Wuhu, China – October 17, 2025 – At the 2025 Chery Brand User Summit, the automotive world got a glimpse of the future. Chery’s HIMLA brand unveiled its all-electric bakkie, a pioneering camping conversion built for polar research, and a world-first seven-seat transformable multi-SUV—each a testament to innovation, user-driven design, and sustainability. South African drivers can expect HIMLA to arrive locally in 2026, promising a bold new chapter for the bakkie segment.
Safeguarding the Glacial Lifeline
HIMLA isn’t just about rugged performance; it’s about environmental responsibility. In partnership with glacier scientists, the Centre for Climate Action, Norwegian environmental advocate Mei Yuanmei, and Chinese glaciologist Liu Qiao, HIMLA is launching an initiative to preserve the “Third Pole” at the eastern edge of the Himalayas. The project involves installing remote monitoring towers to enable long-term glacial data collection. By reducing repeated expeditions into hazardous regions, HIMLA’s support enhances safety and efficiency while protecting a critical water source for billions.
The HIMLA Camping Conversion: Extreme Exploration, Made Practical
The HIMLA Camping Conversion debuted as a versatile mobile base for both recreation and scientific research. Built on the robust HIMLA bakkie platform—with a turbocharged 2.3-litre petrol engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, 420 N.m of torque, and 95% gradeability—the vehicle excels in extreme environments.
Its high-strength frame, modular ecosystem accessories, and adaptable interior allow it to serve as a mobile supply station, life-support unit, and equipment platform. Features like an electric pop-up tent capable of withstanding severe winds, a mobile kitchen for hot meals at -20°C, and an aluminium roof rack for heavy equipment make it a reliable partner for polar expeditions. Yet, the conversion also caters to off-road enthusiasts and adventurous families, proving that practicality and exploration can go hand in hand.
HIMLA EV: Zero-Emission Capability Meets South African Toughness
Alongside the camping conversion, HIMLA unveiled its electric bakkie. With an 88 kWh battery pack delivering up to 510 km of range, the HIMLA EV mirrors the petrol-powered bakkie in design and dimensions while offering zero-emission efficiency. Its professional-grade capabilities make it ideal for daily use, commercial applications, and long-haul journeys alike.
“In South Africa, bakkies are more than vehicles—they’re part of our culture,” said Verene Petersen, National Brand and Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa. “With HIMLA arriving in 2026, we’re bringing innovation, toughness, and versatility to drivers who expect more from their bakkies.”
Chery’s World-First Transformable Multi-SUV: Designed Around Real Users
Chery also introduced its seven-seat transformable multi-SUV, developed through global user research across multiple markets. The vehicle embraces a “6=1” transformation concept, allowing six configurations across nine family scenarios—from commuting and camping to outdoor sports.
Large 7-Seat SUV Mode offers ample space for families, Double-Cab Pickup Mode provides 600 litres of cargo capacity, and Camper Mode accommodates a full suite of outdoor accessories. The multi-SUV represents Chery’s shift from function-oriented design to scenario-oriented solutions, ensuring vehicles meet real-world needs. Co-creation initiatives invite users to contribute to design features, model naming, and functionality, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to user-driven innovation.
A New Era of Mobility
From HIMLA’s environmentally conscious polar research initiatives to electric bakkie capability and Chery’s revolutionary transformable SUV, the 2025 Brand User Summit highlighted a bold vision for the future. With arrivals in South Africa scheduled for 2026, Chery and HIMLA are proving that the next generation of mobility is not only green, capable, and intelligent—but built with users, not just for them.
