Chery next to enter the ute game: 2025 Chery Rely R08 detailed ahead of Chinese launch as the brand looks to go head-to-head with 2026 Kia Tasman, Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger

Chery has detailed its first ‘global’ ute, the Rely 08, which seems destined for export markets like Australia.

Briefly shown at this year's Shanghai motor show with no accompanying information provided, Chery’s Rely 08 now has a name and more details attached to it.

Chery will spin-off Rely as its own commercial vehicle sub-brand with multiple models in the same vein as GWM’s Cannon range.

The Rely R08 uses a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic. It produces 120kW/420Nm and features a low-range transfer case with the traditional 2H, 4H, and 4L modes (but no permanent all-wheel drive mode).

Chery said the R08’s platform is capable of supporting hybrid and electric powertrains in the future, according to Chinese media.

On the exterior the R08 has a more traditional dual-cab look and familiar dimensions to the HiLux, D-Max and Ranger, rather than the half-size up of the BYD Shark 6 or GWM Cannon Alpha. It looks as though it will more directly compete with other newcomers such as the JAC T9.

There are 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and the R08 comes equipped with the usual array of active safety equipment.

@carsguide.com.au Chery takes on Ford Ranger! #Chery #cheryHimla #ute #car #carsguide #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

Inside, the Rely R08 features a large 15.9-inch central multimedia touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, leather seats, electric front seat adjustment, and a wireless charger.

No additional details, like payload, towing capacity, or clearances for off-road performance have yet been revealed.

However, while the mysterious ‘Chery Himla’ seen at the Shanghai show now has a name and more details attached to it, it’s worth noting Chery’s local division recently told CarsGuide this specification may not be the one which first lands in Australia.

The brand’s local Chief Operating Officer, Lucas Harris, recently told CarsGuide the Australian market will get a “one-tonne payload, proper ladder-frame chassis ute".

"We’re just in the process at the moment of bringing the development team out to Australia," he said.

“The powertrain is not yet confirmed. There are a few options. There's obviously petrol plug-in.

"One of the things that's been talked about, but not confirmed, is a diesel plug-in – I personally would think that that was a really exciting proposition, because it is so different. Then of course there are petrol ICE powertrains and those sorts of things.

"(Diesel plug-in) would be my personal choice. If it were up to me, and they said here are all the options, that would be at the top of my list."

A unique powertrain like a diesel plug-in hybrid would be the first of its kind in Australia.

Harris went on to say the local division had already received a request to arrange travel for six engineers on the ute program to come to Australia for testing.

“That’s the sort of speed and commitment from our global boss - if that doesn’t give us a bit of confidence, nothing will,” he said.

Harris also alluded to a smaller more “recreational” ute offering potentially headed to Australia with a “600 or 700 kilo payload”, which he said would be “really interesting.”