Latest news with #CheryInternational
Zawya
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Zawya
Lifestyle-driven mobility reshaping UAE's automotive future
UAE - In the past, the purchase of a car was driven by utility, brand reputation, or resale value. Today, it's steered by something far more personal: lifestyle. In cities like Dubai, where luxury, design, and technology shape consumer behavior, mobility is becoming a reflection of one's identity, rather than a mechanical choice. This new paradigm is forcing automakers to think differently—not only about how they engineer vehicles, but how they embed them into the aspirations, routines, and values of modern drivers. At the forefront of this evolution are two Chinese car brands owned by Chery International - Omoda & Jaecoo. Unlike traditional car brands, Omoda & Jaecoo is created not to compete in the past - but to serve the preferences of a new generation of drivers who value experience over horsepower, emotional connection over features, and environmental consciousness over excess, said its Regional Brand Manager Alaa Shata. Omoda, in particular, was conceived as a design-first, culture-forward brand. Its ethos mirrors the lifestyle of digitally native, urban consumers who want their vehicle to match the rest of their curated world - from the phone in their hand to the clothes they wear. The Omoda C5, for instance, features not just smart technology, but a bold visual identity, clean lines, and an unmistakable road presence that resonates with a generation attuned to aesthetics and social visibility. Globally, this shift is evident: a Capgemini study found that 72% of consumers under 35 see the car as an extension of their personal brand. "In a city like Dubai, that number is arguably even higher. Cars are not simply owned—they're worn, displayed, and photographed. This has made automotive design and tech integration as important as engine specs and emissions ratings," observed Shata. On the other end of the spectrum, Jaecoo appeals to a more grounded - but no less lifestyle-focused - demographic: individuals who crave freedom, exploration, and purpose-built elegance. For example, the Jaecoo J8 doesn't just promise off-road capability - it delivers an immersive luxury experience in remote terrain, with features like air suspension, customizable mood lighting, and terrain-response AI systems that adapt to everything from dunes to mountain roads. This growing convergence of adventure and affluence aligns strongly with the UAE's rising affinity for experiential luxury. Recent studies report that younger luxury consumers globally are shifting away from traditional assets and toward emotionally resonant purchases - experiences, status symbols, and identity-driven brands. Jaecoo sits perfectly at this intersection: a lifestyle SUV that's as suited for Jumeirah as it is for Jebel Jais. What distinguishes both brands is their ability to speak the language of modern living - whether through user experience, digital personalization, or aesthetics. Omoda & Jaecoo isn't pushing a product - it's inviting consumers into a world. Their launch strategy in the UAE, from curated showrooms to immersive test drives and community engagement, reflects a model where mobility is embedded in culture, not separated from it. As Dubai positions itself not just as a mobility hub but as a global influencer in design, luxury, and innovation, vehicles that align with that vision will shape what we drive, how we drive, and why we drive. Brands that understand this will win the next generation of drivers - not by selling them a machine, but by offering them a mindset. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Advertiser
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Is this Chery's first ute for Australia?
Our first look at the vehicle most likely to become the inaugural ute sold by Chery in Australia has come courtesy of these design drawings registered with the Argentinian patent office. The Chinese automaker used last month's Shanghai motor show to reveal its new Himla dual-cab ute, but Chery's export boss later confirmed it won't be sold in Australia. Instead, Chery International president Zhang Guibling said that Chery Australia will release a larger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute directly aimed at the popular BYD Shark 6 – and this is what it could look like. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 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," Mr Guibling told a small group of journalists at the Chinese brand's HQ in Wuhu. While the Himla ute was revealed in Shanghai in final production form, Chery also unveiled another prototype dual-cab at the show under its Jetour brand, codenamed F700 featuring suicide doors and enormous wheels. Low-resolution design renders recently published by the Argentine National Institute of Technology patent office now show what the showroom-ready version will look like. Jetour Zongheng F700 prototype images courtesy of CarNewsChina As further patent images published by Autoweb in Argentina show, the Jetour 'F700' is a dual-cab ute like the Chery Himla. Presenting squarer lines and larger headlights, plus a step in its rear bumper like the Ford Ranger and Kia Tasman, it looks less adventurous than the heavily haunched prototype that previewed it and more like a Ranger than the Himla, which features slender headlights flanking a huge black Chery-badged grille. At this stage it's unclear what nameplate Chery's second ute will wear, and what brand it will be sold under in Australia, where the Chinese auto giant now markets models under the Chery and Jaecoo brands, all of which offer a range of car-based SUV models. Chery is also readying a local launch for its Omoda and iCaur brands, which will also offer SUVs. But Chery, which was China's top passenger car exporter for the 22nd consecutive year in 2024 and sells vehicles everywhere from Europe and Latin America to Africa and the Middle East, also has a confusing web of spinoff brands including Jetour, Karry, Exeed and Exlantix. It also recently teased the return of the Rely nameplate. If Chery chooses to sell the