BMW Group South Africa will showcase its range of vehicles at the Festival of Motoring. The BMW vehicles that will be participating in the festival’s 2023 lineup include the BMW XM, the BMW i4 M50 the BMW iX3 as well as the MINI SE and BMW Motorrad CE 04.
Midrand. BMW Group South Africa will showcase its impressive range of vehicles at the Festival of Motoring, South Africa’s biggest motoring extravaganza. The exhilarating event returns for its 6th edition from 25–27 August 2023 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. BMW Group South Africa and its brands, MINI South Africa, and Motorrad South Africa will be participating at the festival in a grand gathering of automotive enthusiasts and leading car manufacturers.
Leading up to the festival, BMW Group South Africa held an insightful media panel discussion and engagement, exploring the brand’s presence at the festival. The panel included BMW Group South Africa CEO, Peter van Binsbergen; BMW Group South Africa General Manager of Group Communications and Corporate Affairs, Thilosh Moodally; and BMW Group South Africa Head of Corporate Planning, Natasha Chetty. During the discussion, Mr van Binsbergen and Ms Chetty provided insight into BMW Group South Africa’s current and future vehicle portfolio. The brand boasts outstanding vehicles that have been launched or are soon to be launched: in line with its commitment to reduce CO2 emissions.
BMW’s iX5 Hydrogen vehicle was on display, a head-turner from the global test fleet. On the relevance of a hydrogen economy in South Africa, Mr van Binsbergen said, “There are already many discussions in South Africa about the just energy transition, and hydrogen offers some solutions. With this trial fleet, the BMW Group is contributing to the development of the hydrogen economy. I feel that a country like South Africa, and indeed a continent like Africa, has the ideal conditions to be a leader in generating green hydrogen for industrial and automotive applications.”
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle offers a practical solution for emission-free driving. Chetty added, “This vehicle represents one vehicle of a small fleet that will be in the country at the beginning of 2024. Early next year, we will be hosting a series of events that will see thought leaders around the topic of Hydrogen, together with government representatives as well as potential future customers, all having the opportunity to experience the technology first hand.
In addition, we are busy finalising an agreement which will see the BMW Group work together with two large South African multi-nationals to showcase not only the potential of Hydrogen mobility but also Hydrogen as an energy source of the future.”
At the Festival of Motoring discussion, BMW Group South Africa panellists also highlighted upcoming strategic plans and outlined what attendees can expect to see from the automotive giant.
Celebrations continue at the Festival of Motoring
BMW Group South Africa’s participation at the festival comes amid a particularly special year as BMW Group celebrates its 50-year anniversary in South Africa. The company’s 50th birthday celebration looks back at its vibrant heritage and unique automotive product history, achievements, and successes. And, as the company has revealed through significant project and product announcements, it is also an opportunity to look ahead – towards the next 50 years of BMW Group South Africa.
The brand’s presence in South Africa is reflected at the Festival of Motoring – a culmination and celebration of BMW Group South Africa’s past, present, and future. The BMW vehicles that will be participating in the festival’s 2023 lineup include the BMW XM, the BMW i4 M50 the BMW iX3 as well as the MINI SE and BMW Motorrad CE 04.
BMW Group South Africa remains committed to being an industry leader in automotive innovation and allowing consumers to experience new technologies. The Festival of Motoring is a reminder of the enthusiastic support from vehicle manufacturers and importers, and their contributions towards the future of automotive.