Latest news with #CheryHimla
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
PODCAST: Why South Africa must wait longer for the Chery bakkie
The first bakkie from Chery in South Africa might not even wear the Himla moniker. The Chery Himla bakkie that was displayed at the Shanghai Auto Show last month. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe The first Chery bakkie will be introduced to South Africa next year, but it won't be the Himla showcased at the Shanghai Auto Show last month. The Chery Himla, internally known as the KP11, is only built in left-hand drive and not meant for export markets. The bakkie destined for Mzansi is the KP31, which is still in development. It is also not a given that the South Africa-bound Chery bakkie will wear the Himla moniker. The name, along with design and specifications still needs to be finalised. Chery bakkie makes Pitstop In this week's episode of The Citizen Motoring's Pitstop podcast, we look at the KP31 project. We had the opportunity to sample the KP11 in Wuhu, China last week, and we review our little drive. The Chery Himla we drove was powered by a 2.3 litre turbodiesel engine which power outputs was not revealed. It was hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Chery did say that a 2.5 litre diesel engine is under consideration for the KP31. It has since emerged that the KP31 could feature as many as five powertrain options. ALSO READ: Chery gearing up to take South African bakkie market by storm These include two internal combustion engines; a 2.5 litre turbodiesel producing 140kW/450Nm and a 170kW/378Nm 2.0 litre turbo petrol. New energy options A mild-hybrid option adds electrical assistance to a 2.5 litre oil-burner for a total output of 200kW/600Nm. At the sharp end of the stick there are two plug-in hybrids (PHEV). The one, a 2.5 litre turbodiesel hooked up to battery and electric motor to produce 260kW/680Nm and a petrol version which sees a 2.0 litre turbo mill with an electrical system producing a total of 300kW/620Nm. It is likely that the KP31, for which the name Sahara was been mentioned, will look very different to the Chery Himla. The KP31 will be offered in at least two body styles, a double cab and single cab.
The Citizen
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Chery gearing up to take South African bakkie market by storm
The Wuhu-based firm's first-ever bakkie will have the option of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Himla emerged this past week at the Shanghai Motor Show after a development run of five years. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Since showcasing its first bakkie, the Himla, at the Shanghai Auto Show last week, it has emerged that Chinese carmaker Chery has embarked on a relentless push in the light commercial vehicle segment. The Wuhu-based firm is set to introduce not only one, but numerous models in South Africa from next year. And it is considering as many as five powertrain options, one of which could rival the BYD Shark as one of the most powerful bakkies in South Africa. Truth from fiction According to Zhang Guibing, president of Chery International, the Chery Himla, internally called the KP11, is unlikely to be one of them as the KP31 is currently being developed for export markets. ALSO READ: Chery Himla revealed as marque's long awaited first bakkie The KP11 is a unibody vehicle, while the KP31 will be a built on a ladder frame chassis with different suspension. This means that The Citizen Motoring's short little drive on a make-shift off-road course in the Himla is nothing to go by. But regardless, it did feel very solid. The KP31 project might not even wear the Himla moniker at all. The name Sahara has been mentioned as a possibility and it is likely feature very different styling to that of the Himla. 'Our initial products were only built in left-hand drive, but from next year we will have them in right-hand drive. From next year we might bring two pick-ups to South Africa,' Guibing told a South African media delegation at Chery HQ at the weekend. Engine options The five powertrains on the table include two internal combustion engines; a 2.5-litre turbodiesel which produces 140kW/450Nm and a 170kW/378Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol. The third is a mild-hybrid which adds electrical assistance to a 2.5-litre oil-burner. It produces 200kW/600Nm. At the top end of the sphere are two plug-in hybrids (PHEV): a 2.5-litre turbodiesel hooked up to battery and electric motor to produce 260kW/680Nm and the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with an electrical system producing 300kW/620Nm. Against the opposition The plug-in hybrid Chery bakkie will be slightly less powerful than the 320kW/650Nm BYD Shark. It will trump the incoming 290kW/670Nm JAC T9 PHEV in terms of power, but will be down on torque. The incoming range-extending electric Riddara RD6 has outputs of 315kW/595Nm. This means that the Chery bakkie, the JAC T9 PHEV, Riddara and BYD Shark will all be more powerful than the Ford Ranger Raptor. Until very recently the 292kW/586Nm Raptor was some distance ahead o f the pack. Chery claims that the KP31, which is set to be between 5 400 mm and 5 450 mm long, will feature space in the rear and more cargo space than the Ranger and Toyota Hilux. The length of its loadbin will be 1 560 mm. ALSO READ: Chery makes its official: Development on first bakkie has started
The Advertiser
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Chery Australia passes on Himla ute, plans larger BYD Shark 6-rivalling PHEV
The Chery Himla ute revealed at this month's Shanghai motor show won't be sold here, and instead Chery Australia will release a larger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute directly aimed at the popular BYD Shark 6 .
