Chery has narrowed down a shortlist of names for its upcoming dual-cab ute after receiving more than 20,000 submissions from the public.

The naming competition, first reported earlier this year, was launched as part of the brand’s push to engage Australian buyers ahead of the arrival of its first ute – set to be a plug-in hybrid diesel model.

Nine names have made the final cut, reflecting a mix of traditional Australian themes and more contemporary ideas. Among them are Outrider, Orca, Ironbark, Bushwalker, Stockman, Longreach, Ridgeback, Terra and Mate.

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Many of the shortlisted entries draw on imagery associated with durability, rural life and off-road capability – long-standing attributes linked to the ute segment in Australia. Others lean into broader themes such as adaptability and everyday usability.

Chery said the volume of entries highlighted strong local interest in the new model, which is expected to combine diesel power with plug-in hybrid technology – an unusual pairing in the ute market.

The competition now moves into its next phase, with a public vote to determine the final name. Voting opens on May 5 and runs until May 19, with the winner to be announced ahead of the vehicle’s launch later this year.

The person who submitted the successful name will receive the first example of the new ute in Australia.

While most submissions followed predictable themes, some entries reflected a more humorous take on the task, including names such as “Dropbear” and “B-ute”.

The campaign is part of a broader effort by Chery to build awareness of its expanding line-up in Australia, with the new ute expected to play a key role in the brand’s next phase of growth.