10th June 2026: Chery is delighted to announce its highly anticipated ute, codename KP31 will launch in New Zealand.

Working towards a release date of Q1 2027, the production model will be very similar to the KP31 concept car, which was revealed earlier this year at Chery Australia’s Hybrid showcase event in Sydney.

The KP31 will be the world’s first ute to feature a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) diesel system, which includes a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine.

This unit will offer class-leading thermal efficiency rated at 47%, while also being 10% more fuel efficient compared to the average diesel powertrain.

It will additionally provide a competitive 1000kg payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity.

NVH levels are also a major focus with the production version providing a 30% vibration reduction compared to the average diesel powertrain.

“We’re incredibly excited to confirm our ute will be coming to the New Zealand market”, said Lucas Harris Chery AUS & NZ Chief Operating Officer.

“It’s riveting to be the first brand to offer a diesel PHEV in the dual-cab ute class, which will be our key point of difference compared to the competition”.

Visually, the KP31 concept has a commanding presence with large Chery lettering at the front and rear, a snorkel, chunky 285/70 R17 all-terrain tyres, a tub rack with 4x4 recovery tracks and is finished in matte grey paint.

The concept car measures 5610mm long, 1920mm wide and 1925mm tall, while the production ute will be slightly shorter with a length of 5450mm.

A petrol PHEV powertrain will also join the line-up later in 2027.

In Australia, Chery recently held “The Great Australian Chery Ute Naming Competition”, which received over 20,000 submissions.

Nine names were shortlisted, including Outrider, Orca, Ironbark, Bushwalker, STOCKMAN, Longreach, Ridgeback, Terra, and Mate.

More details and the official name will be revealed soon.