F700 here under either the Jetour or Rely brands, which are most likely, the Chinese auto conglomerate would offer no fewer than five separate brands in this market, including its namesake marque. Based on the 5.1m-long Jetour Zongheng G700 large SUV that was also revealed in Shanghai last month, the Jetour F700 prototype features a PHEV powertrain. Jetour Zongheng G700 images courtesy of CarNewsChina This reportedly combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 157kW of power with a 209kW electric mounted within its transmission, and a 304kW rear-mounted electric motor, for combined outputs of no less than 560kW and 795Nm. An even bigger and more powerful large SUV dubbed the Jetour G900 employs an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain to produce a whopping 1172kW thanks to four electric motors. Both of Jetour's PHEV and EREV powertrains leverage an 800V electrical architecture offering 6C fast-charging capabilities, reportedly resulting in 20-80 per cent battery charging times in as little as six minutes. In a tantalising taste of what the Jetour ute might be capable of, the G700 is able to perform 'tank' turns, rotating 360 degrees on the spot, and features air suspension that can raise its ground clearance to 350mm. However, Chery's new global right-hand drive ute could also 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 PHEV 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 a 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 Himla ute is based on a ladder-frame chassis and expected to be available in some markets with a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but a turbo-diesel version is also possible for some countries. No exterior dimensions are available yet for the Jetour dual-cab, but it's also likely be a mid-size ute to rival the top-selling, ladder-frame Ranger and Toyota HiLux. Jetour Zongheng G900 images courtesy of CarNewsChina Like the Himla ute, it could feature a large free-standing infotainment touchscreen within an upmarket interior lined with real and fake leather in some variants. When Chery revealed its first Himla ute in Shanghai last month, it said its pickup range 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 the initial Himla dual-cab will match key rivals with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and a circa-1000kg payload, plus a "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 utes subsequent to the Himla have been revealed by Chery so far, 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. A local Chery spokesperson later said the Chinese 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. Chery has sold traditional ladder-frame, dual-cab utes before, including the Higgo and Aika from its Karry commercial vehicle brand. But the new Himla, Jetour and potentially Rely branded 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 dual-cabs 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 BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV. Content originally sourced from: Our first look at the vehicle most likely to become the inaugural ute sold by Chery in Australia has come courtesy of these design drawings registered with the Argentinian patent office. The Chinese automaker used last month's Shanghai motor show to reveal its new Himla dual-cab ute, but Chery's export boss later confirmed it won't be sold in Australia. Instead, Chery International president Zhang Guibling said that Chery Australia will release a larger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute directly aimed at the popular BYD Shark 6 – and this is what it could look like. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 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," Mr Guibling told a small group of journalists at the Chinese brand's HQ in Wuhu. While the Himla ute was revealed in Shanghai in final production form, Chery also unveiled another prototype dual-cab at the show under its Jetour brand, codenamed F700 featuring suicide doors and enormous wheels. Low-resolution design renders recently published by the Argentine National Institute of Technology patent office now show what the showroom-ready version will look like. Jetour Zongheng F700 prototype images courtesy of CarNewsChina As further patent images published by Autoweb in Argentina show, the Jetour 'F700' is a dual-cab ute like the Chery Himla. Presenting squarer lines and larger headlights, plus a step in its rear bumper like the Ford Ranger and Kia Tasman, it looks less adventurous than the heavily haunched prototype that previewed it and more like a Ranger than the Himla, which features slender headlights flanking a huge black Chery-badged grille. At this stage it's unclear what nameplate Chery's second ute will wear, and what brand it will be sold under in Australia, where the Chinese auto giant now markets models under the Chery and Jaecoo brands, all of which offer a range of car-based SUV models. Chery is also readying a local launch for its Omoda and iCaur brands, which will also offer SUVs. But Chery, which was China's top passenger car exporter for the 22nd consecutive year in 2024 and sells vehicles everywhere from Europe and Latin America to Africa and the Middle East, also has a confusing web of spinoff brands including Jetour, Karry, Exeed and Exlantix. It also recently teased the return of the Rely nameplate. If Chery chooses to sell the F700 here under either the Jetour or Rely brands, which are most likely, the Chinese auto conglomerate would offer no fewer than five separate brands in this market, including its namesake marque. Based on the 5.1m-long Jetour Zongheng G700 large SUV that was also revealed in Shanghai last month, the Jetour F700 prototype features a PHEV powertrain. Jetour Zongheng G700 images courtesy of CarNewsChina This reportedly combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 157kW of power with a 209kW electric mounted within its transmission, and a 304kW rear-mounted electric motor, for combined outputs of no less than 560kW and 795Nm. An even bigger and more powerful large SUV dubbed the Jetour G900 employs an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain