Chery has confirmed to CarSauce that the newly revealed Himla ute will not be coming to Australia, despite earlier speculation.

Unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show, the Himla was positioned as a key part of Chery’s global expansion into the pickup market. However, Chery has since clarified that Australian customers will instead receive a larger, plug-in hybrid ute currently under development - one the company claims will outperform the BYD Shark 6.

Details about the new model remain scarce, though it is expected to build on Chery’s latest hybrid technologies, potentially offering even greater electric range and total system output than the Himla’s anticipated specifications.

Chery’s decision reflects its strategy to tailor products to local market demands, with larger and more powerful dual-cab utes preferred by Australian buyers.

More information about Chery’s upcoming ute for Australia is expected to be announced later this year.