Although there has been no final decision on the engine options or prices, the Himla bakkie with the Chery brand name behind it, will definitely draw a lot of attention.

Engine options will, in all likelihood, include a mixture of diesel, petrol and hybrid versions.

A Himla camping conversion, a mobile fortress for polar research, was also shown in China at the 2025 Chery Brand User Summit. Built on the robust bakkie platform, featuring a turbocharged 2.3-litre petrol engine, eight-speed automatic transmission with 420Nm of torque, it is designed as both a recreational camper and a mobile life-support base for professionals in extreme environments.

At the summit, Chery also showcased the possibilities of the platform on which the Himla is build.

These include a high-performance electric bakkie that shares the same exterior design and dimensions as its petrol-powered counterpart but gains extra power from an 88kWh battery pack that delivers a range of up to 510km.

At the summit, the world’s first seven-seat transformable multi-SUV concept was shown. Developed through global user research across several markets, this concept reflects Chery’s shift from “function-orientated” to “scenario-orientated” design, claims the manufacturer.

Built around nine family scenarios – from commuting and camping to outdoor sports – the vehicle adopts an innovative “6=1” concept, transforming between six configurations to meet 99% of family needs. In Large 7-Seat SUV Mode, it offers a true mobile home experience with ample interior space. Switching to Double-Cab Pickup Mode provides 600 litres of cargo capacity, while Camper Mode accommodates a full suite of outdoor accessories for exploration and leisure, says Chery.