In a move that's sure to capture the attention of Aussie car enthusiasts, Chery has unveiled its new diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute, and it's got a name that's as uniquely Australian as the vehicle itself: the Stockman. This innovative ute, set to hit our shores later this year, is a testament to the growing presence of Chinese automotive brands in the Australian market, and it's doing so with a name that pays homage to our country's heritage.
The Naming Process
Chery's journey to find the perfect name for its new ute was an intriguing one. The brand held a competition, receiving over 20,000 submissions, which were then narrowed down to a shortlist of distinctly Australian names. Among them were Orca, Terra, and Ridgeback, but it was Stockman that ultimately won the hearts of Australians, with over 25% of the votes.
A Stockman, as many of us know, is a person who tends to livestock on a station. It's a name that evokes a sense of ruggedness, reliability, and a connection to the land—qualities that Chery believes its new ute embodies. The brand's COO, Lucas Harris, highlighted this in a press release, stating that the name "captured something uniquely Australian" while showcasing the ute's capabilities and innovation.
A Name with History
Interestingly, the Stockman name isn't entirely new to the Australian automotive scene. Suzuki has previously used it for utes based on the Sierra off-roader. However, Chery's Stockman is set to make its own mark, becoming the first diesel PHEV ute available in Australia. This move by Chery is a strategic one, as it aims to position itself as a top-five brand by 2027, and the Stockman is expected to play a significant role in boosting sales volumes.
Technical Specs and Design
Under the hood, the Stockman will offer a 1000kg payload capacity and a 3500kg braked towing capacity, making it a formidable workhorse. It will also come equipped with locking front, centre, and rear differentials, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The diesel PHEV model will feature a leaf-sprung rear-end setup, a design choice that prioritizes payload and towing performance.
In terms of design, the Stockman presents a contrast between its rugged exterior and luxurious interior. The rolling prototype showcased integrated rear steps, six-stud wheels, and front and rear bash plates, giving it a robust and capable look. Inside, you'll find heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall package.
A Look at the Competition
Chery isn't the only Chinese brand eyeing the Australian ute market. Its sister brand, Jetour, has also revealed its F700 ute, which is expected to arrive here in late 2027. Additionally, Rely, another Chery brand, has confirmed its work on a larger KP4X ute, which could go head-to-head with full-size US pickups like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Tundra, and Ram 1500.
Final Thoughts
The arrival of the Chery Stockman is a significant development in the Australian automotive landscape. It showcases the growing diversity of our market and the innovative spirit of Chinese automotive brands. With its unique name and impressive capabilities, the Stockman is sure to leave a lasting impression on Aussie car buyers. As we await its launch later this year, one thing is certain: the Stockman is here to make its mark, and it's a name we'll all be hearing a lot more of in the future.
