In a bold and confident declaration that sent shockwaves through the global pickup truck industry, Chery CEO Yin Tongyue unveiled the company’s newest diesel hybrid pickup — the Chery Tigrex DHEV — promising it will “wipe the floor” with heavyweights like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and BYD Shark.

CHERY CEO: This New Diesel Hybrid Will Wipe The Floor With Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and BYD Shark!

During a high-energy press conference held at the 2025 International MotorTech Expo in Detroit, Yin stood in front of the futuristic Tigrex DHEV prototype and proclaimed, “This is not just another truck. This is a revolution on wheels — smarter, tougher, and more efficient than anything the big boys are putting out.”

The Specs That Turned Heads

The Tigrex DHEV (Diesel Hybrid Electric Vehicle) brings a surprising combination of torque, mileage, and modern tech:

Powertrain: 2.0L Turbocharged Diesel + Dual Electric Motors

Combined Output: 368 hp / 620 Nm torque

0-60 mph: Under 6.5 seconds — unheard of in this segment

Fuel Efficiency: 56 mpg combined (U.S. rating)

Range: 830 miles on a full tank + battery

Drive Modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, EV-only

The Tigrex also boasts a 7,200 lbs towing capacity, enhanced underbody protection, and Chery’s latest AI-enhanced terrain response system. In short, it’s built for both rugged utility and urban adaptability.

Calling Out the Competition — By Name

Yin didn’t mince words when discussing the competition. “The Ford Ranger is stuck in a tech rut. The Hilux is reliable but aging fast. And BYD’s Shark? It’s flashy, but we eat sharks for breakfast.”

Ford, Toyota, and BYD have yet to issue formal responses, though insiders say executives were caught off guard by the Tigrex’s aggressive debut.

Global Domination Strategy

Chery has ambitious plans. The Tigrex will launch first in Australia and Southeast Asia — traditional Hilux strongholds — followed by strategic releases in Europe, Latin America, and North America by mid-2026.

Yin also teased that the Tigrex DHEV will be assembled in Mexico for North American markets, allowing it to sidestep tariffs and qualify for EV tax credits under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act.

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Tech-Focused Interior

Inside, the Tigrex breaks away from rugged tradition with a 15-inch curved OLED display, augmented reality heads-up display (AR-HUD), and full voice command integration powered by Baidu’s Ernie AI. It supports over-the-air (OTA) updates and comes standard with Level 2.5 semi-autonomous driving.

It also features a unique “worksite mode” — turning the truck into a mobile power station capable of powering tools, drones, or even a food truck.

What It Means for the Market

Analysts are calling this Chery’s “Cybertruck moment” — a disruptive entry into an entrenched market. Auto industry expert Lisa Granholm from MotorWise News commented:

“This is the first time a Chinese automaker has truly threatened Western dominance in the mid-size pickup category. If the Tigrex DHEV lives up to its claims, Ford and Toyota have a real fight on their hands.”

The Road Ahead

Pre-orders for the Tigrex DHEV open in Q4 2025, with starting prices rumored to be around $34,000 — aggressively undercutting both the Ranger Raptor and the Hilux GR Sport.

Yin closed the event with a chilling promise to competitors:
“The era of lazy dominance is over. The Tigrex is here — and it’s hunting.”