South Africa’s fiercely competitive bakkie market is about to get even more crowded. At least five new Chinese pickup models are set to debut in the country soon, reflecting the rapid rise of Chinese automotive brands in recent years. These additions aim to challenge the dominance of established players like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max.
5 New Chinese Bakkies
From familiar names like JAC and Foton to newcomers such as Chery, Changan, and Riddara, here’s what to expect from each of the upcoming models.
1. Changan Hunter – A Peugeot Connection
Changan, one of China’s largest state-owned automakers, is set to debut in South Africa by the end of 2025. Among the four initial vehicles promised for local launch is the Changan Hunter pickup.
Co-developed with Stellantis (Peugeot’s parent company), the Hunter shares its underpinnings with the Peugeot Landtrek but will feature a unique powertrain. While the Landtrek uses a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine, the Hunter will come with a 2.0-litre engine. There’s also a hybrid version available in China, though it’s unclear whether this option will reach South African roads.
2. Chery Himla – Off-Road Ambitions
Chery, currently popular in South Africa for its range of SUVs, is entering the bakkie segment with its first-ever pickup – the Chery Himla.
Unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, the Himla’s name evokes images of rugged terrains like the Himalayas, and it’s built to handle serious off-road challenges. Though many specifications are still under wraps, it’s confirmed to include a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine. Hybrid and electric variants are in the pipeline, but they remain in the early development stages.
3. Foton Tunland V9 – Locally Assembled Muscle
Following the Tunland G7, Foton’s new Tunland V9 will be the brand’s second bakkie in South Africa – and it comes with a local touch. Foton has revealed plans to build the V9 at its facility in the Eastern Cape, where the G7 may also be produced.
Unlike most midsize pickups, the V9 is a full-size truck, putting it in the same league as American heavyweights like the Toyota Tundra and Ford F-150. It boasts a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 120kW and 450Nm, offering serious pulling power and a bold road presence.
4. JAC T9 LTD – A Limited-Edition Performer
JAC, already active in the South African market, is set to release a special edition of its T9 Hunter model the T9 LTD. This comes after the standard T9 made headlines for breaking a local speed endurance record, covering over 4,000km in 24 hours at an average speed of 170km/h.
To celebrate, JAC will release 24 limited-edition 4×4 units featuring exclusive design elements and enhanced performance. Under the hood is a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine pushing out 144kW and 487Nm. A plug-in hybrid version is also in the works, though no launch date has been confirmed.
5. Riddara RD6 – An All-Electric Contender
Marking a bold move into the electric bakkie segment is Riddara, a new brand launching alongside its parent company Geely. While Geely will focus on SUVs, Riddara’s first offering will be the all-electric RD6 double cab.
Available in both 4×2 and 4×4 variants, the RD6 is no slouch. The rear-wheel-drive version has a single electric motor generating 200kW and 384Nm, while the dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup delivers a whopping 315kW and 595Nm. It’s set to be one of the most powerful EV pickups to enter the South African market.
The arrival of these five new bakkies reflects South Africa’s growing appetite for value-driven alternatives and the increasing trust in Chinese automakers. With a mix of diesel, hybrid, and full-electric powertrains, the incoming wave of Chinese pickups is set to broaden consumer choice and heat up the competition across price segments and technology offerings. As these models roll out over the coming months, local buyers will be watching closely and so will the long-standing market leaders.
Related article: Top 10 Chinese Cars Coming to South Africa in 2025
