickly enough, but this has started to improve. So far, we’ve delivered hundreds to clients, and we’re looking to cross over the thousand mark by next year,” he said to the Business Observer.
“When we order, it usually takes about four to five months to get the vehicles. We started out a little slow because we were cautious, but as demand grows, we have increased orders, and sales have been going well. Having waited a while since our last major order, we’re now receiving cars in larger quantities, and the demand has been strong, as the positive review from purchasers brings in more customers,” Jackson added.
The company currently trades four main BAIC models comprising the Beijing X55, X35, BJ30 and BJ 40, with prices ranging from $3.99 million to little over $8 million.
“In terms of stock, we now have three of the four models — BJ40, X55 and X35 — and we’re looking to have the BJ30 on the island by December,” Jackson noted.
Further highlighting the positive impact of an ongoing promotion with Lascelles Credit Union, Jackson said the partnership has been helping to fuel growth through vehicle demonstrations, test drives and affordable financing options. Buyers of any BAIC model currently receive a five-year warranty and two years of free servicing, with monthly payments for smaller models competitively priced at just under $50,000.
With customer feedback remaining largely positive, Jackson said he is encouraged by the strong uptake of the vehicles. “In the coming year, we expect to see our numbers climb even further as more people become familiar with the brand and what it offers,” he said.
After operating for more than three decades as a used-car dealer, Jetcon exited that business in 2024. The company, which also trades in solar products, reported that its solar division in recent months has similarly continued to experience robust growth. This comes amid rising demand from Jamaicans seeking energy independence following Hurricane Melissa, which struck in late October, causing widespread destruction and prolonged power outages.
“Similar to what happened following Hurricane Beryl last year, we have seen another sharp uptick in solar sales after the recent disaster, which we expected and prepared for,” Jackson said.
He told shareholders in a recent report that, with the company suffering no material damage to property or inventory, the solar division is ready to supply installers seeking components in what is expected to be a strong rise in demand for solar systems following the powerful Category 5 storm.
Rolled out in 2022, Jetcon’s solar division sources and distributes Gamko solar panels, Amen inverters and a range of lithium-ion batteries from Chinese suppliers.
“We have secured a pretty decent third quarter and the fourth quarter should be even better. As such, the outlook for both divisions of the company remains very positive,” Jackson said.
JACKSON…since our transition from used to new, we have seen where our new car portfolio has been growing. We were having some difficulties getting the cars quickly enough, but this has started to improve. So far, we’ve delivered hundreds to clients, and we’re looking to cross over the thousand mark by next year