
The legend is back - VW introduces updated Golf GTI
Volkswagen will introduce the updated Golf GTI to the South African market in the last quarter of 2025. Well over 2.3 million GTIs have been sold worldwide.
- Product News
- 2 September 2025
The Festival of Motoring, renowned as Africa's premier celebration of automotive excellence, will take place from 30 August to 1 September 2024 at the esteemed Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Gauteng.
Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, the event organiser, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: "The Festival of Motoring stands out as a must-attend event on the annual motoring community calendar, and we are delighted to continue our partnership with WesBank for another three years. This ensures that we can enhance the visitor experience and build on the immersive nature of the event, together surpassing the expectations of our fully engaged audience."
Hosted within the world-class Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, the Festival of Motoring is poised to deliver an immersive experience, showcasing the latest industry achievements, cutting-edge products and technological advancements. Emphasising innovation, on-track activities and world-class entertainment, this event offers manufacturers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with a passionate audience.
Judy Maharaj, the event’s Show Director, emphasised: "The Festival of Motoring provides the ultimate motoring experiential platform. Whether exploring automotive passions, enjoying the sights and sounds of favourite brands, test driving the next vehicle purchase, or simply indulging in adrenaline-fuelled fun with family, this event caters to diverse interests, drawing in all segments of the automotive landscape over three days."
At its essence, the Festival of Motoring encapsulates a vibrant convergence of automotive enthusiasts hailing from 210 cities and towns across South Africa. This dynamic gathering features a remarkable offering of 10 000 test drives executed over three days, skilfully conducted by professional drivers.
Notably, the festival reflects a substantial 18% purchase intent among its attendees, underscoring the compelling appeal it holds for potential buyers. Furthermore, the festival's attendees boast an above-average car ownership profile, with all German brands securing a prominent presence within the top 15 brands owned.
Tickets for the Festival of Motoring 2024 will be available to prospective attendees from March 2024. For special requests regarding hospitality and gift packages, email judy.maharaj@za.messefrankfurt.com. For more information, visit www.safestivalofmotoring.com
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) notes that August continued the positive trend for new-vehicle sales in South Africa, reflecting strong consumer demand and activity across the market.
Although the tariff clouds are gathering over the South African economy with serious implications for the local automotive export industry, local sales of new vehicles are soldiering on at a decent pace.
Automechanika Johannesburg successfully hosted its final CEO Breakfast for 2025 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, bringing together senior automotive industry leaders for strategic discussions as the co-located Festival of Motoring roared into life.