Chinese automaker Chery appointed a former GWM executive to lead the development of its new Stockman ute for Australia. Mark Qi, the Stockman’s chief engineer, confirmed his previous role heading the Cannon ute team at GWM.
Mr. Qi explained he worked on the Cannon’s 2.4-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine. His hiring highlights a transfer of pick-up expertise between the two Chinese manufacturers. The Stockman uses a diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain, a significant technological choice.
The Stockman’s system combines low official emissions with the near-3.5-tonne braked towing and off-road capabilities typical of non-hybrid diesel utes. This contrasts with GWM’s own 2.4-litre ‘GW4D24’ diesel engine, which produces 135kW/480Nm in Australia and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Cannon’s original 2.0-litre diesel produced 120kW/400Nm and used an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF. The upgraded Cannon, developed under Mr. Qi’s leadership, brought a 3500kg braked towing rating and chassis improvements.
Experience with Australian Market
Mr. Qi’s experience on the Cannon upgrade program included integrating a diesel engine, emissions controls, and a four-wheel drive system. He noted he left GWM before development of the Hi4-T plug-in hybrid system began.
For the Stockman, Chery developed its own 2.5-litre diesel with electrification. The system integrates P1 and P2.5 electric motors with a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission to deliver 350kW/800Nm combined. The architecture allows either the diesel engine or the drive motor to deliver torque to both axles.
Chery also recruited experienced pick-up management from GWM. Zhang Jiaming, general manager of Chery’s China-market Rely pick-up division, previously headed the GWM Cannon model line during its 2019 introduction. Mr. Zhang has held roles as a GWM vice president and pick-up brand general manager.
Australian Market Focus
The Stockman will be sold in China as the Rely Hi800, but with a different rear suspension. Recruiting from GWM likely provided Chery with experience in export market distribution and positioning for Australian tastes.
Early Cannon models in Australia were criticized for ride quality and transmission tuning. A 2025 update brought improvements, and GWM’s locally-led AT-1 tuning program introduced further refinements to dampers, steering, and powertrain.
Chery is pursuing a similar localisation process for the Stockman. Melbourne engineering firm Premcar is validating the Australian suspension, steering, and hybrid system calibrations ahead of the first deliveries, scheduled for February 2027.
