Key Points
- Chery Australia received over 20,000 name submissions from the public for its upcoming plug-in hybrid diesel ute.
- Nine names have been shortlisted, with Australians now invited to vote for their favourite.
- The person who submitted the winning name will receive the first Chery ute when it arrives in Australia later this year.
Chery Australia has revealed nine shortlisted names for its upcoming plug-in hybrid diesel ute. The shortlist follows a public call-out that drew more than 20,000 submissions from across the country.
Australians are now invited to cast their vote. The person who submitted the winning name will receive the first Chery ute when it arrives in Australia later this year.
About the Ute
The ute is currently known as the KP31 concept. It combines a diesel engine with plug-in hybrid technology, making it the world's first ute of its kind. It has a 1,000 kg payload and can tow up to 3.5 tonnes. Chery expects it to arrive in Australia in late 2026.
Key Specs
Spec | Detail |
Powertrain | Plug-in hybrid diesel |
Payload | 1,000 kg |
Towing capacity | 3,500 kg |
Expected arrival | Late 2026 |
The Nine Shortlisted Names
The shortlisted names were selected from thousands of entries. Each submission required the entrant to explain why the name suited the vehicle. Themes included performance, durability, and the role utes play in everyday Australian life.
Shortlisted Names
Name | Submitted by | Inspiration |
Outrider | Tina L, WA | Australian tradition of riding ahead to scout unknown territory; speaks to capability and range |
Orca | Fred Z, VIC | Strength, intelligence and adaptability; aligns with a capable, versatile vehicle |
Ironbark | Nadine G, QLD | Australia's iconic eucalyptus trees; reflects a robust, dependable vehicle |
Bushwalker | Hong Chang Z, NSW | Spirit of the Australian outdoors; a ute at home across any terrain |
Stockman | Steve K, VIC | Perseverance and reliability of Australia's stockmen; built to go the distance |
Longreach | Robert H, NSW | Australia's rural heartland; represents durability and long-haul performance |
Ridgeback | Rachel I, WA | Rugged terrain and dependable performance; suited to demanding Australian conditions |
Terra | Jason C, NSW | Latin for earth; grounds the vehicle in the terrain it is designed for |
Mate | Jeremy T, NSW | Distinctly Australian term for familiarity and trust; a reliable, everyday vehicle |
Public Response
The competition drew more than 20,000 submissions from Australians nationwide. Beyond the shortlist, entries included names like 'Dropbear' and 'B-ute', showing the range of creativity from participants.
Lucas Harris, Chief Operating Officer at Chery Australia, said the volume and quality of entries made shortlisting 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."
What Happens Next
Australians will soon be invited to vote for their preferred name from the shortlist. Once voting closes, Chery will announce the final winner. The person who submitted the winning name will receive the first Chery ute to arrive in Australia.
About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
