Chery South Africa has officially named its upcoming hybrid bakkie Grootman, a name selected by South Africans and inspired by the Afrikaans term for “big man”.
According to Chery, the name reflects qualities such as respect, experience and responsibility, with the company positioning the bakkie as a vehicle developed with the local market in mind.
The Grootman will combine a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with electric power and four-wheel drive. Preliminary figures indicate a combined output of 350kW and 800Nm.
3.5-Tonne Towing Capacity
The hybrid bakkie is expected to tow up to 3,500kg with a braked trailer, while its electric-only range is listed at up to 100km based on the NEDC testing cycle.
Its load box will measure 1,560mm in length, 1,560mm in width and 500mm in height. Chery says the vehicle will maintain at least 230mm of ground clearance when fully loaded.
The Grootman will also feature Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing owners to use the vehicle’s battery to power external equipment such as tools and camping appliances.
The bakkie is being developed on a dedicated hybrid platform, with four-wheel drive forming part of its initial specification.
Pricing Still To Be Confirmed
Jay Jay Botes, general manager of Chery South Africa, said the company wanted local consumers to play a role in shaping the bakkie’s identity.
“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 Botes.
Chery has not yet confirmed the final South African specifications, pricing or local model range. More details are expected closer to the vehicle’s launch.
The name forms part of the manufacturer’s “The Grootman Has Arrived” campaign ahead of the bakkie’s introduction to the South African market.
Main Image: Chery