West Australian
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Chery Australia passes on Himla ute, plans larger BYD Shark 6-rivalling PHEV
The Chery Himla ute revealed at this month's Shanghai motor show won't be sold here, and instead Chery Australia will release a larger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute directly aimed at the popular BYD Shark 6 . Now in development ahead of its global launch next year, the as-yet-unnamed new Chery ute is claimed to be more suitable for Australia – one of many right-hand drive markets in which it will be sold. 'We recognise Australia as a big market for pickups, and I can tell you now that we are developing a first-rate pickup that will better meet the needs of Australian customers,' Chery International president Zhang Guibling told a small group of journalists at the Chinese auto brand's HQ in Wuhu. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . When Chery revealed its first ute on Friday, it said its new Himla brand would offer 'a full lineup spanning from compact to mid-size and large pickups' powered by petrol, diesel and electrified powertrains for markets including Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. Few details were announced, but Chery said its first Himla ute (pictured here) will match key rivals with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and a circa-1000kg payload, plus 'global five-star safety standard' and a 'high-strength body structure, intelligent driving assistance systems, and advanced battery safety technology'. No details or images of subsequent Himla utes have been revealed by Chery, but the company's international chief said the next two models will be launched in 2026. 'I think the first one will be ready for the first half of next year, with another version later in the second half but with a range of different powertrains to suit different customer needs,' said Mr Guibling. Last week a local Chery spokesperson said the Chinese auto brand was keen to release its first ute in Australia, but the Himla dual-cab shown at Shanghai remains unconfirmed for this market. 'We're always interested in reviewing the exciting product from our head office and we'd love to see a ute in our lineup, but there are no confirmed details at this stage,' he said. The comments from the Chery International boss were backed up by various engineering and product managers at a test-drive facility in Wuhu, all of whom were quietly confident the newly developed pickup would be better than its Chinese-built rivals in every way. Chery's new global right-hand drive ute is expected to be powered by the company's fifth-generation plug-in hybrid powertrain, dubbed Chery Super Hybrid (CHS) and already seen in the Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 models. The company claims these powertrains are some of the most advanced PHEVs in the segment, boasting thermal efficiency of 44.5 per cent, a single-speed Direct Hybrid Transmission (DHT) with 98.5 per cent efficiency, and an all-electric range of 95km on the WLTP cycle via an 18.5kWh battery. The combined range for the Tiggo 7 PHEV is a claimed 1080km (WLTC), while the larger Tiggo 8 Hybrid will offer an even longer 1200km-plus range. Both models incorporate a 'hybrid-specific' four-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 108kW of power and 215Nm of torque, while the electric motor develops 150kW and 310Nm, with total power output of approximately 230kW. Interestingly, the larger new Tiggo 9 PHEV uses the same 1.5-litre turbo-four petrol in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, paired to a three-speed DHT transmission and making up to 340kW and 700Nm, which should be plenty for a 4×4-capable dual-cab ute. Previewed by the KP11 prototype last year, the first Himla ute shown in Shanghai is based on a ladder-frame chassis and expected to be available in some markets with a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. However, a turbo-diesel version is also possible for some countries, to go with a four-wheel drive system that's expected to offer some degree of off-road capability. Chery says its Himla ute range is being engineered with input from more than 30 countries to ensure it meets global safety, performance and utility standards. Off-road driving modes and a high-tech cabin comprising a 'class-leading intelligent cockpit' have also been promised. Chery has promised Himla vehicles will 'accelerate the evolution of the global pickup market toward four key trends: passenger-oriented design, intelligence, premiumization [sic] and new energy adoption'. The dual-cab shown off in Shanghai featured a large free-standing infotainment touchscreen, and a two-tone black/tan colourway with lashings of leather or leatherette trim. The carmaker has sold traditional ladder-frame, dual-cab utes before, including the Higgo and Aika from its Karry commercial vehicle brand. But as the huge 'Chery' wordmark on the front and rear of the new ute shows, Chery wants to leverage its own brand name for its latest ute models. The Himla ute range is part of Chery's strategy to sell one million vehicles annually by 2027, by expanding into new vehicle segments including light commercial vehicles and people movers. Locally, Chery has made no secret of its plan to become a top-five auto brand in Australia within five years of its local relaunch in 2022. It had hoped to reach 30,000 annual sales by 2024, but sold less than half that number with fewer than 13,000 registrations. Chery's first ute would join a growing number of Chinese utes sold in Australia, including rivals from BYD, GWM, JAC, LDV and, soon, MG and Foton. And a PHEV ute would also go head to head with models including the Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV. Chery was China's top passenger car exporter for the 22nd consecutive year in 2024, with its vehicles sold everywhere from Europe to Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. In addition to its namesake brand, it also has a confusing web of spinoff brands including Exeed, Exlantix, Jaecoo, Jetour and Omoda.
