Chery to Launch First Diesel PHEV Pickup Truck in Australia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chery Automobile is reportedly set to launch its first diesel PHEV pickup truck (ute) in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year.

As reported by Carnewschina on Monday local time, the truck, codenamed KP31, was previously introduced in China under the name Rely P3X.

The truck features a 2.5-litre ICE engine and a one-tonne payload capacity.

The Rely P3X was showcased in Australia as a concept vehicle. The mass-production variant is expected to go on sale locally in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The Chery KP31 concept is a large dual-cab pickup measuring 5,610 mm in length, featuring a boxy design, round headlamps, large bumpers, and plastic trim around the body. At first glance, the vehicle resembles a slightly rounded Jeep Gladiator.

The KP31 is fitted with BF Goodrich AT tyres, large side mirrors, traditional door handles, and a large illuminated Chery emblem. It houses a 2.5-litre internal combustion engine beneath the bonnet.

Its thermal efficiency is particularly noteworthy at 47 per cent. No information has been disclosed regarding the electric component of the Chery KP31’s powertrain.

However, the KP31’s diesel-PHEV platform was previously exhibited in China featuring a traditional 4WD system and a battery pack mounted at the rear of the chassis.

The vehicle is reportedly focused on on-road driving, producing 30 per cent lower vibrations and 10 per cent lower fuel consumption. Nevertheless, the exact specifications of the Chery KP31 (Rely P3X) have yet to be revealed.

The Chery pickup will enter a fairly crowded segment of the Australian market, which includes the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4.

Chery is a prominent Chinese automaker actively exploring the pickup truck segment. The model is rapidly entering overseas markets, including Latin America and the Middle East. In several countries, the truck is known as the Chery Himla.

Chery has indicated its intention to establish Rely as an independent brand with a diverse range of pickup truck models, with the Rely R08, Rely R08 Pro, and Rely R08 EV already part of its product lineup.

Last year, Chery previewed two concept vehicles that would become part of the Rely brand, namely the P2X and P3X.

On 23 February, Chery officials revealed that the Rely P3X would enter the Australian market under the Chery brand this year.