Australia's first diesel plug-in hybrid ute is drawing robust early interest from both private buyers and fleet operators, as Chery focuses on traditional diesel ute customers instead of solely those eyeing the BYD Shark 6.

The Chinese automaker reports that the upcoming Chery Stockman has garnered more than 5000 expressions of interest along with over 1000 deposits prior to its arrival in Australian showrooms later this year.

Chery Australia chief operating officer Lucas Harris shared these numbers with CarExpert and noted that attention for the brand's debut local ute stems from two primary elements.

One key aspect is the Stockman's blend of a diesel engine with plug-in hybrid technology, positioning it uniquely within the Australian ute segment.

Mr Harris explained that potential buyers are drawn to the diesel PHEV powertrain as well as the Stockman's anticipated towing and off-road performance. The company has also seen notable fleet operator interest.

The Stockman marks the first diesel PHEV ute to reach Australia. It will launch with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel plug-in hybrid system delivering a combined 350kW and 800Nm, sending power to all four wheels.

The diesel PHEV setup promises up to 100km of electric-only range, though this uses the less stringent NEDC testing cycle instead of WLTP.

Chery has verified a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and an unbraked rating of 750kg. Earlier details suggested certain variants could offer a payload of up to 1000kg.

The diesel PHEV employs leaf-spring rear suspension, unlike the coil-spring setup planned for the petrol PHEV model arriving in 2027. Leaf springs are often preferred for better payload and towing support.

Off-road features include more than 247mm of ground clearance, standard all-terrain tyres and selectable front, centre and rear differential locks. Pre-production examples have also featured front and rear bash plates, recovery points and a snorkel.

Mr Harris noted that the Stockman has received thorough Australian development and tuning, underscoring this market's role in the project.

CarExpert earlier reported that the Stockman's platform was created with Australia as a key market alongside China, enabling local input on design and capability goals.

Chery's Australian team also worked with local off-road tyre experts on the Stockman's tyres, wheel sizes, offset and six-stud pattern before sharing suggestions with engineers in China.

Although the Stockman and BYD Shark 6 are both plug-in hybrid dual-cab utes from Chinese brands, Mr Harris stated Chery does not view the Shark 6 as its primary rival.

Chery instead aims at buyers who have traditionally chosen established diesel utes such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max.

The Shark 6 relies on a petrol engine within its plug-in hybrid system, whereas the Stockman's diesel PHEV targets those who value low-end torque, towing strength and long-distance efficiency long linked to turbo-diesel utes.

The second major driver of interest is the Stockman's styling, per Mr Harris, who said prospective buyers simply appreciate its appearance.

This feedback matches the Stockman earning the first Best Design award in the 2026 CarExpert Choice Awards.

The Chery Stockman is scheduled to reach Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2026. Pricing and full specifications will be revealed nearer to launch, while a petrol PHEV variant is planned for 2027.