to produce a whopping 1172kW thanks to four electric motors. Both of Jetour's PHEV and EREV powertrains leverage an 800V electrical architecture offering 6C fast-charging capabilities, reportedly resulting in 20-80 per cent battery charging times in as little as six minutes. In a tantalising taste of what the Jetour ute might be capable of, the G700 is able to perform 'tank' turns, rotating 360 degrees on the spot, and features air suspension that can raise its ground clearance to 350mm. However, Chery's new global right-hand drive ute could also 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 PHEV 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 a 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 Himla ute is based on a ladder-frame chassis and expected to be available in some markets with a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but a turbo-diesel version is also possible for some countries. No exterior dimensions are available yet for the Jetour dual-cab, but it's also likely be a mid-size ute to rival the top-selling, ladder-frame Ranger and Toyota HiLux. Jetour Zongheng G900 images courtesy of CarNewsChina Like the Himla ute, it could feature a large free-standing infotainment touchscreen within an upmarket interior lined with real and fake leather in some variants. When Chery revealed its first Himla ute in Shanghai last month, it said its pickup range 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 the initial Himla dual-cab will match key rivals with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and a circa-1000kg payload, plus a "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 utes subsequent to the Himla have been revealed by Chery so far, 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. A local Chery spokesperson later said the Chinese 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. Chery has sold traditional ladder-frame, dual-cab utes before, including the Higgo and Aika from its Karry commercial vehicle brand. But the new Himla, Jetour and potentially Rely branded 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 dual-cabs 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 BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV. Content originally sourced from: Our first look at the vehicle most likely to become the inaugural ute sold by Chery in Australia has come courtesy of these design drawings registered with the Argentinian patent office. The Chinese automaker used last month's Shanghai motor show to reveal its new Himla dual-cab ute, but Chery's export boss later confirmed it won't be sold in Australia. Instead, Chery International president Zhang Guibling said that Chery Australia will release a larger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute directly aimed at the popular BYD Shark 6 – and this is what it could look like. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 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," Mr Guibling told a small group of journalists at the Chinese brand's HQ in Wuhu. While the Himla ute was revealed in Shanghai in final production form, Chery also unveiled another prototype dual-cab at the show under its Jetour brand, codenamed F700 featuring suicide doors and enormous wheels. Low-resolution design renders recently published by the Argentine National Institute of Technology patent office now show what the showroom-ready version will look like. Jetour Zongheng F700 prototype images courtesy of CarNewsChina As further patent images published by Autoweb in Argentina show, the Jetour 'F700' is a dual-cab ute like the Chery Himla. Presenting squarer lines and larger headlights, plus a step in its rear bumper like the Ford Ranger and Kia Tasman, it looks less adventurous than the heavily haunched prototype that previewed it and more like a Ranger than the Himla, which features slender headlights flanking a huge black Chery-badged grille. At this stage it's unclear what nameplate Chery's second ute will wear, and what brand it will be sold under in Australia, where the Chinese auto giant now markets models under the Chery and Jaecoo brands, all of which offer a range of car-based SUV models. Chery is also readying a local launch for its Omoda and iCaur brands, which will also offer SUVs. But Chery, which was China's top passenger car exporter for the 22nd consecutive year in 2024 and sells vehicles everywhere from Europe and Latin America to Africa and the Middle East, also has a confusing web of spinoff brands including Jetour, Karry, Exeed and Exlantix. It also recently teased the return of the Rely nameplate. If Chery chooses to sell the F700 here under either the Jetour or Rely brands, which are most likely, the Chinese auto conglomerate would offer no fewer than five separate brands in this market, including its namesake marque. Based on the 5.1m-long Jetour Zongheng G700 large SUV that was also revealed in Shanghai last month, the Jetour F700 prototype features a PHEV powertrain. Jetour Zongheng G700 images courtesy of CarNewsChina This reportedly combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 157kW of power with a 209kW electric mounted within its transmission, and a 304kW rear-mounted electric motor, for combined outputs of no less than 560kW and 795Nm. An even bigger and more powerful large SUV dubbed the Jetour G900 employs an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain to produce a whopping 1172kW thanks to four electric motors. Both of Jetour's PHEV and EREV powertrains leverage an 800V electrical architecture offering 6C fast-charging capabilities, reportedly resulting in 20-80 per cent battery charging times in as little as six minutes. In a tantalising taste of what the Jetour ute might be capable of, the G700 is able to perform 'tank' turns, rotating 360 degrees on the spot, and features air suspension that can raise its ground clearance to 350mm. However, Chery's new global right-hand drive ute could also 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 PHEV 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 a 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 Himla ute is based on a ladder-frame