Chery asks Australians to name its new hybrid diesel ute

Remember when the internet named a research ship Boaty McBoatface?

Back in 2016, the UK government asked the public to help name a new polar research vessel. The result was exactly what you’d expect when you give the internet a vote. While that name didn’t ultimately make it onto the ship, it became a global reminder that crowdsourcing a name can lead to some… creative outcomes.

Now an automaker is about to try something similar – this time with a brand-new ute.

Chery Australia has launched a nationwide competition inviting the public to help name its upcoming plug-in hybrid diesel ute, with the winner taking home the very first one to be delivered in Australia.

The initiative follows the recent reveal of Chery’s upcoming ute, which the company says will be the world’s first plug-in hybrid diesel ute.

According to Chery Australia, the vehicle has been designed with Australian lifestyles in mind and will combine traditional diesel capability with electrified efficiency. Early specifications indicate a 1000kg payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity, putting it squarely in the territory expected of a modern dual-cab workhorse.

Before the official launch, Chery is asking Australians to help shape the vehicle’s identity by suggesting a name.

How the competition works

Participants can submit a proposed name for the new ute via the Chery Australia website, along with a short explanation about why it suits the vehicle.

Entries will be reviewed by Chery, with shortlisted suggestions progressing to a public vote before the final name is selected.

The person who submits the winning name will receive a new Chery ute when the model officially arrives in Australia later this year.