Chery Automobile will launch the first diesel PHEV ute (pickup truck) in Australia in Q4 this year. It has a codename KP31. Previously, this model was revealed in China under the Rely P3X name. It boasts a 2.5-liter ICE and a 1-ton payload.
Chery is a well-known Chinese automaker that is actively exploring the pickup truck segment. Last year, it launched the Rely R08 domestically with a starting price of 88,800 yuan (12,850 USD). This model rapidly entered overseas markets, including Latin America and the Middle East. In some countries, this truck is known under the Chery Himla name.
Cheryh revealed that it wants to turn Rely into an independent brand with a wide range of pickup truck models. The Rely R08, the Rely R08 Pro, and the Rely R08 EV have already joined the lineup. Last year, Chery previewed two concept cars that will become a part of the Rely brand: the P2X and the P3X. On February 23, Chery officials revealed that the Rely P3X will enter the Australian market under the Chery brand this year.
Chery KP31 (Rely P3X) to enter Australia
The Rely P3X was unveiled in Australia as a concept car. Its mass-produced variant will start sales locally in Q4 2026. This ute is also known by its codename KP31. Last year, Chery Commercial Vehicle (Shandong) issued a tender for this model’s final assembly equipment.
The Chery KP31 concept is a large dual-cab ute with a length of 5,610 mm, boxy styling, circular headlights, large bumpers, and plastic trim around the body. At first glance, it looks like a slightly rounded Jeep Gladiator. The KP31 adopts BF Goodrich AT tyres, large side-view mirrors, traditional door handles, and a large illuminated Chery badge.
This car is claimed to be the world’s first pickup truck with a diesel PHEV powertrain. It has a 2.5-liter internal combustion engine under the hood. It has a standing-out thermal efficiency of 47%. There is no information about the electric part of the Chery KP31’s powertrain. However, a diesel-PHEV platform of the KP31 was previously shown in China with a traditional 4WD system and a battery pack in the rear-end of the frame.
The Chinese automaker promised its diesel PHEV ute will boast a 1-ton payload and a 3.5-ton towing capacity. It is reportedly focused on highway driving, delivering 30% less vibration and 10% less fuel consumption. The exact specs of the Chery KP31 (Rely P3X) have yet to be revealed.
The Chery’s ute will enter a rather crowded Australian market segment. It already has strong models such as the BYD Shark 6 and the GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4 (Shanhai Poer). The Wuhu-based car maker aims to attract customers with a diesel-powered plug-in hybrid system. In 2027, a new variant of this car with a petrol-powered PHEV system will also enter Australia.
