Chinese bakkies are making their mark in the highly contested bakkie space, not only internationally but also locally in South Africa, which is described as a bakkie-mad country.
Chery is the latest manufacturer to announce the launch of a new bakkie, not yet confirming when it will arrive at local shores.
It was launched at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition and is called the Himla.
The new Himla series builds on Chery’s 28 years of technical expertise and will further leverage the company’s advantages in the three core components of NEVs and intelligent connectivity to reshape the global bakkie landscape, it claims.
Bakkies have evolved beyond their traditional workhorse role, becoming more versatile and better suited to lifestyle uses. The global bakkie segment is entering a phase of sustained growth, with the latest IHS data showing international sales reached 5.67 million units in 2025 and forecasts suggesting volumes will surpass 6.3 million units by 2030.
“Bakkies play a vital role in many parts of the world, from remote work sites to everyday family life,” commented Verene Petersen, National Marketing Manager for Chery South Africa. “Himla is our way of expanding into a segment that is both competitive and full of potential. South Africa, in particular, is a standout market for bakkies. While we continue to evaluate opportunities in key markets, our focus with Himla is on building a product that speaks to global needs and local preferences alike.”
The new brand will offer a full line-up, ranging from compact and mid-size to large bakkies, with multiple powertrain options including petrol, diesel and fully electric variants. This versatility will serve a wide range of users, from commercial and utility-focused applications to family transport and off-road adventures.
Each model in the Himla series will be tailored to suit regional driving habits and regulatory standards — whether addressing the Middle East’s demand for off-road enhancements, South America’s cargo-hauling priorities, or Europe’s growing focus on electrification, Chery says.
The Himla range will adhere to Chery’s Global Five-Star Safety Standard, incorporating intelligent driving assistance systems, high-strength body structures and advanced battery safety technologies to ensure safety in diverse and challenging driving environments.
Leapmotor at Stellantis South Africa announced a partnership agreement with boutique car rental company, Drive Electric, to make premium electric mobility more accessible to local driving consumers.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are still expected to dominate the European Union’s (EU) car market from 2035, yet their eventual share could vary considerably depending on the strength of upcoming emissions rules, according to new findings from the transport campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E).
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) in the United States (US) has renewed its backing for policies aimed at preventing Chinese vehicle manufacturers from establishing a foothold in the US, despite growing expectations that their entry may be inevitable.
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The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) in the United States (US) has renewed its backing for policies aimed at preventing Chinese vehicle manufacturers from establishing a foothold in the US, despite growing expectations that their entry may be inevitable.
Japanese carmakers are scaling back operations in Southeast Asia and Africa as competition from rapidly expanding Chinese manufacturers reshapes the global automotive landscape.
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) Minister Parks Tau has welcomed the approval of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension Bill by the United States (US) House of Representatives.
