China's Ford Ranger Rival Looks Tough With Ironman 4x4 Accessories

Chery's plug-in diesel Stockman pickup made headlines earlier this year with rugged looks and 469 horsepower. Now, the company is back with a comprehensive lineup of factory-backed accessories developed by Australian tuner Ironman 4x4, amplifying the appeal of the Stockman to local buyers prior to its market launch. The add-ons are focused on improving the off-road credentials of the Chinese pickup, while making it suitable for all kinds of adventures in the Australian outback. 

Most of the parts are made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, ensuring lightness, strength, and corrosion resistance. They are also compatible with the Stockman's ADAS sensors and have been crash tested. The highlight is the Apex front bumper with an integrated bull bar, protecting the Bronco-style face of the pickup. This serves as the mounting point for auxiliary lights, LED foglights, a 12,000-pound winch cradle, dual recovery points, and a heavy-duty skid plate. The truck also features steel side steps with a textured powdercoat finish for slip resistance, and a rear protection tow bar which is fitted with a tow hitch and recovery points.

Ironman 4x4 upgrades aren't limited to a rugged body kit. The Raid canopy supports static loads of up to 380 kg (838 lbs) and can be combined with a roof tent and awning for camping. Buyers have the option of a roller drawer system, solid aluminum or glass windows, central locking, interior lights, security mesh, and side storage. Completing the overlanding rig stance, a low-profile roof rack is mounted, for carrying more gear and LED lights.

Underneath, the Ironman 4x4 suspension kit offers the option of IM2.5 Monotube or Foam Cell shock absorbers, alongside new coil springs, rear leaf springs, front struts, spring bushes and U-bolts, all developed and tested in Australia. The ground clearance has been increased by 50 mm (2 in) over the 247 mm (9.7 in) of the standard truck, making room for beefier tires. The company has also confirmed that a GVM upgrade to the Stockman in the near future, much like the what Toyota did with the Hilux in response to Ford's Ranger Super Duty.

Ironman 4x4 was given OEM-level engineering access to the Chery truck, ensuring full compliance with Australian Design Rules for structural performance, water ingress, and durability. As part of the collaboration, every accessory ordered for a new Stockman at local dealerships will be covered by the same 7-year manufacturer warranty. Pricing will be announced at a later date.

Chery Australia's Chief Operating Officer, Lucas Harris, said, "No matter how capable the Stockman is, Australian off-roaders still want a bull bar, a lift, a canopy and a roof rack. This range is how they get that, backed by a trusted Australian brand." The Stockman is powered by a plug-in hybrid system comprising a turbodiesel 2.5-liter inline-4 and dual electric motors, producing 469 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Power is transmitted to all four wheels with the help of triple locking differentials and a low-range transfer case. 

Finally, the 34-kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack offers an EV-only range of 96 km (60 mi) between charges. As for cargo carrying capabilities, the Chinese truck has a braked towing capacity of 3,495 kg (7,705 lbs) and a maximum payload of 765 kg (1,686 lbs). The Chery Stockman is scheduled to launch in Australia in February 2027, serving as a direct rival to trucks like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, and facelifted Mitsubishi Triton.