chassis and expected to be available in some markets with a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but a turbo-diesel version is also possible for some countries. No exterior dimensions are available yet for the Jetour dual-cab, but it's also likely be a mid-size ute to rival the top-selling, ladder-frame Ranger and Toyota HiLux. Jetour Zongheng G900 images courtesy of CarNewsChina Like the Himla ute, it could feature a large free-standing infotainment touchscreen within an upmarket interior lined with real and fake leather in some variants. When Chery revealed its first Himla ute in Shanghai last month, it said its pickup range 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 the initial Himla dual-cab will match key rivals with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and a circa-1000kg payload, plus a "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 utes subsequent to the Himla have been revealed by Chery so far, 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. A local Chery spokesperson later said the Chinese 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. Chery has sold traditional ladder-frame, dual-cab utes before, including the Higgo and Aika from its Karry commercial vehicle brand. But the new Himla, Jetour and potentially Rely branded 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 dual-cabs 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 BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV. Content originally sourced from: Our first look at the vehicle most likely to become the inaugural ute sold by Chery in Australia has come courtesy of these design drawings registered with the Argentinian patent office. The Chinese automaker used last month's Shanghai motor show to reveal its new Himla dual-cab ute, but Chery's export boss later confirmed it won't be sold in Australia. Instead, Chery International president Zhang Guibling said that Chery Australia will release a larger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute directly aimed at the popular BYD Shark 6 – and this is what it could look like. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 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," Mr Guibling told a small group of journalists at the Chinese brand's HQ in Wuhu. While the Himla ute was revealed in Shanghai in final production form, Chery also unveiled another prototype dual-cab at the show under its Jetour brand, codenamed F700 featuring suicide doors and enormous wheels. Low-resolution design renders recently published by the Argentine National Institute of Technology patent office now show what the showroom-ready version will look like. Jetour Zongheng F700 prototype images courtesy of CarNewsChina As further patent images published by Autoweb in Argentina show, the Jetour 'F700' is a dual-cab ute like the Chery Himla. Presenting squarer lines and larger headlights, plus a step in its rear bumper like the Ford Ranger and Kia Tasman, it looks less adventurous than the heavily haunched prototype that previewed it and more like a Ranger than the Himla, which features slender headlights flanking a huge black Chery-badged grille. At this stage it's unclear what nameplate Chery's second ute will wear, and what brand it will be sold under in Australia, where the Chinese auto giant now markets models under the Chery and Jaecoo brands, all of which offer a range of car-based SUV models. Chery is also readying a local launch for its Omoda and iCaur brands, which will also offer SUVs. But Chery, which was China's top passenger car exporter for the 22nd consecutive year in 2024 and sells vehicles everywhere from Europe and Latin America to Africa and the Middle East, also has a confusing web of spinoff brands including Jetour, Karry, Exeed and Exlantix. It also recently teased the return of the Rely nameplate. If Chery chooses to sell the F700 here under either the Jetour or Rely brands, which are most likely, the Chinese auto conglomerate would offer no fewer than five separate brands in this market, including its namesake marque. Based on the 5.1m-long Jetour Zongheng G700 large SUV that was also revealed in Shanghai last month, the Jetour F700 prototype features a PHEV powertrain. Jetour Zongheng G700 images courtesy of CarNewsChina This reportedly combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 157kW of power with a 209kW electric mounted within its transmission, and a 304kW rear-mounted electric motor, for combined outputs of no less than 560kW and 795Nm. An even bigger and more powerful large SUV dubbed the Jetour G900 employs an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain to produce a whopping 1172kW thanks to four electric motors. Both of Jetour's PHEV and EREV powertrains leverage an 800V electrical architecture offering 6C fast-charging capabilities, reportedly resulting in 20-80 per cent battery charging times in as little as six minutes. In a tantalising taste of what the Jetour ute might be capable of, the G700 is able to perform 'tank' turns, rotating 360 degrees on the spot, and features air suspension that can raise its ground clearance to 350mm. However, Chery's new global right-hand drive ute could also 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 PHEV 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 a 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 Himla ute is based on a ladder-frame chassis and expected to be available in some markets with a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but a turbo-diesel version is also possible for some countries. No exterior dimensions are available yet for the Jetour dual-cab, but it's also likely be a mid-size ute to rival the top-selling, ladder-frame Ranger and Toyota HiLux. Jetour Zongheng G900 images courtesy of CarNewsChina Like the Himla ute, it could feature a large free-standing infotainment touchscreen within an upmarket interior lined with real and fake leather in some variants. When Chery revealed its first Himla ute in Shanghai last month, it said its pickup range 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 the initial Himla dual-cab will match key rivals with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and a circa-1000kg payload, plus a "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 utes subsequent to the Himla have been revealed by Chery so far, 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. A local Chery spokesperson later said the Chinese 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. Chery has sold traditional ladder-frame, dual-cab utes before, including the Higgo and Aika from its Karry commercial vehicle brand. But the new Himla, Jetour and potentially Rely branded 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 dual-cabs 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 BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV. Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Is this Chery's first ute for Australia?
