The 7th annual Festival of Motoring powered by WesBank has concluded another highly successful edition, leaving automotive enthusiasts and industry insiders buzzing with excitement. From 30 August to 1 September 2024, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit was transformed into a motoring paradise, attracting 29,041 visitors from over 245 cities and towns.
This year’s Festival of Motoring was a grand celebration of car culture, seamlessly blending exhilarating on-track activities with cutting-edge showcases from some of the most renowned brands in the industry. As Africa’s premier automotive event, the Festival brought together 105 exhibitors and 24 leading automotive brands, delivering an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Visitors enjoyed over 10,000 test drives, thrilling hot laps with professional drivers, and exclusive product unveilings, including the revolutionary Lamborghini Revuelto, the iconic Ford Mustang GT, and the all-new Suzuki Swift. A special tribute was held for the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911 Turbo, while Volkswagen captivated many eager visitors with live demonstrations of its latest models.
A congratulatory note goes out to all the brands that delivered world-class displays and experiences at this year’s event, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, BAIC, Bentley, BYD, Chery, Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Haval, Harley Davidson, Isuzu, Jaecoo, Jeep, Lamborghini, Mahindra, Omoda, Opel, Porsche, Peugeot, Shelby, Suzuki, Volkswagen, and Volvo. Together, these brands created an unparalleled platform that connected enthusiasts with the vehicles they love while showcasing the future of the automotive world.
Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, the event’s organisers, noted, “Consumers attending the Festival of Motoring are often positively surprised by brand experiences that exceed their expectations. Events like this provide a unique opportunity for consumers to engage with multiple brands firsthand, challenging assumptions through direct interaction. This experience-driven approach allows consumers to reassess and potentially reshape their views of brands based on the latest innovations across the automotive industry.”
Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank, said: “The Festival of Motoring continues to grow in stature, highlighted, this year, by the participation of new brands and the return of those that missed last year’s spectacle. We once again brought into the fray our sister companies, FNB and MotoVantage, playing our part in ensuring that the Festival is a comprehensive showcase of everything automotive-related, providing unquestionable value to visitors.
We look forward to the next iteration of the Festival of Motoring and aim to delivering an even richer experience for all participants and festival goers.
Save the Date: Festival of Motoring powered by WesBank 2025
The excitement continues as the Festival of Motoring 2025 is officially announced. The next edition will take place from 29-31 August 2025, once again at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. The 2025 edition promises even more thrilling experiences, automotive innovations, and interactive platforms for both exhibitors and attendees.
Reflecting on this year’s success, Judy Maharaj, Show Director of the Festival of Motoring, commented, “We are delighted with the tremendous response from both the public and exhibitors. This year’s Festival has solidified its place as the annual must-attend event for automotive enthusiasts. From lifestyle experiential zones to off-road test drives and dynamic driving sessions, the Festival offered something for everyone. Beyond the excitement, it also serves as an essential platform for consumers to guide purchasing decisions while enabling automotive brands to supercharge their sales campaigns.
For brands looking to showcase their latest products or connect with a passionate audience, exhibition opportunities for the 2025 edition are now available.
Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as preparations continue for another unforgettable Festival of Motoring!
