The 9th edition of the Festival of Motoring powered by WesBank will take place at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from 28–30 August 2026, promising one of the most ambitious motoring showcases yet.
Under the theme “Driven by purpose, defined by legacy”, the event will unite leading automotive brands, lifestyle partners, premium hospitality and family entertainment in a single destination.
Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, emphasises the festival’s role as a national platform: “We are presenting a powerful mix of leading manufacturers and new entrants; this year’s edition demonstrates the Festival's value as a national platform for the sector.”
Brand participation:
Twenty-one manufacturers will occupy sixty pit doors, including Volkswagen, Toyota, BMW, Suzuki, Chery, GWM, Haval, Geely, Mahindra and several new entrants such as Jaecoo, Omoda and iCAUR.
Volkswagen Group Africa will mark its 75th anniversary in South Africa with the unveiling of the new T‑Roc, presented through the immersive House of Roc experience. Visitors will also encounter the Vivo Xpress, Tayron, Amarok Dark Label and the iconic Golf GTI on track. BMW Group South Africa will showcase BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad, with visitors able to purchase BMW M driving experiences via Howler.
Driving Experiences:
The Festival distinguishes itself by offering direct engagement with vehicles. General access ticket holders will enjoy complimentary test drives and brand-led track sessions, while premium hot laps can be booked through Howler. The 4x4 Village returns to highlight off‑road capability, while adrenaline seekers can secure paid hot laps in tuned vehicles through partners such as the BMW M Driving Experience, VW Driving Academy, AMG Mercedes Driving Academy and the Simola Hillclimb.
Lifestyle and hospitality:
Beyond the track, curated partnerships will elevate the visitor experience. Cartrack debuts as exclusive telematics partner, while Brand South Africa sponsors the premium hospitality suite overlooking the circuit. A family premium suite ensures comfort for guests with children.
Puma Energy, exclusive fuel and lubricants partner, will host the Puma Energy Family Zone and aerial displays by the Puma Flying Lions. Santam sponsors the Handling Track, while Gautrain and Avis provide shuttle services to the venue.
Industry significance:
Show Director Judy Maharaj describes the event as “a powerful industry platform where brands, consumers, partners and enthusiasts come together through real, meaningful experiences.” The Festival reflects the strength and momentum of South Africa’s automotive sector, combining heritage with innovation.
Audi South Africa has introduced the new Q5 range, comprising the third-generation Q5 SUV, second-generation Q5 Sportback, and the performance-focused SQ5 SUV and SQ5 Sportback. The range is built on Audi's Premium Platform Combustion and brings a new generation of petrol and diesel engines to the nameplate.
Geely Auto South Africa (GASA) has introduced Riddara, Geely Auto Group's new energy bakkie brand, to the South African market.
Ford’s next big electric vehicle push is less about a dramatic new badge and more about what happens behind factory doors.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
The Toyota Starlet has improved from zero to a four-star rating for adult occupant protection in Global NCAP's latest #SaferCarsForAfrica crash test results. This follows a safety upgrade to make six airbags a standard fit.
South Africa's new vehicle market sustained strong momentum in August 2026, with aggregate sales increasing by 11,4% year-on-year to 57 898 units, says the Automotive Business Councill | naamsa.
South Africa’s new-vehicle market maintained its momentum in August, with aggregate sales of 57 898 units representing an increase of 11.4% compared with the same month last year.
