Chery Takes Aim At The Bakkie Big League In SA
Chery is gearing up to take on South Africa’s fiercely contested bakkie segment. After years of speculation, the Wuhu-based firm is making its boldest move yet with the introduction of the Chery Himla. The muscular double-cab, already confirmed for South Africa, is expected to launch in 2026. It’s the company’s first full-bodied attempt at building a modern pickup, and it’s aiming straight for the top, set to go head-to-head with the heavyweights in the double-cab bakkie space.
Meet The Himla
Unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2025, this upcoming four-seater bakkie is likely the production version of the ‘KP11’ prototype, which was revealed in late 2024.
The Himla is part of a newly announced sub-brand under the Chery umbrella, also called Himla, which focuses exclusively on pickup trucks for both commercial and personal use. The name itself, inspired by the Himalayan mountain range, is a nod to strength, resilience, and elevation. Chery also positions Himla as an acronym for High Performance, Innovation, Multifunctionality, Longevity, and All-Terrain Capability. The sub-brand plans to offer a full spectrum of pickup sizes (compact, mid-size, and large pickups), but this double-cab Himla will be its debut model and flagship product.
Though details are still emerging, here’s what we do know so far:
- The Himla is built on a body-on-frame platform, aligning it with segment leaders like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max.
- Engine options expected include a diesel engine and, most intriguingly, a turbodiesel hybrid. A full battery-electric variant (BEV) has also been confirmed for local availability.
- A turbopetrol engine also seems a sure bet for certain countries
Exact performance figures are still undisclosed, but the variety in powertrains suggests Chery aims to cover all the bases, from workhorse utility to low-emission alternatives.
Exterior Design
Styling-wise, the Himla commands attention with an imposing front grille prominently emblazoned with the “Chery” badge. The front fascia is punctuated by slim LED daytime running lights framing the grille, with the main LED headlights positioned just beneath them. Fog lamps are positioned lower in the bumper. Complementing the aggressive stance are 19-inch alloy wheels with some chunky tyres.
Moving around to the back, the Himla carries through its LED theme with sharp taillamps and more “Chery” branding across the tailgate. A sturdy side step has been thoughtfully integrated, facilitating easy access to the rubberised load bed.
Cabin And Tech
Inside the cabin, a two-tone interior theme gives it visual character, while a large infotainment touchscreen sits proudly in the centre of the dash. The Himla offers physical shortcut buttons beneath the screen, a welcome addition that provides quick access to key functions without requiring deep menu diving.
The steering wheel will feel familiar to existing Chery drivers, but the driver instrument cluster introduces something new—a slim, minimalist display that signals a more progressive interior direction for the brand. At this stage, off-road specs and cabin dimensions remain under wraps, but based on the Himla’s size and platform, it’s safe to expect competitive numbers.
Chery has also committed to meeting a “global five-star safety standard,” backed by a high-strength body structure, intelligent driver assistance systems, and advanced battery safety technologies for electrified variants.
Get Ready For What’s Coming From A Brand On The Rise
Anyone paying attention to Chery’s recent success in South Africa will see the Himla as the natural next step. The brand has gained serious ground in the passenger SUV segment with models like the Tiggo 4 Pro, Tiggo Cross, Tiggo 7 Pro, and Tiggo 8 Pro, winning over buyers with value-packed features and modern design.
Now, Chery wants a slice of South Africa’s most hotly contested market segment, and the Himla looks ready to challenge some of the country’s top-selling bakkies. With a confident design, varied powertrain options, and a strong commitment to local availability, it’s clear that Chery is ready to compete.
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