If there is one thing South Africans know how to do, it is giving a car a nickname. Whether it is the family car, the bakkie used for work, or the vehicle that has survived countless trips to the coast, many motorists eventually give their cars a name. Now, Chery South Africa wants to turn that familiar South African habit into something bigger. The automaker is asking Mzansi to name its new Chery KP31 bakkie, which is expected to arrive in South Africa in 2027. The winning name will become part of the vehicle’s identity in the local market.
The KP31 is Chery’s upcoming double-cab bakkie and will be the company’s entry into South Africa’s highly competitive bakkie market. Chery has positioned the bakkie for work, family life and leisure, meaning it is intended to appeal to more than just traditional commercial users.
The company previously previewed the KP31 in South Africa as part of its new-energy vehicle strategy. It features a diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine with electric drive technology.
Early specifications indicate that the bakkie is being developed with serious work and off-road capability in mind. It is expected to offer up to 1,000kg of payload capacity and a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, although final South African specifications and pricing have not yet been confirmed.
For South African motorists, that could make the new Chery bakkie an interesting option for everything from carrying equipment and trailers to family road trips and weekend adventures.
Instead of simply arriving with a name decided overseas, Chery is giving South Africans a chance to have a say. The automaker says the competition is based on something that already happens across the country: people naming their vehicles according to their appearance, personality, performance or the role they play in their lives.
That means the winning name could be anything from something tough and rugged to something distinctly South African. And there is a pretty big incentive for coming up with the right one. The person whose name is selected will receive R100,000 towards the purchase of any Chery vehicle.
There is also the possibility of a trip to China in October, although Chery says this is subject to final confirmation and the competition’s terms and conditions. The naming campaign is currently open to South Africans, with submissions closing on 24 August 2026. Chery’s official naming page allows people to submit their suggested name and contact details.
Submit a name for the new Chery bakkie
The Chery KP31 is expected to launch locally in 2027, although the company has not yet announced final pricing or a confirmed South African launch date. The winning name is expected to be revealed at the Festival of Motoring at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from 28 to 30 August 2026.
For now, motorists will have to wait for the final details, including the South African specification, price and exact launch timing. Chery’s move into the bakkie market comes as South African motorists have more choice than ever before.
The market already includes established names such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max, while newer electrified bakkies are also entering the market.
Chery’s KP31 stands out because of its diesel-hybrid approach. International specifications reported for the model indicate a system output of up to 350kW and 800Nm, putting it firmly in the high-performance end of the bakkie market. However, these figures should not be treated as final South African specifications until Chery confirms the local model.
The company is also expanding its manufacturing footprint in South Africa. Chery has acquired the former Nissan assembly plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, where the Tiggo 4 Cross is confirmed as the first model planned for local production. Chery has also said that a bakkie is being considered for local production at a later stage, although no final decision has been made.
For now, however, the question is much simpler: With less than a week before submissions close, South Africans have until 24 August to put their creativity to the test. The name could end up being more than just a nickname – it could become the official name of Chery’s new bakkie on South African roads.
