SHANGHAI: Chery wants to be known as a pick-up truck maker and started the ball rolling with the launch of its new Himla series, unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai auto show yesterday.
The Himla model rollout marks a key strategic expansion for the Chinese automaker as it seeks to tap into a growing segment increasingly defined by lifestyle, electrification and intelligent technology.
The Himla will come in compact, mid-size and large variants. It will be offered with petrol, diesel and fully electric powertrains to suit commercial, family and off-road applications.
Himla, a truncated form of the Himalayas, is named after the Asian mountain range to encapsulate the vehicle's robust capabilities and to resonate with consumers seeking a reliable and versatile pickup truck.
Drawing on 28 years of in-house engineering, each model features high-strength body structures, advanced battery-fire suppression technology and intelligent driver-assist systems that conform to Chery’s Global Five-Star Safety Standard.
Global pickup sales reached 5.67 million units in 2025 and are forecast to exceed 6.3 million by 2030, driven by rising demand for vehicles that combine utility with lifestyle appeal .
Chery aims to capitalise on this growth by tailoring Himla to regional needs — from reinforced off-road packages for Middle East markets to heavy-duty cargo configurations in Central and South America and electrified variants for Europe .
This localisation strategy is supported by Chery’s network of more than 1,700 overseas dealerships, alongside R&D centres and production bases in key regions .
By integrating versatile powertrain choices with robust safety features and intelligent technology, Himla positions Chery as a comprehensive mobility provider rather than solely a passenger-car manufacturer.
