Chery has settled on Stockman as the name for its inaugural ute due in Australia.

The company ran a public contest across the country to choose a title for the upcoming dual-cab 4x4 model, internally known as KP31, which is scheduled to reach showrooms later this year.

More than 20,000 entries arrived, and the shortlist featured options such as Orca, Terra, Outrider and Ridgeback along with other local-flavoured suggestions including Ironbark, Longreach, Bushwalker and Mate.

Chery lodged multiple trademark filings for several of these proposed names to keep the final choice under wraps.

The victorious entry was submitted by Victorian resident Steve Kodikara, who will be awarded the first production Stockman upon its arrival.

Stockman gathered over 25 per cent of roughly 12,000 total votes cast in the final round. The term refers to a person responsible for managing livestock on a rural property.

"Public interest in the naming process surpassed all forecasts and highlighted the deep affection Australians hold for utes," remarked Chery Australia chief operating officer Lucas Harris.

"Stockman resonated strongly as it embodies a genuine Australian spirit while also conveying the durability, dependability and advanced engineering of the forthcoming vehicle. Steve's entry stood out thanks to its vivid narrative linking national traditions with modern ute innovation."

The Stockman badge has previously appeared locally when Suzuki used it on variants of the compact Sierra.

This model will become Australia's first diesel plug-in hybrid ute, although Chery will supply exact pricing, full specifications and refined timing nearer to launch.

The diesel PHEV drivetrain is planned as the initial offering, followed by a petrol PHEV variant expected in 2027.

Petrol versions will employ coil-spring rear suspension for a more car-like ride, while the diesel PHEV adopts traditional leaf springs to optimise load carrying and towing performance.

Key figures include a 1000 kg payload rating, 3500 kg braked towing capacity and locking differentials at all three axles.

Prototype images show integrated rear steps, six-stud wheels, front and rear underbody protection plus a snorkel.

Its bold exterior styling is paired with an upmarket cabin featuring heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof.

The vehicle first appeared in late 2025 at the Chengdu motor show under Chery's Rely sub-brand next to a smaller electric pickup called the KP2X.

Rely also confirmed development of a larger KP4X model aimed at full-size American trucks such as the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Tundra and Ram 1500.

Chery's Jetour division has separately previewed its own ute, the F700, potentially arriving in Australia toward the end of 2027.

The Stockman is expected to strengthen Chery's market position as the company targets a top-five ranking by 2027.