Chery Stockman ute: Luxury launch, work variant in 2026

Chery has officially confirmed that its all-new Stockman pickup will hit the Australian market later this year loaded with top-tier features, but the Chinese automaker is already planning a more affordable work-oriented variant for early 2026. In an exclusive interview with CarsGuide, Chery Australia Chief Operating Officer Lucas Harris detailed the rollout strategy, ruling out a single-cab cab-chassis version for now and emphasizing a dual-cab focus with a twist: a removable flat tray will be available for trade buyers.

The announcement comes as Chery continues to expand its global footprint, with analysts watching closely for any signs of a future US market entry. While the Stockman is initially aimed at Australia, its plug-in hybrid diesel technology represents a unique proposition that could resonate with fleet operators worldwide. “We’ve already had around 80 fleets express interest in a demo,” Harris noted, citing the appeal of a diesel PHEV in reducing fuel costs and emissions.

No single-cab, but a flat tray option

Harris made it clear that a traditional single-cab cab-chassis version is not in the immediate plans. “At this stage, we won’t do a cab chassis,” he said. “We’ll look at potentially doing a flat deck tray. It’s more straightforward from a homologation point of view. So basically just a flat tray with no sides on it.” The design allows the bed to be easily removed, giving owners flexibility to customize the rear for work or recreation.

The decision reflects the complexity and cost of producing too many variants. Yet Harris insisted the Stockman will not be just a lifestyle vehicle. “If we want to capture any of the fleet volume, we’ll need to go down and have that offering,” he said, referencing the custom tray back. With trade and fleet buyers often favoring single-cab models, the removable tray could be a smart compromise.

Diesel PHEV: a first-in-class differentiator

Chery is betting big on the Stockman’s powertrain lineup, which will include a diesel plug-in hybrid—an industry first for a pickup in this segment—alongside a petrol PHEV option. This dual-fuel strategy could give Chery a significant edge over rivals like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, and the upcoming BYD Shark. The diesel PHEV combines the torque and range of a diesel engine with the efficiency and low emissions of an electric motor, making it ideal for fleets that need to reduce operating costs without sacrificing capability.

Premcar’s role in the Stockman’s development

The Melbourne-based engineering firm Premcar, known for its work on the Nissan Navara “Warrior” program and earlier Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV), is handling the local tuning and development. “It’s not the first time we’ve worked with Premcar,” Harris said. “They are very well-known and experienced around our market and what’s required. They’re famous for what they did with the Warrior, and some stuff with FPV in the old days.”

Premcar’s expertise in ride and handling, off-road durability, and chassis calibration will be crucial for the Stockman to compete with established players. The partnership also mirrors similar collaborations in the US market, where automakers often enlist local engineering firms to tailor vehicles for American roads and customer preferences.

Market timing and fleet appeal

The launch model, arriving later this year, will be “all the bells and whistles,” according to Harris. The lower-tier work variant is slated for early 2026 to broaden accessibility. With fleet interest already high—80 fleets signed up for demos—the Stockman could become a serious contender in the commercial segment. “The plug-in hybrid diesel is a very unique option and can solve a lot of problems,” Harris added.

As Chery pushes forward, the Stockman represents a bold step into a fiercely competitive segment. For US readers, the model offers a glimpse of the kind of innovative powertrains that could eventually cross the Pacific. Whether Chery decides to bring the Stockman stateside remains speculative, but the technology and strategy are certainly worth watching.

Reported on March 27, 2025.