Grootman is Coming: Chery Names Its New Bakkie After a South African Icon of Respect

Chery South Africa has confirmed that its first-ever one-tonne bakkie will be called the Grootman when it launches locally early next year. The name, rooted in Afrikaans and literally meaning 'big man', has become a familiar South African expression of respect across communities. For a country still grappling with the economic legacies of colonialism and Apartheid, the choice of a name that honours earned standing rather than inherited privilege feels significant.

The Chinese carmaker's answer to the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger will carry this distinctly South African badge. The decision follows a public outreach that drew over 20,000 name submissions, later narrowed to six finalists: Bakkie, Brahman, Chief, Orca, Nduna and Grootman. The public vote then chose the winner.

Chery explained the choice:

“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. 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 of a smaller bakkie called the Mannetjie or a spinoff named Oompie. The vehicle will be called Stockman in Australia, a name that at least sounds better than Chery Bruce or Bogan.

When will the Grootman launch in South Africa?

Chery has confirmed the Grootman will be introduced to South Africa during the first quarter of 2027. Initially, it will be a full import. Chery representatives previously stated that local production is under consideration at the firm's newly acquired Rosslyn plant, which is due to come on stream during the second half of 2027. Local production would be a welcome boost for the economy and for job creation, a pressing need in a country with such high unemployment.

What are the Grootman's specifications and power?

While local pricing and exact specifications have yet to be announced, Chery has released preliminary details. 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 is not strictly a competitor given its advanced high-speed off-roading hardware.

The Grootman appears well endowed for life in the bush, with standard all-terrain tyres, 247mm of ground clearance and heavy-duty leaf spring rear suspension. It 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.

How big is the Grootman compared to the Hilux and Ranger?

It is a large bakkie. Its 5,450mm length and 2,010mm width make it somewhat larger than the 5,320mm Hilux and 5,350mm Ranger, and very similar in size to the BYD Shark.

Will there be a petrol version or a cheaper diesel?

Chery Australia's COO, Lucas Harris, 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.