Perth Now
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Chery Australia passes on Himla ute, plans larger BYD Shark 6-rivalling PHEV
The Chery Himla ute revealed at this month's Shanghai motor show won't be sold here, and instead Chery Australia will release a larger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute directly aimed at the popular BYD Shark 6. Now in development ahead of its global launch next year, the as-yet-unnamed new Chery ute is claimed to be more suitable for Australia – one of many right-hand drive markets in which it will be sold. 'We recognise Australia as a big market for pickups, and I can tell you now that we are developing a first-rate pickup that will better meet the needs of Australian customers,' Chery International president Zhang Guibling told a small group of journalists at the Chinese auto brand's HQ in Wuhu. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert When Chery revealed its first ute on Friday, it said its new Himla brand would offer 'a full lineup spanning from compact to mid-size and large pickups' powered by petrol, diesel and electrified powertrains for markets including Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. Few details were announced, but Chery said its first Himla ute (pictured here) will match key rivals with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and a circa-1000kg payload, plus 'global five-star safety standard' and a 'high-strength body structure, intelligent driving assistance systems, and advanced battery safety technology'. No details or images of subsequent Himla utes have been revealed by Chery, but the company's international chief said the next two models will be launched in 2026. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'I think the first one will be ready for the first half of next year, with another version later in the second half but with a range of different powertrains to suit different customer needs,' said Mr Guibling. Last week a local Chery spokesperson said the Chinese auto brand was keen to release its first ute in Australia, but the Himla dual-cab shown at Shanghai remains unconfirmed for this market. 'We're always interested in reviewing the exciting product from our head office and we'd love to see a ute in our lineup, but there are no confirmed details at this stage,' he said. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The comments from the Chery International boss were backed up by various engineering and product managers at a test-drive facility in Wuhu, all of whom were quietly confident the newly developed pickup would be better than its Chinese-built rivals in every way. Chery's new global right-hand drive ute is expected to be powered by the company's fifth-generation plug-in hybrid powertrain, dubbed Chery Super Hybrid (CHS) and already seen in the Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 models. The company claims these powertrains are some of the most advanced PHEVs in the segment, boasting thermal efficiency of 44.5 per cent, a single-speed Direct Hybrid Transmission (DHT) with 98.5 per cent efficiency, and an all-electric range of 95km on the WLTP cycle via an 18.5kWh battery. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The combined range for the Tiggo 7 PHEV is a claimed 1080km (WLTC), while the larger Tiggo 8 Hybrid will offer an even longer 1200km-plus range. Both models incorporate a 'hybrid-specific' four-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 108kW of power and 215Nm of torque, while the electric motor develops 150kW and 310Nm, with total power output of approximately 230kW. Interestingly, the larger new Tiggo 9 PHEV uses the same 1.5-litre turbo-four petrol in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, paired to a three-speed DHT transmission and making up to 340kW and 700Nm, which should be plenty for a 4×4-capable dual-cab ute. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Previewed by the KP11 prototype last year, the first Himla ute shown in Shanghai is based on a ladder-frame chassis and expected to be available in some markets with a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. However, a turbo-diesel version is also possible for some countries, to go with a four-wheel drive system that's expected to offer some degree of off-road capability. Chery says its Himla ute range is being engineered with input from more than 30 countries to ensure it meets global safety, performance and utility standards. Off-road driving modes and a high-tech cabin comprising a 'class-leading intelligent cockpit' have also been promised. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Chery has promised Himla vehicles will 'accelerate the evolution of the global pickup market toward four key trends: passenger-oriented design, intelligence, premiumization [sic] and new energy adoption'. The dual-cab shown off in Shanghai featured a large free-standing infotainment touchscreen, and a two-tone black/tan colourway with lashings of leather or leatherette trim. The carmaker has sold traditional ladder-frame, dual-cab utes before, including the Higgo and Aika from its Karry commercial vehicle brand. Supplied Credit: CarExpert But as the huge 'Chery' wordmark on the front and rear of the new ute shows, Chery wants to leverage its own brand name for its latest ute models. The Himla ute range is part of Chery's strategy to sell one million vehicles annually by 2027, by expanding into new vehicle segments including light commercial vehicles and people movers. Locally, Chery has made no secret of its plan to become a top-five auto brand in Australia within five years of its local relaunch in 2022. It had hoped to reach 30,000 annual sales by 2024, but sold less than half that number with fewer than 13,000 registrations. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Chery's first ute would join a growing number of Chinese utes sold in Australia, including rivals from BYD, GWM, JAC, LDV and, soon, MG and Foton. And a PHEV ute would also go head to head with models including the Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV. Chery was China's top passenger car exporter for the 22nd consecutive year in 2024, with its vehicles sold everywhere from Europe to Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. In addition to its namesake brand, it also has a confusing web of spinoff brands including Exeed, Exlantix, Jaecoo, Jetour and Omoda.
