Chery chooses a name for its new pickup in Australia
Chery has decided on a name for its upcoming hybrid pickup truck, which will enter the Australian market. The production version of the vehicle, previously known as the KP31 prototype, has been named Stockman. This name won a public competition that gathered over 20,000 proposals from across the country.
Competition winner and other options
The winning entry was submitted by Steve Kodikara from Victoria and received over 25% of the 12,000 votes. The name Stockman beat eight other finalists, including Ironbark, Longreach, Bushwalker, Outrider, Orca, and Mate. For his victory, Kodikara will receive the keys to the first production Stockman, which will arrive in Australia by the end of the year.
History of the name and Suzuki’s reaction
This name is not new. Suzuki used it from the late 1970s when pickups based on the LJ and Sierra (Jimny) SUVs were sold under the Stockman brand as “4WD Farm Trucks.” Indian manufacturer Mahindra also used the name Stockman in Australia on its licensed Willys Jeep-based trucks in the early 1990s. However, since no one registered the trademark, Chery was able to freely obtain the intellectual property rights. In its defense, the company notes that the word Stockman describes a highly skilled agricultural worker, farmer, or rancher, making it appropriate for a rugged pickup.
Instead of being upset, Suzuki Australia took it in stride. General Manager Michael Pachota joked that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. As reported by CarExpert, he added:
“We are proud of the legacy Suzuki built around the Stockman name, and we are glad to see it remains memorable enough to inspire others so many years later. While others may adopt this name, its place in Australian automotive history will always be closely tied to Suzuki.”
Technical specifications and plans
The Chery Stockman will appear on Australian roads in the fourth quarter of 2026 as the country’s first plug-in diesel hybrid pickup. The dual-cab pickup is 5,450 mm long, built on a ladder frame, and features a rugged style with round LED headlights, pronounced fenders, and plenty of plastic cladding.
The PHEV powertrain combines a 2.5-liter turbo diesel with electric motors and works in conjunction with an all-wheel-drive system featuring three differential locks. Chery has not yet announced detailed specifications, but promises a payload capacity of 1,000 kg and a towing capacity of 3,500 kg.
Additionally, a more conventional gasoline hybrid variant will join the lineup next year, competing with models such as the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha, and Ford Ranger PHEV.
Interestingly, Chery is not only reviving a historic name but also betting on a combination unique to the Australian market: a diesel engine paired with a hybrid system. This could be a significant advantage, as most competitors offer either pure diesel or gasoline hybrids. The choice of name through public voting also indicates the company’s desire to engage the local audience and create a sense of brand ownership. Suzuki’s calm reaction to the use of the historic name demonstrates market maturity and recognition that names can share common roots, especially when they describe a profession or lifestyle.