Chery, one of the major Chinese players in the South African automotive landscape, will build on its local success with the expansion of its range next year, with the inclusion of the new Himla bakkie.
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.
Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) has announced leadership changes within the DTSA Board of Directors, the Executive Committee and the Finance & Controlling Team by welcoming Piérre Kriek as the incoming CFO of the DTSA Group, effective 1 November 2025.
Satish Ranchod is the new Human Resources Director at VW Group Africa, effective 1 November 2025.
The milestone 10th edition of Automechanika Johannesburg attracted 307 exhibitors and facilitated 2 959 business-matchmaking meetings, connecting buyers and suppliers from across the continent and beyond.
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Changan South Africa has announced its full vehicle range and the prices of new entrants into the local market.
Jetour has launched its new T1 and T2 models locally, which will officially go on sale mid-November at over 55 Jetour dealerships across Southern Africa.
