Chery is preparing to enter South Africa’s bakkie market with the new Grootman, which is expected to launch locally in the first quarter of 2027.

The model was previously known by its development code KP31, but South Africans were invited to help choose its local name.

TimesLIVE reports that more than 20,000 suggestions were submitted before six finalists were selected. Grootman ultimately won the public vote.

South Africans helped choose the name

The six shortlisted names were Bakkie, Grootman, Nduna, Chief, Orca and Brahman.

Chery South Africa had confirmed the naming campaign earlier this year, saying it wanted local motorists to play a role in shaping the identity of its first bakkie.

Chery South Africa general manager Jay Jay Botes said the name Grootman carries a sense of respect and reflects someone who can be relied on.

The company says the bakkie is aimed at work, family and leisure use.

Diesel-hybrid power for Grootman

Chery’s official South African material confirms that the Grootman is based on a dedicated hybrid platform.

It combines a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with electric assistance and four-wheel drive.

Preliminary figures list combined output at 350kW and 800Nm, while Chery claims up to 100km of electric-only range on the NEDC cycle.

The bakkie also supports Vehicle-to-Load technology, allowing owners to power external equipment such as tools or camping appliances.

Built for towing and load-carrying

Chery says the Grootman will offer a braked towing capacity of up to 3,500kg.

Its load box measures 1,560mm long, 1,560mm wide and 500mm high.

TimesLIVE reports that the production model is also expected to offer at least 230mm of ground clearance when fully loaded.

Final South African specifications, pricing and derivative details have not yet been announced.

Those are expected closer to the Grootman’s planned local launch in the first quarter of 2027.