Chery South Africa has confirmed that its first-ever one-tonne bakkie will be called the Grootman when it launches in South Africa early next year.
The Chinese carmaker has confirmed that its answer to the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger will be called the Grootman on the local market. This follows a public outreach that resulted in over 20,000 name submissions that were eventually narrowed down to six shortlisted names: Bakkie, Brahman, Chief, Orca, Nduna and Grootman. The public vote was then reopened to choose the final name.
“Rooted in Afrikaans and literally meaning ‘big man’, Grootman has become a familiar South African expression of respect. It describes someone who has earned their standing through experience, achievement and the way they take responsibility,” Chery said of its new bakkie badge.
The Chery Grootman is coming to South Africa soon.
“At a family gathering or around a business table, the Grootman is someone whose opinion matters and who can be relied on when a decision needs to be made, or a problem needs solving.”
Chery SA has denied rumours that it is working on a smaller bakkie called the Mannetjie, or a spinoff named Oompie.
The vehicle has also been given a unique name, Stockman, for the Australian market. Which at least sounds better than Chery Bruce or Bogan.
Chery has confirmed that the Grootman will be introduced to South Africa during the first quarter of 2027, which means that, initially at least, it will be a full import. Chery representatives previously stated that it is under consideration for local production at the firm’s newly acquired Rosslyn plant, which is due to come on stream during the second half of 2027.
The Chery KP31 / Stockman is under strong consideration for South African assembly.
Although local pricing and exact specifications have yet to be announced, Chery has previously released preliminary specifications for this bakkie.
Its ‘Diesel Super Hybrid’ powertrain pairs a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with an electric motor for system outputs of 350kW and 800Nm. That makes it more powerful than the BYD Shark, whose 1.5-litre petrol and electric combo delivers 321kW. Technically, it also ousts the 292kW Ford Ranger Raptor, although it’s not strictly a competitor given its advanced high-speed off-roading hardware.
Nonetheless, Chery’s bakkie certainly appears well endowed for life in the bush, thanks to standard all-terrain tyres, 247mm of ground clearance and heavy-duty leaf spring rear suspension.
Chery also lists a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg.
Not only does it have a performance advantage over rivals, but the Grootman can also travel up to 100km on electric power alone, according to Chery.
It’s a large bakkie too, with its 5,450mm length and 2,010mm width making it somewhat larger than the 5,320mm Hilux and 5,350mm Ranger, and very similar in size to the BYD Shark.
The cabin is high-tech and digitised but doesn’t do away with physical controls.
Chery Australia’s COO, Lucas Harris, also announced that a petrol-powered version of the Stockman would be made available in that market, with further details to be released in 2027.
“The Stockman represents Chery’s vision for the next generation of dual-cab utes, combining exceptional performance with impressive efficiency and genuine capability. Offering both petrol and diesel plug-in hybrid options allows us to cater for customer demands, be it off-road performance or a more urban focus,” Harris said.
But will a non-hybrid diesel be made available for budget-conscious South African consumers? Only time will tell. Watch this space for further updates.
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