Chery’s first ute to be called Stockman in Australia

Chery has revealed its first ute will be called the Stockman in Australia, with the model expected to launch as the country’s first diesel plug-in hybrid.

The name follows a public competition that attracted more than 20,000 entries.

The winning name was submitted by Victorian resident Steve Kodikara, who will receive the first Stockman delivered in Australia later this year.

More than 12,000 people voted on a shortlist of nine finalists, with Stockman securing more than 25% of the vote.

Chery Australia chief operating officer Lucas Harris says the response to the competition exceeded expectations.

“The response to this competition exceeded our expectations and showcased just how passionate Australians are about utes.

“Stockman stood out because it captured something uniquely Australian while reflecting the capability, reliability and innovation behind our upcoming ute.”

Harris says Kodikara’s submission connected Australia’s heritage with the vehicle’s technology.

“Steve’s submission brought the name to life through a compelling story, connecting Australia’s heritage with the next generation of ute technology.”

The upcoming model is a significant launch for Chery as it enters the highly competitive ute segment.

Previously known by its development codename KP61, the ute is expected to debut with a diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a turbo-diesel engine with electric motors and a high-voltage battery.

Australian media reports suggest the powertrain will pair a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with a plug-in hybrid system, while offering a payload of around 1000kg and a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

A second plug-in hybrid variant is reportedly due in 2027.

Chery has previously confirmed the ute is also destined for New Zealand, although local timing, specifications and naming have yet to be announced.

Stockman beat eight other finalists, including Outrider, Orca, Ironbark, Bushwalker, Longreach, Ridgeback, Terra and Mate.

The name also carries some Australian automotive history, having previously been used by Suzuki on Sierra and Jimny-based ute variants sold between the early 1980s and 2000.

Suzuki Australia general manager Michael Pachota welcomed the revival of the name, saying the company was flattered to see it return to the spotlight.

He noted Suzuki remains proud of the heritage built around the Stockman name and its place in Australian motoring history.