Chery Stockman Ute – Chery Stockman PHEV 4WD Ute is a new enetrant into the Australian Ute market. It adds to the growing list of diesel PHEV powered Utes.
The competiton to name the new Chery Ute – June 2026
After receiving more than 20,000 submissions from Australians across the country, then narrowed down to eight, Chery Australia can officially reveal ‘Stockman’ is to title the brand’s upcoming diesel Plug-in Hybrid ute, marking the conclusion of an unprecedented competition that was embraced by drivers across the nation.
The winning name came from Victoria’s Steve Kodikara, who will now drive away with the first Stockman ute when it lands in Australia later this year.
Launched earlier this year, the competition invited Australians to help name a ute designed specifically for them, driving an overwhelming response from motorists, tradies, families, ute enthusiasts and regional communities nationwide. Following an extensive review and public voting process, ‘Stockman’ emerged as the winning name.
Inspired by the resilience, dependability and hard-working spirit of Australia’s stockmen. The name reflects the characteristics Chery believes define its first ute. Capability, endurance and versatility across a wide range of Australian conditions.
Steve’s submission stood out not only for the name itself, but for the story behind it. Steve described the stockman as Australia’s original workhorse. Someone able to navigate challenging terrain, overcome obstacles and earn trust through reliability and perseverance. He drew parallels between that spirit and Chery’s ute. Which combines traditional capability with next-generation technology.
“I’m incredibly honoured that Stockman was chosen from the thousands of entries submitted to title Chery’s new ute. I felt the name captured the spirit of Australia’s original workhorse and everything a ute should represent: reliability, capability and resilience. I’m glad it resonated with Australians, and I’m thrilled to see it become part of Chery’s story,” said Steve Kodikara.
Australians are passionate about utes – Chery Stockman
Lucas Harris, Chief Operating Officer, Chery Australia, said the response to the competition exceeded all expectations.
“The response to this competition exceeded our expectations and showcased just how passionate Australians are about utes,” said Harris. “Stockman stood out because it captured something uniquely Australian. While reflecting the capability, reliability and innovation behind our upcoming ute. Steve’s submission brought the name to life through a compelling story. Connecting Australia’s heritage with the next generation of ute technology.”
Stockman emerged from a highly competitive shortlist. That included Outrider, Orca, Ironbark, Bushwalker, Longreach, Ridgeback, Terra and Mate. Ultimately receiving more than 25 per cent of votes cast by over 12,000 Australians during the public voting phase.
The Stockman will debut as Chery Australia’s first ute and the nation’s first diesel Plug-in Hybrid. Combining diesel power with advanced plug-in hybrid technology. The vehicle represents a significant milestone for Chery as it continues to expand its local portfolio.
Further details, including specifications, pricing and launch timing for Stockman, will be announced closer to market introduction.
Background behind the name Chery Stockman Ute
STOCKMAN: The Australian stockman is more than a rugged icon. He’s a highly skilled worker shaped by an unforgiving history. Not a folk tale. A real person, doing a real job. Across terrain that defeated every piece of equipment that wasn’t built specifically to handle it.
They covered Australia’s vast distances not because it was easy, but because the job demanded it. Across stock routes stretching thousands of kilometres. Through conditions that modern vehicles still struggle to manage. They delivered without fail. Because failure wasn’t an option when the land and the livelihoods of entire communities depended on them getting through.
The Chery STOCKMAN was built in exactly that spirit. Diesel power fused with electric drive. Old-world grit fused with next-generation engineering. The heritage of a working nation fused with the technology that will carry it forward. This isn’t a ute named after a legend. It’s a ute that is one. Chery STOCKMAN. Built for the Australia that never stopped working
Chery’s ute name competition heats up as shortlist is revealed May 2026
Chery Australia has unveiled the shortlist of nine names for its upcoming world-first Plug-in Hybrid diesel ute. After a public call-out that resulted in an overwhelming response of over 20,000 submissions from Australians nationwide.
Selected from thousands of entries, the shortlisted names reflect the spirit and personality Australians associate with a ute. Submissions drew on themes of performance and durability. As well as the role utes play in everyday work and lifestyle. With each entrant required to articulate why their name belonged to the vehicle.
Names shortlisted include:
- Outrider, put forward by Tina L, Western Australia, draws on the Australian tradition of the outrider. Someone who rode ahead to scout unknown territory. Speaking to the ute being a category leader with a focus on capability, efficiency, and range.
- Orca, submitted by Fred Z, Victoria, draws on the orca’s reputation for strength, intelligence and adaptability. Aligning with Chery’s hybrid ute as a capable, versatile vehicle.
- Ironbark, shared by Nadine G, Queensland, is inspired by Australia’s iconic eucalyptus trees. Reflecting Chery’s ute as a robust, dependable vehicle.
- Bushwalker, contributed by Hong Chang Z, New South Wales, captures the spirit of the Australian outdoors. And a ute designed to feel at home across any terrain.
- STOCKMAN, put forward by Steve K, Victoria, reflects the perseverance and reliability of Australia’s stockmen. Symbolising a ute built to go the distance in demanding environments.
- Longreach, submitted by Robert H. New South Wales, draws on Australia’s rural heartland. Representing durability and long-haul performance.
- Ridgeback, suggested by Rachel I, Western Australia. Combines references to rugged terrain and dependable performance. Aligning with Chery’s diesel plug-in hybrid ute as a capable and durable vehicle suited to demanding Australian conditions.
- Terra, proposed by Jason C, New South Wales. Takes its name from the Latin word for earth, grounding the vehicle in the terrain it’s designed for. While also allowing for a range of variants that reflect how utes are used across different Australian conditions.
- Mate, proposed by Jeremy T, New South Wales. References a distinctly Australian term associated with familiarity and trust. Reflecting Chery’s diesel Plug-in Hybrid ute as a reliable, everyday vehicle suited to a wide range of uses.
The name will be revealed soon
The announcement marks the next phase of the competition. With Australians soon invited to vote for their preferred name before the final winner is revealed. The individual who submitted the winning name will receive the first Chery ute when it arrives in Australia later this year.
Lucas Harris, Chief Operating Officer, Chery Australia said. The breadth and quality of submissions made the shortlisting process both exciting and challenging. “We asked Australians to help name this ute, and they delivered in a big way. The shortlisted names show just how passionate Aussies are about utes. But also how they’re thinking about the next generation of vehicles as new energy technology evolves.”
Beyond the shortlist, the competition also surfaced a wave of creative and unexpected entries. Including ‘Dropbear’ and ‘B-ute’ highlighting the imagination and humour of participants across the country.
