Plug in that name: Chery launches Aussie competition to name its diesel-electric ute!
Chery Australia has launched a nationwide competition to name its upcoming plug-in hybrid diesel ute, handing the final naming decision to the public ahead of the model’s planned local arrival later this year.
The initiative, dubbed the “Great Australian Chery Ute Naming Competition”, invites Australians to submit a name for the new dual-cab along with a short explanation of why it suits the vehicle. Entries will be reviewed by Chery, with shortlisted options put to a public vote before the final name is selected.
The person who submits the winning name will receive the first example of the ute in Australia when it launches locally.
Chery says the new model has been designed with Australian lifestyles in mind and will combine diesel power with plug-in hybrid electrification. The company claims it will be the world’s first production plug-in hybrid diesel ute when it arrives in showrooms later in 2026.
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The vehicle is expected to offer traditional workhorse credentials including a 1000kg payload and a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, putting it squarely in the heart of Australia’s dual-cab ute segment.
Chery previewed the model through the KP31 concept, confirming the electrified diesel powertrain as part of the Chinese brand’s broader push into electrified light-commercial vehicles.
That concept also hinted at the potential for related models, including a wagon version that could rival large ladder-frame SUVs such as the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest if brought to market.
The new ute is expected to play a key role in Chery’s expansion in Australia as it moves beyond its current SUV line-up and into the highly competitive dual-cab market.
The naming competition opened at midday AEDT on March 12 and runs until March 26, with entries submitted through Chery Australia’s website.
The yet-to-be-named ute is scheduled to arrive in Australia later this year.
