Chery have released a set of nine possible names for their new plug-in hybrid diesel Ute and unfortunately my entry didn’t make the grade (sort of)

Following their announcement in March that their world-first plug-in hybrid diesel ute needed a name, submissions were called for so that Aussies got their chance to not only name the ute but also take possession of the first one off the boat. The response was phenomenal with over 20,000 entries lodged.

Now with the aid of AI I did come up with some rather pathetic suggestions for the story. I wasn’t going to give away my winning entry now was I?

What was my entry? The Chery Ironbark. Catchy hey? So catchy in fact that it did make the shortlist, just not under my name. That honour went to Nadine G who is bound to win and rub salt into my wounded ego. Nadine described the Chery Ironbark as having the characteristics of “Australia’s iconic eucalyptus trees, reflecting Chery’s ute as a robust, dependable vehicle” Nice one Nadine, I really hope you win. I really do.[1]

But the beauty of this competition is that you have another 8 possible names to choose from and entries are now open.

So here are the full list of options

  1. ·       Outrider, put forward by Tina L, Western Australia, draws on the Australian tradition of the outrider, someone who rode ahead to scout unknown territory, speaking to the ute being a category leader with a focus on capability, efficiency, and range.
  2. ·       Orca, submitted by Fred Z, Victoria, draws on the orca’s reputation for strength, intelligence and adaptability, aligning with Chery’s hybrid ute as a capable, versatile vehicle.
  3. ·       Ironbark, shared by Nadine G, Queensland, isinspired by Australia’s iconic eucalyptus trees, reflecting Chery’s ute as a robust, dependable vehicle.
  4. ·       Bushwalker, contributed by Hong Chang Z, New South Wales, captures the spirit of the Australian outdoors and a ute designed to feel at home across any terrain.
  5. ·       Stockman, put forward by Steve K, Victoria, reflects the perseverance and reliability of Australia’s stockmen, symbolising a ute built to go the distance in demanding environments.
  6. ·       Longreach, submitted by Robert H. New South Wales, draws on Australia’s rural heartland, representing durability and long-haul performance.
  7. ·       Ridgeback, suggested by Rachel I, Western Australia, combines references to rugged terrain and dependable performance, aligning with Chery’s diesel plug-in hybrid ute as a capable and durable vehicle suited to demanding Australian conditions.
  8. ·       Terra, proposed by Jason C, New South Wales, takes its name from the Latin word for earth, grounding the vehicle in the terrain it’s designed for, while also allowing for a range of variants that reflect how utes are used across different Australian conditions.
  9. ·       Mate, proposed by Jeremy T, New South Wales, references a distinctly Australian term associated with familiarity and trust, reflecting Chery’s diesel Plug-in Hybrid ute as a reliable, everyday vehicle suited to a wide range of uses.

Honorable mentions went to The Chery Dropbear and the Chery B-Ute

The Chery KP – 31(codename until the winner is announced)

Lucas Harris, Chief Operating Officer, Chery Australia said the breadth and quality of submissions made the shortlisting process both exciting and challenging. “We asked Australians to help name this ute, and they delivered in a big way. The shortlisted names show just how passionate Aussies are about utes, but also how they’re thinking about the next generation of vehicles as new energy technology evolves.”

Voting is open now and closes 19th May. Have your say HERE at the Chery Australia website. Chery are also putting up three $1,000 gift cards to random voters as an incentive to pass judgement on the nine finalists

[1] Did I sound genuine? I’ve been practicing my sincerity