New Chery bakkie on the cards for South Africa
Chery's new Himla brand made its official debut at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, marking the carmaker's entry into the global bakkie market.
The new double cab bakkie, with a name inspired by the Chinese mountain range, is the first in a series of planned new pickups. Compact, mid-size and large size models with multiple power-train options including petrol, diesel and fully electric variants can be expected, with aims of versatility for commercial, utility and family work and leisure applications.
Sparse technical details notwithstanding, we bagged first drive impressions of Himla pre-production prototypes on a test track designed to showcase Chery's ability to stitch together a workhorse.
The Himla — code-named KP11 — has the hallmarks of a compact to mid-size offering that's not nearly as long or wide as South Africa's typical bakkie alternatives from Toyota, Ford, Isuzu and Mitsubishi. This is why it isn't destined for South Africa. Sales will be in left-hand drive markets exclusively.
It's the longer and wider KP31 design study, and which may use a different name from the Himla, that is earmarked for entry into South Africa and other right-hand drive markets. Engine choices are said to be petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid drivetrains.
The design study with its retro-inspired frontal styling is more lifestyle orientated and aimed at rivals such as the newly launched BYD Shark and the Kia Tasman. Expressive styling meets with workhouse functionality and it's a work in progress the company hopes to bring to market by 2027.
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