Our first look at the vehicle most likely to become the inaugural ute sold by Chery in Australia has come courtesy of these design drawings registered with the Argentinian patent office. The Chinese automaker used last month's Shanghai motor show to reveal its new Himla dual-cab ute, but Chery's export boss later confirmed it won't be sold in Australia. Instead, Chery International president Zhang Guibling said that Chery Australia will release a larger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute directly aimed at the popular BYD Shark 6 – and this is what it could look like. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 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,' Mr Guibling told a small group of journalists at the Chinese brand's HQ in Wuhu. While the Himla ute was revealed in Shanghai in final production form, Chery also unveiled another prototype dual-cab at the show under its Jetour brand, codenamed F700 featuring suicide doors and enormous wheels. Low-resolution design renders recently published by the Argentine National Institute of Technology patent office now show what the showroom-ready version will look like. Jetour Zongheng F700 prototype images courtesy of CarNewsChina As further patent images published by Autoweb in Argentina show, the Jetour 'F700' is a dual-cab ute like the Chery Himla. Presenting squarer lines and larger headlights, plus a step in its rear bumper like the Ford Ranger and Kia Tasman, it looks less adventurous than the heavily haunched prototype that previewed it and more like a Ranger than the Himla, which features slender headlights flanking a huge black Chery-badged grille. At this stage it's unclear what nameplate Chery's second ute will wear, and what brand it will be sold under in Australia, where the Chinese auto giant now markets models under the Chery and Jaecoo brands, all of which offer a range of car-based SUV models. Chery is also readying a local launch for its Omoda and iCaur brands, which will also offer SUVs. But Chery, which was China's top passenger car exporter for the 22nd consecutive year in 2024 and sells vehicles everywhere from Europe and Latin America to Africa and the Middle East, also has a confusing web of spinoff brands including Jetour, Karry, Exeed and Exlantix. It also recently teased the return of the Rely nameplate. If Chery chooses to sell the F700 here under either the Jetour or Rely brands, which are most likely, the Chinese auto conglomerate would offer no fewer than five separate brands in this market, including its namesake marque. Based on the 5.1m-long Jetour Zongheng G700 large SUV that was also revealed in Shanghai last month, the Jetour F700 prototype features a PHEV powertrain. Jetour Zongheng G700 images courtesy of CarNewsChina This reportedly combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 157kW of power with a 209kW electric mounted within its transmission, and a 304kW rear-mounted electric motor, for combined outputs of no less than 560kW and 795Nm. An even bigger and more powerful large SUV dubbed the Jetour G900 employs an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain to produce a whopping 1172kW thanks to four electric motors. Both of Jetour's PHEV and EREV powertrains leverage an 800V electrical architecture offering 6C fast-charging capabilities, reportedly resulting in 20-80 per cent battery charging times in as little as six minutes. In a tantalising taste of what the Jetour ute might be capable of, the G700 is able to perform 'tank' turns, rotating 360 degrees on the spot, and features air suspension that can raise its ground clearance to 350mm. However, Chery's new global right-hand drive ute could also 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 PHEV 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 a 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 Himla ute is based on a ladder-frame chassis and expected to be available in some markets with a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but a turbo-diesel version is also possible for some countries. No exterior dimensions are available yet for the Jetour dual-cab, but it's also likely be a mid-size ute to rival the top-selling, ladder-frame Ranger and Toyota HiLux. Jetour Zongheng G900 images courtesy of CarNewsChina Like the Himla ute, it could feature a large free-standing infotainment touchscreen within an upmarket interior lined with real and fake leather in some variants. When Chery revealed its first Himla ute in Shanghai last month, it said its pickup range 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 the initial Himla dual-cab will match key rivals with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and a circa-1000kg payload, plus a '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 utes subsequent to the Himla have been revealed by Chery so far, 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. A local Chery spokesperson later said the Chinese 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. Chery has sold traditional ladder-frame, dual-cab utes before, including the Higgo and Aika from its Karry commercial vehicle brand. But the new Himla, Jetour and potentially Rely branded 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 dual-cabs sold in Australia, including rivals from BYD, GWM, JAC, LDV and, soon, MG and Foton.
