Chery South Africa has officially revealed the name of its first-ever bakkie, with local consumers choosing Grootman as the winner ahead of the vehicle’s planned launch in the first quarter of 2027.
The name, rooted in Afrikaans and meaning “big man”, is widely used in South Africa as a term of respect for someone known for their experience, reliability, and leadership. Chery says the locally chosen name reflects both the role a bakkie plays in South African households and businesses, and the characteristics the company aims to deliver in its newest vehicle.
According to Chery South Africa General Manager Jay Jay Botes, involving South Africans in the naming process was an important part of creating a local identity for the new model.
“Grootman is a word people use with respect, often for someone who has worked hard to get where they are and can be counted on. Having South Africans choose it makes the name particularly meaningful, and we recognise that it comes with expectations we will have to live up to,” said Botes.
The new bakkie is built on a dedicated hybrid platform, combining a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with electric power and four-wheel drive. Preliminary specifications indicate combined outputs of 350 kW and 800 Nm, positioning it among the most powerful alternatives in its segment.
Chery also says the Grootman will offer an electric-only range of up to 100 kilometres on the NEDC cycle, improving efficiency for shorter daily journeys.
Built with both work and lifestyle users in mind, the bakkie will feature a 3,500 kg braked towing capacity, while its load box measures 1,560 mm in length, 1,560 mm in width, and 500 mm in height. Ground clearance is rated at 230 mm when fully loaded.
A notable feature is its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, which lets owners power external equipment such as tools, appliances, and camping gear directly from the vehicle’s hybrid battery system.
The naming announcement also marks the launch of Chery’s new campaign, “The Grootman Has Arrived”, which will highlight stories and conversations around what the term “Grootman” means to South Africans.
Chery says it will release more details, including final specifications, pricing, and the local model range, closer to the vehicle’s official South African debut in 2027.