Chery is once again proving that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. At its 2025 Global User Summit held in Wuhu, China, the automaker unveiled a series of groundbreaking developments—ranging from a fully electric bakkie and a modular camping rig to the world’s first transformable seven-seat multi-SUV. The summit, themed “Co-Create The New Move,” marked a major stride in Chery’s ambition to build a global community centered on user-driven design, cutting-edge mobility, and ecological preservation. HIMLA Leads Chery’s Push Into Sustainable Adventure Taking center stage at the event was HIMLA, Chery’s adventurous sub-brand, which announced a new scientific partnership focused on safeguarding the fragile glaciers of the Himalayas—often referred to as the “Third Pole.” In collaboration with international experts and environmental organizations, HIMLA will support the installation of advanced monitoring towers designed to track glacial changes in remote areas. By enabling real-time data collection, this initiative reduces the need for repeated, risky expeditions into harsh terrain—underscoring Chery’s growing emphasis on sustainability, exploration, and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles. The HIMLA Camping Conversion: Built for the Edge of the World Among the biggest show-stoppers was the HIMLA Camping Conversion, a vehicle that blurs the line between rugged off-roader and scientific basecamp. Developed on the brand’s tough bakkie platform, the conversion boasts a turbocharged 2.3-litre petrol engine delivering 420 N.m of torque through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and 95% gradeability—figures that put it in serious 4x4 territory. More than a simple overlanding rig, the HIMLA Camping Conversion is a self-sustaining unit designed for extreme conditions. It comes equipped with an electric pop-up tent built to withstand polar winds, a compact kitchen that functions even at -20°C, and a reinforced aluminium roof rack capable of hauling heavy research gear. It’s both a lifeline for scientists in the field and a dream machine for adventure enthusiasts who crave the road less travelled. HIMLA EV: South Africa’s Next-Gen Bakkie Arrives in 2026 For South African motorists, the real headline news is the confirmation that HIMLA’s all-electric bakkie will arrive locally in 2026. Sharing its rugged design with the petrol variant, the zero-emission version is powered by an 88 kWh battery that delivers an impressive range of up to 510 km on a single charge. “With HIMLA set to enter our market next year, Chery is about to redefine what a bakkie can be,” said Verene Petersen, National Brand and Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa. “Bakkies are woven into our culture, and HIMLA brings a fresh take—combining real off-road capability with electric performance and forward-thinking design.” The HIMLA EV’s arrival will place Chery in direct contention with established players in the fast-evolving electric utility vehicle space, offering local drivers a taste of next-generation versatility. Reinventing Family Mobility: Chery’s Seven-Seat Transformable Multi-SUV Rounding off the Wuhu showcase, Chery revealed a world-first: a seven-seat transformable multi-SUV that can adapt to multiple configurations to suit different lifestyles. The prototype reflects a shift in design philosophy—from purely functional to scenario-based engineering—based on insights from users across the globe. The innovative platform allows for six modes, covering everything from large-family transport to outdoor exploration. In one setting, it becomes a full-sized seven-seat SUV; in another, a double-cab pickup with 600 litres of cargo capacity. Switch to “Camper Mode,” and it transforms into a compact adventure base equipped for outdoor living. Expected to launch in 2026, this multi-purpose SUV could redefine what families expect from a single vehicle—uniting flexibility, practicality, and personal expression in a way few automakers have attempted. A Future Built Around the User Through its latest product showcase, Chery has once again demonstrated its ability to read global trends and act boldly. Whether it’s electric bakkies designed for African roads, mobile research vehicles destined for the polar frontiers, or shape-shifting SUVs tailored for family life, the Chinese automaker’s message is clear: the future of mobility belongs to those who co-create it.