Chery South Africa names upcoming hybrid bakkie Grootman

Chery South Africa has announced that its upcoming one-tonne double-cab hybrid bakkie will be named the Grootman. The name was chosen through a public campaign that received over 20,000 submissions. Derived from an Afrikaans term meaning ‘big man’, the name is intended to reflect respect, experience, and responsibility within South African culture.

Scheduled for a local launch in the first quarter of 2027, the vehicle is built on a dedicated hybrid platform known as the Kaitan ladder-frame structure. It will feature a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 350kW and 800Nm of torque with four-wheel drive.

The Grootman is expected to offer a braked towing capacity of up to 3,500kg and an electric-only range of approximately 100km based on the NEDC testing cycle. Additionally, the hybrid system will support Vehicle-to-Load functionality, allowing users to power external equipment such as camping appliances or tools.