Praise for 2023 Festival of Motoring

The Festival of Motoring, powered by WesBank, ended recently with 26 508 visitors from 210 cities in and around of South Africa. The event attracted car enthusiasts from 19 countries who came to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to enjoy a weekend filled with exciting motoring experiences.

“It was an incredible weekend. One of the best shows that I have attended in a while. Well done to all involved“ said one visitor, Alan from Johannesburg.

In a third-party survey completed by all participating car manufacturers, Festival of Motoring was ranked #1 consumer automotive event in South Africa.

The reach, the demographics of the audience, the overall concept tailored to the car enthusiasts’ and manufacturers‘ needs as well as the smooth operational flow were all contributing factors to this assessment.

“We are very satisfied with this outcome and strive to improve the Festival of Motoring even further in the future. We have already achieved a very high satisfaction level on both the OEM side as well as on the attendee side. We feel that we have developed a very good understanding of the needs of both the car enthusiasts and the manufacturers and will continue to refine our concept“ says Michael Dehn, Managing Director of the organisers, Messe Frankfurt South Africa.

Nomagugu Sibeko, Government Affairs and Communications for BMW Group stated that BMW Group South Africa’s participation at the 6th Edition of the Festival of Motoring 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.

Nomagugu further added “Visitors had the opportunity to experience thrilling hot laps and learn more about the latest product line up including 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”.

“The 2023 Festival of Motoring was a resounding success for WesBank as a key sponsor, as well as our sister companies FNB and MotoVantage – key players within the FirstRand group. However, the greatest value was derived by the thousands of visitors who benefitted from the collaboration between all the automotive brands that participated in the festival to deliver what was truly a top-tier event,” said WesBank CEO Ghana Msibi.

Judy Maharaj, the Show Director for the Festival of Motoring, is excited to announce that this year’s event went beyond the usual motor show experience. It became an adventure, leaving exhibitors and visitors with treasured memories that will last for years.

“This year, our focus was on celebrating legacies,” said Judy Maharaj. “Porsche, a true automotive icon, celebrated its 75th anniversary at the event. They honoured six decades of the legendary Porsche 911 and two decades of the groundbreaking Cayenne. It was a significant occasion that showcased Porsche’s rich history and innovation.”

With 21 automotive brands on display, the Festival of Motoring turned into a showcase for the automotive industry. The event was filled with the sound of roaring engines and precision of racing, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers.

But the Festival of Motoring was more than just an adrenaline rush; it provided a platform for car enthusiasts to explore their passions. Whether attendees were researching their next car purchase or enjoying a family day out, the festival offered a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of automobiles. In fact, 20% of ticket holders planned to buy a car within the next 3, 6, or 12 months. Of those, 21% are planning to pay for their new vehicle in cash, while 30% are opting for financing, with the rest still weighing their options.

Judy Maharaj concluded, “The Festival of Motoring is not merely a motoring event; it’s an unforgettable experience that brings together the finest in automotive innovation, heritage, and excitement. We are proud to have created an event that resonates with both industry professionals and families alike, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.”