On November 7, Chery's first pickup model, HIMLA, made its official debut in Portillo, located deep within the Chilean Andes, with a regional launch and media test-drive event for the Latin American market. Designed as a strategic addition to Chery’s pickup portfolio, HIMLA is built to tackle Latin America’s demanding terrain and heavy-duty applications—delivering robust power, superior off-road performance, and comprehensive durability.

The event brought together prominent media representatives from across Latin America to test the vehicle on steep inclines and high-altitude unpaved roads, successfully demonstrating its capabilities under real-world conditions. This launch underscores Chery's commitment to expanding its global presence by entering the region's high-potential pickup truck market through significant technical investment and a user-centric approach.

Hardcore Performance, Perfectly Suited for the Region: HIMLA Redefines the Practical Pickup for Latin America

HIMLA is powered by a 2.3T diesel engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission—a powertrain calibrated to deliver low-RPM, high-torque performance even at high altitudes and in low temperatures. With peak torque of 420 N·m available from just 1,500 rpm, it provides instant response for steep climbs and heavy-load starting without any lag. Its 40% gradeability, 220 mm ground clearance, 33° approach angle, and 24° departure angle give it exceptional passability, whether navigating rugged mining roads or muddy farm tracks.

Engineered to outperform in its segment, HIMLA features a robust body structure and extensive anti-corrosion protection. The body incorporates 52.2% high-strength steel and 48% galvanized steel, complemented by anti-corrosion and anti-abrasion coatings on the chassis and cargo bed. This combination effectively withstands the humid, dusty, and corrosive conditions typical of Latin American work environments. The vehicle's durability has been validated through cumulative simulated road tests of 1 million kilometers and a 1,440-hour accelerated corrosion test, ensuring its long-term reliability in high-frequency, high-load scenarios like mining transport and agricultural work.

Proving essential for the region, HIMLA delivers outstanding loading and towing capabilities. Its cargo bed provides 1,267 liters of volume and is equipped with 36 tie-down points to secure diverse loads. With a 1,000 kg payload and 3-ton towing capacity, it easily handles everything from farm produce and building materials to heavy equipment. Whether hauling machinery in Chilean mines or transporting harvests across Brazil's highlands, HIMLA provides steady power and proven practicality as a reliable all-round partner.

Deepening Global Footprint: HIMLA Makes Its Move in Latin America's Pickup Arena

The launch of HIMLA in Latin America is a strategic move, underscoring Chery's insight into local market dynamics. The region is not only a key battleground for major global pickup brands but also has immense demand for cost-effective, highly durable, and versatile vehicles. As the first Chinese automaker to achieve over 5 million cumulative exports and the leader in passenger car exports for 22 consecutive years, Chery boasts a global user base of 17.72 million. Backed by mature R&D, industrial chain support, and sales networks, Chery is uniquely positioned to respond swiftly to local needs. HIMLA, therefore, is more than a strategic product line extension—it is a deliberate step to leverage global resources and meet specific regional demands.

HIMLA embodies Chery's ambition to redefine the pickup segment. Its development was centered around "user co-creation," a process that integrated direct feedback from global road trials and Latin American test drives directly into product refinement. Beyond its robust mechanical foundations, HIMLA also elevates intelligent comfort, ensuring it meets the demands of work while providing a safe and comfortable experience for family life.

By integrating advanced powertrain technology, quality that meets global standards, and a deep understanding of regional usage, HIMLA is poised to establish a distinct product identity in Latin America—defined by high performance, exceptional durability, and superior adaptation. Its launch reinforces Chery's global strategy of serving both commercial and passenger vehicle segments, while also offering a new paradigm for Chinese automakers expanding overseas: one that is technology-rooted, user-centric, and capable of reshaping established market patterns through integrated product and brand strength.

With the successful conclusion of its launch and media test-drive event in Portillo, Chile, Chery's first pickup model, HIMLA, has officially embarked on its journey in the Latin American market. This vehicle represents not only a key step in enriching Chery's global product portfolio but also ushers in a new phase of the brand's regional business development. Moving forward, leveraging the comprehensive capabilities engineered for complex terrains and heavy-duty scenarios, HIMLA is poised to meet the diverse demands of Latin American users for high-performance pickups and provide solid momentum to sustain Chery's long-term growth in the region.