Chery Australia is giving the public a rare chance: To name its upcoming plug-in hybrid diesel ute, the world’s first of its kind. 

And yes, you could imagine it ending up with a moniker like “Utey McUteface.” Unfortunately, that’s unlikely – entries will be reviewed by Chery, with shortlisted names progressing to a public vote before the final selection.

The new ute is built for Aussie conditions, packing a 1000kg payload, 3.5 tonne towing capacity, and a diesel-electric drivetrain designed to mix traditional grunt with a dash of electric efficiency. It’s set to hit showrooms late this year – assuming the public doesn’t go too wild with the names.

Anyone can enter the competition via the Chery Australia website by suggesting a name and explaining why it fits. Chery will shortlist the submissions, and the public will vote on the final choice. Past public naming contests have shown the potential for hilarity: the UK’s “Boaty McBoatface” submarine and a London bus called “Ferguson’s Fun Machine” prove that crowds can get creative – sometimes painfully so.

The prize? The individual who submits the winning name will drive away in the first Chery ute delivered in Australia. It’s a chance to leave a mark on a global model – and possibly on automotive history – without needing a design degree.

The Great Australian Chery Ute Naming Competition opens at 12:00 pm AEDT on Thursday, March 12 and closes at 11:50 pm AEDT on Thursday, March 26. Entry information is available on the Chery Australia website.

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