NZ Autocar
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Chery announces Tiggo SUV models for New Zealand
Chery has confirmed that the Tiggo 4, Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 SUV models will arrive in New Zealand in the third quarter of 2025. The compact Tiggo 4 (pictured above) SUV will offer both ICE and hybrid powertrains, while the 7,8 and 9 will be equipped with a Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) plug-in powertrain. The Tiggo 4 and 7 seat five people, while the Tiggo 8 and 9 seat up to seven. In Australia, the entry point Tiggo 4 is powered by a 108kW/210Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It has become the market's most affordable new car and the brand hopes to replicate this in New Zealand. Behold, the Chery Tiggo 7 Chery Australia has retailed 5200 units in six months, with the Tiggo 4 Urban priced from A$23,990 and the Ultimate retailing at A$26,990. New Zealand will receive the recently updated MY26 Tiggo 4, which offers newly designed 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, and new LED taillights plus a light bar that stretches across the tailgate. In Australia, all Tiggo 4 variants receive dual 10.25-inch LCD screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Hello Chery Intelligent Voice Command, a six-speaker sound system, seven airbags and driver assistance features. The Tiggo 4 Ultimate model offers a 15W wireless phone charger, 360-degree surround view camera, artificial leather seats and colour-selectable ambient lighting. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.4L/100km with CO2 emissions of 168g/km. It's the Chery Tiggo 8 Hybrid and PHEV en route to New Zealand Chery has confirmed it will offer the New Zealand market a MY26 Tiggo 4 hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) as well as plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8, and Tiggo 9 SUV models in the third quarter of 2025. 'New Zealand and Australia are very strict about emissions, and it's a very good time for us to grab some market share with the forthcoming arrival of our Tiggo HEV and PHEV models,' Chery International chief executive Mr Zhang Guibing says. 'It's good for customers, I think in people's minds Chery represents good value and technology,' he says. The Tiggo 4 HEV will offer a 71kW/118Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, combined with a 150kW/310Nm electric motor and a 1.83 kWh battery to provide a range of around 1000km. It is around 50kg heavier than its ICE equivalent but will sprint to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds. The Tiggo T7, T8, and T9 PHEV models will all be powered by the 1.5-litre turbocharged Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) powertrain. The Tiggo 9 The company claims these powertrains provide thermal efficiency of 44.5%, 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, while the larger Tiggo 8 will offer more than 1200km. Both models incorporate a 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. The larger new Tiggo 9 PHEV uses the same 1.5-litre turbo-four petrol paired to a three-speed DHT transmission, and making up to 340kW and 700Nm, it will be offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive powertrains. The T9 PHEV will be offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive powertrains. In addition to the Tiggo SUV family in 2025, the Omoda 7 PHEV is expected to arrive in New Zealand sometime in 2026.
NZ Autocar
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Chery's new ute won't be offered in New Zealand
Chery launched a new double-cab ute called the Himla at Auto Shanghai 2025 to great fanfare, but it won't be coming to the New Zealand market. Chery International president Mr Zhang Guibing says the manufacturer will developtwo new utes with New Energy Vehicle (NEV) technology for the Tasman Seas market. But they will not be related to the Himla double-cab ute launched at Auto Shanghai. The first new Chery ute will launch in the second half of 2026, with the second modelarriving later that Zhang says the new utes are unrelated to the recently launched Himla utes whichwill solely be produced in left-hand drive for the markets in the Middle East, Central and South America.
