- Chery’s first bakkie named Grootman.
- Local launch planned for first quarter 2027.
- Hybrid 2.5-litre turbo-diesel with four-wheel drive.
- Preliminary 350 kW and 800 N.m combined.
- Pricing to be announced closer to launch.
Chery South Africa has revealed that its first-ever bakkie will be called Grootman, a name chosen by South Africans. The hybrid bakkie is planned for local launch in the first quarter of 2027, giving buyers in the double cab segment a new diesel-electric option with four-wheel drive.
Meaning behind the Grootman name
Rooted in Afrikaans and literally meaning “big man”, Grootman is a South African expression of respect for someone who has earned their standing through experience, achievement and responsibility. Chery says the name reflects the place a bakkie holds in many households, whether helping an owner build a business, carrying the family or marking a long-held goal.
“Grootman is a word people use with respect, often for someone who has worked hard to get where they are and can be counted on,” said Jay Jay Botes, General Manager for Chery South Africa. He added that the company recognises the name “comes with expectations we will have to live up to”.
Grootman hybrid drivetrain and outputs
Grootman has been developed on a dedicated hybrid platform and combines a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with electric power and four-wheel drive. Preliminary specifications include combined outputs of 350 kW and 800 N.m, along with an electric-only range of up to 100 km on the NEDC cycle.
Vehicle-to-Load functionality allows the bakkie to power external equipment such as tools and camping appliances, extending the use of its hybrid system beyond driving.
Towing, load box and ground clearance
The bakkie is rated to tow up to 3,500 kg braked. Its load box measures 1,560 mm long, 1,560 mm wide and 500 mm high, and ground clearance is no less than 230mm when fully loaded.
Grootman campaign and launch timing
The reveal introduces a campaign titled “The Grootman Has Arrived”, and Chery plans to gather personal accounts from South Africans about the people and qualities they associate with the word as it builds towards launch. Final specifications, pricing and the local model line-up will be announced closer to the planned first quarter 2027 introduction.
Supplied by QuickPic (Chery)
This story is based on aggregated news, press release(s) or other sources and was prepared with the help of AI tools, which can make mistakes. Prices, specifications, general information and availability may change, so confirm the details with the manufacturer, other news sources or a dealer.