Cars.co.za report offers interesting insights
Cars.co.za recently launched Industry Report 2026 at its DealerCon summit, offers insight into the forces shaping South Africa’s vehicle market.
- Dealer News
- 22 September 2026
From its humble beginnings in 2009 to making its mark on the international stage, the Simola Hillclimb has always had one overriding mission: to draw more visitors to the scenic Garden Route town of Knysna to enjoy an unmatched blend of motorsport and entertainment.
It has achieved all of this and much more over the past 15 editions, and very quickly earned the status of South Africa’s premier annual motoring and motorsport lifestyle event.
We delve into what it takes to host the Simola Hillclimb, and some of the fascinating facts and figures that help make this the must-attend event of the year for competitors, spectators, vehicle manufacturers and importers, as well as event partners and sponsors.
World’s fastest hill climb – average speed over 200km/h:
The Simola Hillclimb is the world’s fastest hill climb, with the current record holder completing the 1.9 km run at an astonishing average speed of 200.228km/h, from a standing start! This remarkable feat was achieved in 2022 by Andre Bezuidenhout in the Gould GR55. The 1.9 km Goodwood Festival of Speed comes closest with an average speed of 175km/h, also achieved in 2022.
12-18 months of planning:
It takes an entire year, and in some cases up to 18 months or more, of planning to put the Simola Hillclimb together. The organising team does an extensive debrief with all the stakeholders, including Motorsport South Africa (MSA), the day after that year’s event is completed.
Event build-up:
Planning changes to be made start around October the year prior to the event, with the on-site preparations, construction and build-up starting more than two months before the event. The team transforms this normally quiet public road to the Simola Hotel Country Club and Spa into a world-class hill climb haven. In 2025, this involved installing:
Competitors:
Most successful competitors:
Media:
The 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place from 30 April to 3 May 2026.
For more information and ticket sales, visit the website: www.simolahillclimb.com
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