Chery’s upcoming KP31 double-cab bakkie has officially been named Stockman in Australia.

The name was chosen after Chery asked Australians to vote on what the new bakkie should be called.

The Chinese carmaker said it received more than 20 000 submissions.

Those were narrowed down to a shortlist that included names such as Outrider, Orca, Ironbark, Bushwalker, Longreach, Ridgeback, Terra and Mate.

Stockman received the most votes during the public voting phase, with more than 25% of support from over 12 000 Australians.

The bakkie will now be called Stockman in Australia.

Chery has not yet confirmed whether the same name will be used in South Africa.

SA launch being pushed

The bakkie, still known by its KP31 codename, is expected to form part of Chery’s push into the double-cab market.

Chery is reportedly pushing hard to launch the diesel plug-in hybrid bakkie in South Africa in 2026.

If introduced locally, it would enter one of South Africa’s most competitive vehicle segments.

Double-cab bakkies remain popular with families, business owners and outdoor drivers who need towing, payload and off-road ability in one package.

Diesel hybrid powertrain

The KP31 uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine with a single electric motor.

Chery has not yet confirmed final power and torque outputs.

However, reports suggest the diesel-electric setup could produce about 260kW and 680Nm.

Chery claims the bakkie can travel up to 170km on electric power alone.

The plug-in hybrid system is expected to be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a low-range transfer case.

Built for towing and off-road use

The KP31 is underpinned by Chery’s Kaitan ladder-frame platform.

It measures 5 450mm in length and 1 920mm in width.

Chery says the bakkie will offer a 1 000kg payload and a braked towing capacity of 3 500kg.

The bakkie is also expected to offer multiple drive modes, including off-road settings.

To support its off-road ability, it will feature front, centre and rear differential locks.

A tight-turn assist function will also be included to improve manoeuvrability in challenging terrain.