After more than three decades as a trusted name in Jamaica’s automotive industry, Jetcon Corporation Limited recently shifted gear, accelerating into a new phase of growth — only this time on new wheels and with renewed confidence in its future.

Founded in 1991, the company’s journey has been shaped by resilience, adaptability and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, which founder and Executive Chairman Andrew Jackson traced back to a defining moment in his personal life.

“My wife and I welcomed twins and our expenses skyrocketed and as a father, I had to find additional income and that’s when I started a business selling car care products and that later evolved into selling cars in 1994,” he told the Jamaica Observer as he recounted the company’s start-up.

Commencing operations with the sale of QMI PTFE engine treatments, which, through innovative marketing, became the number-one selling engine treatment in Jamaica, the company later added other car care brands such as JETGO and Master Guard. However, following the liberalisation of motor vehicle imports in the mid-1990s, Jetcon identified a new opportunity and in 1995, it became one of the first entities registered by the Government as a certified auto dealer.

While the early years benefited from pent-up demand for vehicles, Jackson said the company was repeatedly tested by external shocks, including the Finsac crisis, several economic recessions, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, each of which left its own scar on the business and, in some instance, stalling operations.

For more than 30 years, Jetcon built a strong reputation as a leading importer of pre-owned vehicles, primarily from Japan. However, changing market dynamics and tighter regulatory requirements — such as mandatory pre-shipment inspections introduced in 2018 — gradually eroded profit margins in the used-car segment, prompting a strategic rethink.

“By 2024, it became increasingly difficult to compete and return a profit for shareholders and as such we made the tough but necessary decision to exit the used automobile market,” Jackson explained.

That decision marked a turning point. In 2024, Jetcon deliberately accelerated the sale of its remaining used-car inventory, often at or below cost, to free up cash and reinvest organically in two growth areas: new automobiles and solar technology. That year proved challenging, with declines in revenue and margins, but the strategy laid the groundwork for recovery.

The company’s transformation subsequently gained momentum as it transition into a new-car dealership which pushed it to become the sole authorised dealer in Jamaica for BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Company) passenger vehicles, parts and servicing. This partnership, which culminated in a newly branded Jetcon-BAIC showroom on Sandringham Avenue in St Andrew, also signalled the start of a long-term strategic alliance from which Jetcon looks to further chart its path towards a brighter future.

While initial sales were slow, after only four of its BAIC units were sold in 2023, Jackson said the company in 2024 reaped better success after increased marketing efforts and public sensitisation as well as vehicle testing exercises began to pay-off. By the end of 2024, the numbers climbed even further backed by a growing consumer acceptance of Chinese-made vehicles

“The cars passed our extensive testing and customers also loved their modern styling and performance which allowed us to grow our numbers to 26 in early 2024,” Jackson noted.

“Breaking into the new-car market was hard work…but customer response showed that they were far less resistant to Chinese vehicles than many expected and that gave us the confidence to expand,” he further stated.

Jetcon’s early results of the pivot, which for the most part has been encouraging, saw the company for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 recording revenues of $633.6 million with profit of $67.9 million — near doubling outturns for the corresponding period in 2024.

The BAIC X55 compact SUV emerging as the company’s best-selling model was seconded by the rugged BJ40 off-road SUV which demonstrated strong future potential. The line-up has since expanded to include the BJ30 and X35 models which usher in more affordable price points and an even stronger take-up of the vehicles. Having sold hundreds of vehicles across the range this year, management is now targeting sales of more than 1,000 units by 2026, supported by ongoing market research.

“Our ongoing market research will play a crucial role in identifying demand for other models from the BAIC catalogue,” Jackson said in the company’s 2024 annual report to shareholders. “It will also guide potential expansion into other automotive brands, in line with our long-term strategy to become a multi-brand retailer in Jamaica.”

Alongside its automotive repositioning, Jetcon has also been building momentum in renewable energy. Launched in 2022, the company’s solar division supplies Gamko solar panels, Amen inverters and lithium-ion batteries sourced from China. Revenue from solar equipment reached $57.2 million at the end of 2024, accounting for 11 per cent of annual revenue figures.

“There has been tremendous growth in solar and we intend to become a major wholesaler in Jamaica,” Jackson said.

Jetcon now employs approximately 30 staff and operates a customs-bonded warehouse, a solar products warehouse and a free-zone facility at the port. Its headquarters on Sandringham Avenue offers a one-stop shop for vehicle sales and servicing, supported by highly trained mechanics and technicians.

The company, which has been listed on the Junior Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) since March 2016, is steadily approaching its 10th anniversary on the market, making it eligible for transition to the Main Market. Notably, the entity to date remains the only car dealer listed on the JSE.

Reflecting on the journey, Jackson expressed pride in both the company’s longevity and its readiness for the future.

“I’m most proud of starting the business and watching it survive and grow for over 35 years, and of seeing my children fully integrated into it,” he said.

“The move to a new-car dealership was major, but we’re now in a strong position to plan for the future. With new cars, new markets and our experience, we expect to continue growing over the next decade,” he concluded.

Andrew Jackson, founder and executive chairman of Jetcon Corporation Ltd.

The BAIC BJ40 on display during a recent trade show held in China.

An aerial view of pre-owned vehicles sold by Jetcon before it transitioned to the sale of new cars in 2024.

New BAIC models await pick-up following pre-order. In 2026 Jetcon is looking to sell more than 1000 vehicles as the demand for Chinese automobiles grows locally.

Joel Jackson (left), company secretary of Jetcon Corporation Limited, receives the JSE’s Junior Market Rule Book from Chief Regulatory Officer Andrae Tulloch during the listing ceremony held on March 24, 2016.

Following the liberalisation of motor vehicle imports in the mid-1990s, Jetcon identified a new opportunity and in 1995 became one of the first entities registered by the Government as a certified auto dealer.