On October 17, the 2025 Chery Brand User Summit opened in Wuhu, China, marking a major milestone for Chery’s global user ecosystem. The event featured the Chery Brand Exhibition and Chery Brand Night, where the company unveiled cutting-edge products, technologies, and sustainability initiatives—all reinforcing its “Co-Create The New Move” vision.
Safeguarding the glacial lifeline: HIMLA supports scientific exploration
During the summit, Chery’s HIMLA brand announced a collaboration with glacier scientists to launch a preservation initiative for the “Third Pole” at the eastern edge of the Himalayas. This effort reflects both the brand’s commitment to ESG principles and its strong push to advance polar scientific research, highlighting HIMLA’s long-term dedication to ecological sustainability.
In partnership with the Centre for Climate Action, Norwegian environmental advocate Mei Yuanmei, and Chinese glaciologist Liu Qiao, HIMLA will support the installation of remote monitoring towers to enable long-term data collection in glacial regions. By reducing the need for repeated expeditions into hazardous areas, this initiative will enhance safety and efficiency in scientific exploration and protect a lifeline that sustains billions.
HIMLA camping conversion: A mobile fortress for polar research
The HIMLA Camping Conversion also made its debut at the 2025 Chery Brand User Summit. Built on the robust HIMLA bakkie platform—featuring a turbocharged 2.3-litre petrol engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, 420 N.m of torque and 95% gradeability—it is designed as both a recreational camper and a mobile life-support base for professionals in extreme environments.
Its high-strength structure, factory-engineered ecosystem accessories, and versatile modular setup enable it to function as a mobile supply station and equipment platform in glacier research. The electric pop-up tent withstands extreme winds, the mobile kitchen ensures hot meals at -20°C, and the aluminium roof rack carries bulky gear with stability and safety. These features establish the HIMLA Camping Conversion as a reliable partner for polar exploration—and an adaptable companion for off-road enthusiasts and families alike.
Expanding bakkie possibilities: HIMLA EV makes its debut
Also unveiled during the 2025 Chery Brand User Summit was the HIMLA EV, a high-performance electric bakkie that shares the same exterior design and dimensions as its petrol-powered counterpart but gains motivation from an 88 kWh battery pack that delivers up to 510 km of range. The HIMLA EV combines zero-emission efficiency with professional-grade capability and is an ideal mobility solution for both daily and commercial use.
“In South Africa, bakkies are more than just vehicles. They’re part of our culture,” commented Verene Petersen, National Brand and Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa. “With HIMLA set to arrive locally in 2026, we’re entering an exciting new chapter. What we’ve seen at the Global User Summit shows how the bakkie is evolving, from an electric model that delivers real capability to conversions designed for extreme environments. For local drivers who expect toughness, versatility and innovation, HIMLA brings something genuinely new to the table.”
Innovation rooted in real user needs: The world-first “seven-seat transformable multi-SUV”
Zheng Songzhi, Executive Deputy General Manager of Chery International Marketing Centre, introduced the world’s first seven-seat transformable multi-SUV concept. Developed through global user research across several markets, this concept reflects Chery’s shift from “function-oriented” to “scenario-oriented” design.
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.
Chery’s global co-creation initiative invites users worldwide to participate in development (from feature design to model naming), ensuring the final production model remains rooted in real-world needs. Scheduled for release in 2026, the vehicle redefines versatility and personal expression for modern families.
Together with a growing community of users, Chery is pioneering a new era of green, capable and intelligent mobility, proving that the future of movement is being built with its users, not just for them.
