The Festival of Motoring, the unforgettable showcase of automotive prowess postponed

There is definitely something about the hum of an engine and inertia of sudden acceleration that draws people to the world of motoring. Cars aren't just modes of transportation, they are the result of passionate engineering and creative artistic flair. 

Every year in October (besides the past two years) South Africa's biggest collection of luxury vehicle brands and motorheads coalesce at the Festival of Motoring in Kyalami, Johannesburg. 

2021 was meant to be the biggest year yet with over 50 thousand enthusiasts and exhibitors expected to attend. However, with such a large grouping of people coupled with a worry that covid cases may yet again be on the incline, the event had to be pushed back by 11 months.

"Given the latest surge in Covid-19 cases and the worsening of the third wave, Messe Frankfurt South Africa has decided to postpone the 2021 Festival of Motoring," says Managing Director, Joshua Low.

Who, what, when, and where?

2019 marked the 4th annual event which featured an unforgettable showcase of automotive brilliance for all who attended. From the Sasol GTC Championship, which comprises the main event, to a showcasing of almost every luxury brand you can think of, this event marks the ultimate annual pit stop.

The primary event is jointly organised by one of the largest trade fair companies in the world, Messe Frankfurt and Westbank. The venue, as always, is at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit featuring South Africa's biggest motoring names and racers. This makes living in Kyalami even more attractive.

A typical day at the event consists of both exhibitors and attendees getting the opportunity to race on the track, enjoy the luxury brands, relax at the wine garden, observe plane fly-overs, and receive both entertaining and educational tips about new technology with the daily Tech Talks.

Although initially slated for the 29th to 31st of October 2021, the event has been postponed for the following year in August.

What to expect from the event 

The Festival of Motoring is an international exhibition and is the largest known event in South Africa. The 2021 festival was designed to be the most interactive event ever hosted, starting with professional ride-along drives on the main circuit. Technology showcases such as self-driving cars on the race track would then follow.

Outside the circuit, exhibitors from manufacturers to more informal street racing car designs and modifications bring their creative and automotive flair to the foreground. Other exhibitions include a host of automotive vendors selling anything from vehicle models and trinkets, aftermarket sound modifications, and much more.

With the advent of lockdown, these scheduled events will be postponed, however, with more time to prepare, the 5th annual Festival of Motoring will be the most anticipated showcase of 2022.

Legendary Vehicle Showcase - The future of motoring

"We will face a time when traditional vehicles will get more and more expensive and electric vehicles cheaper. This could change overnight." - VWSA chairperson and MD Thomas Schäfer.

While fast cars and roaring engines definitely make up the body of the event, one of the primary reasons for its inception was to showcase the innovative leaps and progress in vehicle technology.

One of the key differentiators between South Africa and other countries is the fact that we are still largely left behind in terms of green technology and vehicle innovation. While the rest of the developed world expands in leaps and strides, our relatively archaic infrastructure makes it hard for us to keep up with modern trends. 

To the organisers and attendees of the Motoring Festival, this is definitely no excuse. Exhibitors and attendees alike are part of the growing trend of movers pioneering change, and getting the public to take note of these new efficient forms of motoring.

• The E-Golf

In 2019, one of the major exhibits was Volkswagen and their new range of electric vehicles. The model in question was the Golf 7 with a fully overhauled electric engine. By the end of that year, over 60 E-Golfs were brought into South Africa largely to showcase how nippy and efficient these vehicles were as opposed to their petrol counterparts.

The major focus behind this initiative was to get drivers of South Africa's most popular vehicle interested in the prospects of an electric Golf. According to the MD of VW South Africa, Thomas Schaefer, Volkswagen South Africa, alongside Nissan and BMW, is working on a massive strategy to lay the foundation for the introduction of electric vehicles into the country. 

• 2021 car of the year

While not necessarily the highlight of the event, one of the major showcases of the Festival includes South Africa's cars of the year. Chosen by South Africa's guild of Motor Journalists, the car of the year showcases vehicles from all categories from Budget to Family to Sports (To name a few). 

Despite not making a grand unveiling at the festival, the guild has still chosen its finalists.

This year, South Africa's top vehicles include the Hyundai i10 and Toyota Starlet in the Budget category. The Audi A4 and the Mercedes Benz GLA for the Family category. And for the most anticipated category of Sports cars sits both the Hyundai I30N and the Porsche 911 Turbo S. 

To view the guild's full list of 2021 finalists, click here - SA Car of the year 2021

2022 - What they're envisioning.

While the 2022 Festival will feature an amalgamation of themes from both the current year and the next, the major focus will be on celebrating the achievements of the motoring industry to date. Alongside this, they will also be focusing on the innovation and aspirations of South Africa's young and up-and-coming engineers.

The four-day festival will also include for the first time an official trade day which will be held on Wednesday the 24th of August alongside its usual on-track activities. They seek to continue to provide world-class entertainment and opportunities for manufacturers, exhibitors, and event attendees to showcase their driving prowess.

Read our previous article here: https://www.hamiltons.co.za/news/were-off-to-plett-doll/

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