Chery to Launch Grootman Hybrid Bakkie in 2027

The plug-in hybrid bakkie is scheduled to arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2027.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Bold vector editorial illustration of a rugged hybrid bakkie vehicle parked on an open dusty landscape. — Chery will introduce its new Grootman plug-in hybrid bakkie to the South African market in the first quarter of 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Chery is set to introduce the Grootman, a plug-in hybrid bakkie, to the South African market during the first quarter of 2027. The vehicle combines a turbo-diesel engine with an electric motor to boost total power output to 350 kW.

Why it matters

The introduction of the Grootman represents a significant expansion for the manufacturer into the competitive bakkie segment with a focus on hybrid technology. This model aims to blend traditional utility with enhanced electric-only performance capabilities for local drivers.

The Grootman features a 34 kWh battery pack providing an electric-only range of 96 km. It sits on a ladder-frame platform with a ground clearance of 247 mm and measures 5 450 mm in total length.

The players

Chery

Chery is a multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Wuhu, China, that produces a wide range of passenger vehicles and commercial trucks.

The details

The bakkie pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with an electric motor via a dedicated hybrid transmission. This configuration produces a combined 800 N.m of torque, offering substantial pulling power alongside a fuel-efficient hybrid drive system.

The Chery Grootman is scheduled for a South African market launch in Q1 2027.

Roadmap

The Grootman demonstrates how manufacturers are increasingly integrating plug-in hybrid systems into robust, traditional ladder-frame architectures. This strategy allows the brand to maintain high utility standards while aligning with the global transition toward electrified commercial fleets.

Drivers can expect significantly improved fuel economy for daily commuting thanks to the 96 km electric-only range. Buyers should monitor upcoming dealership announcements to track availability and local service centre support for the hybrid powertrain.

The takeaway

The Chery Grootman highlights a shift toward high-performance hybrid power in the utilitarian bakkie sector. Potential buyers should consider how the electric-only range aligns with their typical daily driving distances to maximise fuel efficiency.