The Johannesburg International Motor Show is due to kick off this coming Saturday (October 8 2011) and there’s a lot of things that show-goers can look forward to.
First things first, there are a few things you need to know. The show takes place at the MTN Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. It opens at 09h00, the turnstiles close at 18h00 and the doors officially close at 19h00. Entrance fee for adults is R80, and children between the ages of six and 12 have a cover charge of R20.
There are a few manufacturers that recently achieved big milestones; Chevrolet celebrates its centenary, while, a little closer to home, Volkswagen marked 60 years in South Africa, and Toyota South Africa Motors is celebrating half a century on home soil. Be sure to check out MG as the marque re-launches onto our market.
Green-tech cars to look forward to include the Nissan Leaf and SA’s very own Optimal Energy Joule. There will also be a fair share of supercars thanks to the Daytona Group, the most exciting of which is the McLaren MP4-12C. Other vehicles on display include the Chevrolet Sonic, Suzuki Splash, BMW EfficientDynamics, Aston Martin Virage, Audi R8 GT, Ford Kuga and Fiesta ST, Kia Optima and Rio, Volkswagen Golf Cabrio and new Beetle, Toyota FJ Cruiser, new Mazda BT, Citroen DS5, Chevrolet Utility, SA-bound Geely LC cross (dubbed the SC5 RV) and the EC7 saloon, as well as more exciting concepts and new models from other manufacturers.
Fringe attractions include a bike show (for those who prefer two wheels), a truck show, a boat show, a 4×4 track, a drifting track, and a rugby arena for those who don’t want to miss out on World Cup action.
The CAR conference also takes place at JIMS on 12 October and highlighted by several important local and international speakers, will be on the challenges facing automotive manufacturers, retailers and suppliers.
CAR journalists Wilhelm Lutjeharms and Juliet McGuire will be at the show. Be sure to follow @CARmagSA and @WilhelmL_CARmag on Twitter for live updates.