Chinese automaker Chery has unveiled the full specifications of its Stockman ute, which it markets as the world’s first plug-in diesel hybrid model. The vehicle, set to launch on February 1, aims to compete with established rivals such as Toyota and Ford by offering a combination of performance and fuel efficiency targeted at trade professionals seeking more affordable options amid rising fuel costs.
The Stockman features a 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 350 kilowatts and 800 newton-meters of torque. It offers a braked towing capacity of 3,495 kilograms, a payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms, and is equipped with a 34 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, enabling an all-electric driving range of up to 96 kilometres. Chery states that its “super hybrid” system does not require frequent plug-ins to maintain performance and that running on diesel alone does not compromise power or fuel efficiency.
While pricing details have yet to be announced, Chery Australia’s chief operating officer, Lucas Harris, indicated earlier this year that the company’s vehicles typically retail for $15,000 to $20,000 less than competing models. Harris noted that many potential buyers have been priced out of the new ute market, with Ford’s plug-in hybrid Ranger starting at around $59,000 and Toyota’s battery-electric HiLux debuting at $74,990. The HiLux offers a 315-kilometre range and a towing capacity of 2,000 kilograms, but Mr. Harris suggested there remains a sizeable market gap for more budget-friendly, capable utes.
The launch of the Stockman occurs amid broader shifts in the automotive industry, as Chinese brands gain ground in Australia and globally. Volkswagen, the world’s second-largest automaker, reported a decline in profit margins to 11 percent last year and announced plans to cut 50,000 jobs. Other manufacturers are also targeting the ute market with competitive offerings—Kia introduced its non-hybrid Tasman ute last year, priced from $46,490, and Hyundai recently launched the plug-in hybrid petrol Shark 6 starting at $57,900, although the latter faced a recall of over 32,000 vehicles due to a safety issue involving spare wheels.
Internally, the Chery Stockman is equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 14-speaker audio system, and a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), aligning it with modern safety and convenience standards.
Despite steadily rising prices for competitors such as the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger—where top models approach the $100,000 mark—these vehicles retain strong customer loyalty due to high resale values, extensive dealership networks, and fleet integration. The Ranger, in particular, benefits from local engineering and testing, including operations at Ford’s proving ground near Geelong, Victoria.
Ford Australia president and chief executive Fadi Mawal emphasized that the company does not add a price premium solely because the Ranger is engineered in Australia. Instead, he highlighted Ford’s focus on delivering capability, safety, technology, design, and customer experience at competitive prices, underscoring the ongoing challenge posed by new entrants like Chery to the established ute market.