Chery Himla revealed as marque’s long awaited first bakkie

Chery’s long-awaited first-ever bakkie, the Himla, officially made its world debut at the Shanghai Auto Show on Wednesday 23 April.

Details about the bakkie remain sketchy, but the Chinese carmaker confirmed that the double cab will be offered with a brand-first diesel engine alongside a hybrid version.

It is expected to go on sale in South Africa in 2026, with specifications and pricing expected in due course.

Known so far

The name was inspired by the Himalayan mountain range, which, including China, crosses six countries.

Chery also uses it as an acronym for high performance, innovation, multifunctionality, longevity and all-terrain. The four pillars of functionality are based on loading, crossing, camping and towing.

It was originally thought that the Chery Himla would be powered by petrol engines used in the manufacturer’s SUVs. These include the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines.

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However, an oil-burner has been confirmed developed in-house by Chery. No details about it were, however, revealed.

The hybrid version of the Chery Himla will form part of the carmaker’s extensive new energy product offensive.

This year alone, it plans to roll out 19 new energy vehicles in the form self-charging hybrids, plug-in hybrid and range-extender electric vehicles.

A brand-new hybrid powertrain called Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) was introduced at the Shanghai Auto Show. It will be offered in the Tiggo 7, 8 and 9 Pro, which were all on display.

The CSH range is said to boast a record-breaking 46.5% thermal efficiency, which is paired with a hybrid transmission which offers 93% efficiency.

“Advancing hybrid technology means harnessing innovation and new energy to drive sustainable growth and support a greener future,” says Jay Jay Botes, general manager of Chery South Africa.

“We believe Super Hybrid technology will become a key growth driver in markets like South Africa, especially as we expand our local lineup with electrified models later this year.”

Chinese bakkie onslaught

A spate of Chinese bakkies is destined for South Africa. The BYD Shark last month joined the three GWM bakkies, the Steed, P300 and P500, as well as JAC’s X- and T-Series, the Foton Tunland G7 and LDV T60.

Also confirmed for South Africa is the range extender electric bakkie, the Riddara RD6, a plug-in JAC T9, the LDV Terron 9, the Changan hunter, a bakkie from Deepal and one from Chery sister-brand Jetour.

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