2027 Chery Stockman: New Chinese diesel PHEV ute gets a very Aussie name

Chery’s first ute in Australia has a name: Stockman.

The Chinese brand had held a competition in Australia to pick a name for the new dual-cab 4x4 pickup, codenamed KP31, ahead of its launch later this year.

Chery said it received more than 20,000 submissions, and whittled them down to a shortlist that also included Orca, Terra, Outrider, and Ridgeback, plus a handful of other very Australian names such as Ironbark, Longreach, Bushwalker, and even Mate.

To throw us off the scent, Chery had filed a slew of trademark applications with IP Australia for many (albeit not all) of these names.

Looking for your next car? We'll help you research and compare so you choose with confidence.

The winning name came from Victoria’s Steve Kodikara, who will receive the first Stockman ute when it lands here later this year.

Of the shortlist, Chery said Stockman received more than 25 per cent of the approximately 12,000 votes cast. A Stockman is someone who looks after livestock on a station.

"The response to this competition exceeded our expectations and showcased just how passionate Australians are about utes," said Chery Australia chief operating officer Lucas Harris in a press release.

"Stockman stood out because it captured something uniquely Australian while reflecting the capability, reliability and innovation behind our upcoming ute. Steve's submission brought the name to life through a compelling story, connecting Australia's heritage with the next generation of ute technology."

It's not the first time the Stockman name has been used Down Under, with Suzuki having applied the nameplate on utes based on the small Sierra off-roader.

The Stockman is set to be the first diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute available in Australia, though Chery says it’ll release further details such as pricing, specifications and more specific launch timing closer to the ute’s arrival.

It has previously indicated the diesel PHEV powertrain will arrive first, with a petrol PHEV option to follow in 2027.

Petrol PHEV versions will run more conventional, car-like coil-spring rear suspension, whereas the diesel PHEV will come with a leaf-sprung rear-end setup, typically chosen for superior payload and towing capabilities.

It’s set to offer a 1000kg payload, a 3500kg braked towing capacity, and locking front, centre and rear differentials.

Details seen on the rolling prototype revealed earlier this year include integrated rear steps, six-stud wheels, front and rear bash plates, and a snorkel.

The Stockman's chunky exterior design contrasts with a luxurious-looking interior, with available features set to include heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.

The ute was originally shown in late 2025 at the Chengdu motor show as a model under Chery's Rely brand, alongside a slightly smaller electric ute known as the KP2X.

At the same time, Rely confirmed it was working on a larger KP4X ute – which could target full-size US pickups like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Tundra, and Ram 1500.

Chery's Jetour brand has also revealed its own Australia-bound ute, the F700, which could arrive here as soon as late 2027.

The Stockman should help further boost sales volumes for Chery as it aims to be a top-five brand by 2027.

MORE: Explore the Chery Stockman showroom