Chery ute: Two new models mooted

It was just over a decade ago that popular car-based utes like the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore were phased out, as higher and tougher – and often off-road-focussed 4x4 – utes took over. Now, Chery is signalling its intent to revive the once-thriving segment and the brand’s chief commercial officer says the market-segment could return.

• Chery has already confirmed a proper “workhorse” pick-up
• Lifestyle ute likely on the cards based on design trademarks
• Chery executive suggests lifestyle ute market could be revived
• Chinese brand to reveal ute plans in early 2026

Chery has big plans for its local expansion and delivering a dual-cab ute capable of hauling heavy loads – likely able to tow 3.5 tonnes and carry one tonne – is high on its list of priorities.

But a lifestyle-focused ute – akin to the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz – could revive the once-popular car-based ute segment dominated by the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon in Australia.

Speaking with carsales at this week's Jaecoo J5 EV launch – a sub-brand of Chery Motors – Omoda Jaecoo chief commercial officer Roy Munoz said the once-popular segment could essentially be resurrected.

“There is no market for it anymore, so [the question is] could you make one? It’s more a case of developing a product that people would gravitate towards and find interesting,” said Munoz.

“If you can create a market for it, anything is possible. There was no market for the current [dual-cab 4x4] utes we have at the moment. It was all those sort of Falcon and Commodore style utes,” he said.

“But you create a market and create appeal and demand for it and it’s always possible.”

Chery executives argue the majority of dual-cab 4x4 owners rarely use their vehicle for its intended purpose, with many tending to family duties as opposed to towing and off-roading.

“You see people driving these [dual-cab utes] cars who would never get out of Sydney or Melbourne. Or tow with them,” said Chery Australia head of PR Tim Krieger.

“Chery is on record that a ute will be coming in late 2026 and we’ll have plenty to talk about that next year,” replied Chery's PR boss when probed on the mystery ute that appeared earlier this month, stating that nothing has been “locked in” spec-wise.

“But we will have something to say about it early 2026 – so hold that thought,” he revealed.

Expect Chery to push boundaries with its inbound ute/s, particularly if the recent T1TP concept is anything to go by.

* Lead image generated by AI

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