Chery chooses a name for its new pickup truck: finalists of the competition
Chinese automaker Chery is preparing for serious competition with giants such as BYD, Ford, Toyota, Nissan and Isuzu by launching its new mid-size pickup truck on the market. The prototype, previously shown, had the code name KP31, but a new name is being chosen for the production version. After a lengthy selection process, the list of potential names has been narrowed down to nine finalists.
Recently, Chery invited Australian fans to suggest their options, and the company received over 20,000 proposals. All the names on the shortlist are, in one way or another, related to Australia.
Nine finalists: from whales to Australian slang
Among the finalists, there are both fairly obvious and unexpected options. For example, the name Outrider is associated with a rider exploring unknown territories. Another option is Orca, i.e., killer whale. Also included in the list are:
Another finalist is Terra, meaning “earth.” This name would suit an SUV well, but it is already reserved for the Scout pickup truck, which is set to appear in 2028. The last option is Mate, a popular Australian term of address, although its appropriateness for a pickup truck name is questionable.
How to participate and what the winner will receive
Fans can already vote for their favorite option. The person who suggested the winning name will receive the keys to the first production Chery pickup truck when it hits the Australian market later this year.
Technical specifications of the future pickup truck
Chery has confirmed that initially, the model will be released on the market as a diesel plug-in hybrid with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Although exact power figures have not yet been disclosed, it is known that the pickup truck will have a towing capacity of 3,500 kg and a payload capacity of up to 1,000 kg. A gasoline plug-in hybrid will be added to the lineup later.
It is worth noting that Chery is betting on the Australian market, where pickup trucks are hugely popular. Choosing a name through a competition is not only a marketing move but also a way to engage the local audience. However, some names, such as Terra, could create confusion with competitors. Additionally, using a diesel plug-in hybrid is an interesting solution that could serve as a compromise between environmental friendliness and practicality for those who need a long range and high payload capacity. Whether Chery can challenge bestsellers like the Ford Ranger remains to be seen, but the manufacturer’s first steps look quite confident.