Chery Grootman platform capable of supporting SUV models

Chery's Grootman (known as Stockman in Australia) platform possesses the technical capability to support the development of a three-row SUV, according to Mark Qi, the brand's Chief Product Manager. While the platform was designed with an SUV in mind—similar to the relationship between the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner—no specific SUV model has been officially confirmed for development.

Qi noted that while creating an SUV from the existing 'Kaitan' ladder-frame architecture would be easy, several factors such as branding, market targeting, and pricing remain to be decided. Additionally, while a battery electric vehicle (BEV) version is technically possible, the company's current priority is the diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.

The Grootman is expected to launch in South Africa in early 2027, initially featuring a 2.5-litre diesel PHEV system. A petrol PHEV variant is also planned for introduction in 2027.