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.
A dispute over the payload ratings of Jetour’s T1 and T2 SUVs has developed further following weighbridge testing in Gauteng, with the Automobile Association (AA) questioning some of the results and Jetour South Africa maintaining that its revised figures have been independently verified.
Chinese vehicle manufacturers continued to record significantly stronger growth than established OEM brands in South Africa during the second quarter of 2026, according to TransUnion's Q2 2026 Mobility Report.
Ford has broadened its Tourneo Custom line-up in South Africa with the introduction of the new Kombi and the flagship Titanium X AWD.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Ford has broadened its Tourneo Custom line-up in South Africa with the introduction of the new Kombi and the flagship Titanium X AWD.
The JMC Grand Avenue is a new double-cab bakkie aimed at buyers who need a vehicle that can serve as family transport, a leisure companion and a capable workhorse. As JMC's flagship bakkie, it enters one of South Africa's most competitive vehicle segments with an emphasis on space, technology and practicality.
JAC Motors South Africa has introduced two new derivatives to its T9 bakkie range, the Hunter Black Edition and Super Lux Black Edition. These additions form part of the company’s Decade campaign, marking nearly ten years of operations in the country.
