Automotive company Chery South Africa is calling on the public to help name its new bakkie in a nationwide competition.

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 terms and conditions.

The bakkie’s chosen name will be announced during Media Day at the Festival of Motoring at the end of this month, where it 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. We could have introduced this bakkie with a name decided elsewhere, but we wanted to give South Africans a meaningful role in its story,” Chery South Africa national marketing manager Verene Petersen explains.

“The winning entry will go beyond the competition itself. It will become part of Chery’s journey in this country,” Petersen adds.

The competition draws on a familiar local tradition, with South Africans often giving their vehicles names that reflect how they look, how they perform or the role they play in their owners’ lives.

Chery says it will 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 August 24.

The initiative comes as Chery continues to expand its presence in South Africa and strengthen its connection with local motorists.

Designed for work, family life and leisure, the new model will mark Chery’s entry into this vehicle segment. Full product specifications, pricing and launch information will be announced in due course.