Chery Stockman name confirmed for Australia's first diesel plug-in hybrid ute

Key takeaways

• 2027 Chery Stockman is Australia's first diesel plug-in hybrid ute
• Diesel model arrives late 2026, petrol plug-in hybrid follows 2027
• Stockman tows 3,500kg with a 1,000kg payload rating

Chery has confirmed its first ute for Australia will wear the Stockman badge, and it arrives as the country's first diesel plug-in hybrid ute.

The 2027 Chery Stockman won its name through a public competition that drew more than 20,000 entries, with the diesel model due in showrooms before the end of 2026.

The winning name came from Steve Kodikara in Victoria, who takes home the first Stockman delivered locally. A stockman is the person who works livestock on a rural station, and the name beat a strong shortlist to take the title.

How Australia named the Chery Stockman

Chery opened the contest earlier this year and trimmed entries to eight finalists: Outrider, Orca, Ironbark, Bushwalker, Longreach, Ridgeback, Terra and Mate. Stockman won with more than 25% of the 12,000-plus votes cast in the final round.

"Stockman stood out because it captured something uniquely Australian while reflecting the capability, reliability and innovation behind our upcoming ute," said Chery Australia chief operating officer Lucas Harris.

The badge carries local history. Suzuki ran it on Sierra-based utes through the 1980s and 1990s, and Suzuki never trademarked the name in Australia, which left the door open for Chery.

2000 Suzuki Sierra Stockman

Suzuki has taken the revival in good humour. "We're flattered to see the Stockman name back in the headlines," said Suzuki Australia general manager Michael Pachota, who added that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" and that the badge's place in Australian motoring history will always stay linked to Suzuki.

Chery has also lodged a trademark for Megalodon, a not-so-subtle dig at the BYD Shark 6 it plans to rival.

2027 Chery Stockman specs and capability

The diesel version pairs a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with electric motors and a high-voltage battery. Chery quotes a 1000kg payload and a 3500kg braked towing capacity, plus locking front, centre and rear differentials for serious off-road duty.

Power outputs, battery size and driving range stay under wraps until closer to launch.

When the Chery Stockman arrives in Australia

The diesel plug-in hybrid lands in the fourth quarter of 2026, roughly October to December. A petrol plug-in hybrid follows in 2027 to take on the BYD Shark 6 head-on, swapping the diesel's leaf-sprung live axle for coil springs and independent rear suspension.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed. Expect Chery to position the Stockman sharply as it pushes to crack the top five brands in Australia.

For now, the name is locked in. Price and power are the next pieces of the puzzle.

Frequently asked questions

How much will the 2027 Chery Stockman cost?

Chery has not announced pricing yet. Expect figures closer to the diesel model's launch in the final quarter of 2026.

Is the Chery Stockman a diesel or a hybrid?

Both. It is Australia's first diesel plug-in hybrid ute, with a separate petrol plug-in hybrid version due in 2027.

How much can the Chery Stockman tow?

Chery quotes a 3500kg braked towing capacity and a 1000kg payload for the diesel plug-in hybrid.