MOTORING NEWS - Chery South Africa is calling on the public to help name its new bakkie in a nationwide competition that will give one South African the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the brand.
The competition invites South Africans to submit an original name for the new model ahead of its local launch.
The winning entrant will receive R100,000 towards the purchase of any Chery vehicle and may also have the opportunity to travel to China in October, subject to final confirmation and the competition’s terms and conditions.
Winning name to be revealed at Festival of Motoring
The chosen name will be announced during Media Day at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit’s Festival of Motoring.
The name will become part of the official introduction of Chery’s newest vehicle to the South African market.
“South Africans are inventive, expressive and rarely short of an opinion, particularly when it comes to their cars,” says Verene Petersen, National Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa.
“We could have introduced this bakkie with a name decided elsewhere, but we wanted to give South Africans a meaningful role in its story. The winning entry will go beyond the competition itself. It will become part of Chery’s journey in this country.”
South Africa's tradition of naming cars
The competition draws on a familiar local tradition, with South Africans having long given their vehicles names based on their appearance, performance or the role they play in their owners’ lives.
Some names are affectionate, others humorous, while many have a meaning known only to the people who chose them.
Chery plans to bring these stories to life through social media content featuring creators, vehicle enthusiasts and members of the public.
South Africans will be encouraged to share their suggestions and join the conversation across Chery’s social media platforms, with the formal entry process to be confirmed.
Submissions close on 24 August 2026.
Chery prepares to enter South Africa's bakkie market
The initiative comes as Chery continues to expand its presence in South Africa and strengthen its connection with local motorists.
By inviting the public to participate in the naming process, the brand is giving South Africans an opportunity to influence how its new bakkie enters the market and is remembered.
Designed for work, family life and leisure, the new model will mark Chery’s entry into an important and distinctly South African vehicle segment.
Full product specifications, pricing and launch information will be announced in due course.
Until then, Chery is leaving the most important decision to Mzansi: What should its new bakkie be called?
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