What will the Chery KP31 bakkie be called in SA? Shortlist of names revealed!

Following receiving more than 20 000 submissions, Chery South Africa has announced a shortlist of the names its highly-anticipated KP31 bakkie could don in SA…

Chery KP31 exterior

Image: Chery

Early in August 2026, Chery South Africa launched a naming campaign for its upcoming KP31 bakkie, with the Chinese automaker’s local arm inviting South Africans to submit their suggestions of what this highly-anticpated double cab should be called in our market. The Wuhu brand has now, at the 2026 Festival of Motoring, announced a shortlist of six names…from over 20 000 submitted by the public.

Shortlist of names for the Chery KP31 in SA

Scheduled to arrive in SA in early 2027, the KP31 could go by one of the following six names: ‘Bakkie’, ‘Grootman’, ‘Nduna’, ‘Chief’, ‘Orca’, and ‘Brahman’. The winning entrant is set to receive R100 000 towards the purchase of any new Chery vehicle and may also have the opportunity to travel to China in October (subject to final confirmation and the competition terms and conditions).

  • Bakkie
  • Grootman
  • Nduna
  • Chief
  • Orca
  • Brahman

As a reminder, Chery’s Australian arm launched a similar campaign earlier in 2026. Following thousands of submissions, what this double cab will be called Down Under was decided. The KP31 is named Stockman in Australia.

The KP31 is powered by a diesel-electric powertrain, which comprises a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine and electric motors. Revealed in July 2026, the segment-first arrangement produces 350 kW, which will make the KP31 one of the most powerful bakkies in SA when it arrives here, and a healthy 800 N.m of torque. Power is delivered to the road via a four-wheel-drive system.

Underpinned by a ladder-frame platform, the KP31 measures 5 450 mm in length, 2 010 mm in width, and 1 890 mm in height. The wheelbase spans 3 250 mm. The ground clearance is rated at 247 mm. The KP31 will offer payload and braked towing capacities of 1 000 and 3 500 kg, respectively.

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The post What will the Chery KP31 bakkie be called in SA? Shortlist of names revealed! appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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