Chinese auto giant Chery recently had a competition to come up with an Aussie-specific name for its upcoming, world-first diesel plug-in hybrid ute. Before now it was known as KP31, but a proper name was needed before it went on sale later this year.
Ordinarily, a new hybrid ute isn’t the sort of thing we’d give much airtime to at Retro Rides, but there’s a classic catch in this instance. After 20,000 Aussies got their nominations in, the name that won the Chery competition is Stockman.
If that sounds familiar at all, that’s because it isn’t the first time the Stockman name has been applied to a ute. It’s been a while, but back in 1979, Suzuki launched a pickup version of the Jimny called the Stockman.
The name continued on for the second-generation model of the ’80s and ’90s, based on what was then called the Sierra in our market.
After cottoning onto the news, Suzuki was all too keen to comment, although nothing but love has been shown by the Japanese manufacturer’s Aussie arm.
“We’re flattered to see the Stockman name back in the headlines,” said Michael Pachota, general manager of Suzuki Australia, in a statement released to members of the media.
“For many Australians, Stockman is a name that has been synonymous with Suzuki adventure and capability for decades, earning its place in Australian motoring folklore through the Sierra Stockman of the 1980s and 1990s.
“As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
“We’re proud of the heritage Suzuki built around the Stockman name, and we’re delighted to see it remains memorable enough to inspire others all these years later.
“While others may adopt the name, its place in Australian automotive history will always be closely linked with Suzuki.”
Chery Australia previously announced the Stockman name as one of the finalists in the competition back on May 5, 2026, with it eventually securing 25 percent of all votes.
This winning name was put forward by Steve Kodikara from Victoria, who chose it to reflect “the perseverance and reliability of Australia’s stockmen, symbolising a ute built to go the distance in demanding environments”. When the Stockman finally arrives, he will be the first to take delivery.
Retro Rides has contacted Chery Australia for comment regarding the link between the two names, and will update this story when we receive a response.
Exact pricing and launch timing is yet to be announced for the Chery Stockman, although the diesel PHEV version is set to arrive near the end of 2026, followed by a petrol PHEV version in 2027.
In a statement made prior to Suzuki’s comments, Chery Australia COO Lucas Harris noted, “the response to this [naming] competition exceeded our expectations and showcased just how passionate Australians are about utes”.
Harris also added that the Stockman name “stood out because it captured something uniquely Australian while reflecting the capability, reliability and innovation behind our upcoming ute”.
