“GEARING UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S PREMIER AUTO SHOW, A NEW VEHICLE EVERY 30 MINUTES AT AUTO AFRICA 2004″
Futuristic, fast and functional is the best way to describe the wide range of new cars to be launched at Auto Africa 2004. On Monday, 25 October 2004 alone, a total of 20 brand-new cars will be launched and previewed at Africa’s premier auto show, taking place at Nasrec,Johannesburg.
One of the most exciting vehicles on display at Auto Africa 2004 is the RSQ Concept, dubbed by its producer, Audi, as the “Car of the Year 2035”. The RSQ Concept is the star of the show in “I, Robot”, the futurist movie hit starring Will Smith. Rudy Venter
of VW/Audi says the car was built specifically for the film according to the specs of the producers. “This is a unique opportunity to meet a film star,” he says. Other Audi passenger cars on view will include its popular ranges of A3, A4, A6 and A8 vehicles.
“Auto Africa 2004 provides a platform for motor manufacturers to showcase their very latest products. Some vehicles are entirely new globally, while others are introductions to the African market,” says Pula Dippenaar, Auto Africa exhibition director. “Many companies will use the show to preview upcoming innovations.”
Possibly the fastest vehicle on show is the Mercedes Maclaren SLR, with a top speed of 334 km/h. This left-hand drive model comes with a price tag of R3.5 million, but, unfortunately, will not be available in this country.
Kia South Africa will be giving a sneak preview of its latest Sportage sports utility vehicle, as well as launching its commercial K2700 one tonne truck. Citroen South Africa will showcase its C4 and C5 models, which will be available locally mid-2005.
“After many years of an extremely small market available to the buyer, there is almost limitless scope today. Brands that have not been seen on South African roads since the 1940s or 1950s are becoming commonplace, and consumers now have freedom of choice,” Dippenaar says. “Auto Africa 2004 represents the opportunity for manufacturers to promote and even increase their market share, not only here, but across the continent.”
Other manufacturers prefer to keep their revelations under wraps until the big day. “Let’s just say that as usual VW will be launching new, innovative and unusual concepts at Auto Africa,” says Bill Stephens, VW’s general manager, communications.
The Auto Africa exhibition and related conferences will take place from 25-31 October 2004 and covers 55,000m2 in area. Exhibits include components and manufacturing; passenger and leisure vehicles, garage equipment, collision repair and trucking and transport solutions. The local and international interest in the event indicates its
importance on a global scale.
* Auto Africa 2004, to be held at Nasrec south of Johannesburg between 25 and 31 October, is the continent’s premier motoring show and is held every two years. At its core, Auto Africa is a truly comprehensive automotive trade exhibition, drawing participants in increasing numbers to exhibit. In 2004, exhibitors will be spread across the following clusters:
New passenger and leisure vehicles, which form the core of the event in dedicated exhibition halls.
They are supported by truck and bus displays, which are located in separate halls.
Allied Industries are accommodated in the equipment halls and include:
- Manufacturing, robotics, raw materials and technology;
- Components, wheels and tyres, fuels and lubricants;
- Parts and accessories;
- Garage equipment and workshop furnishings;
- Collision repair suppliers and technology;
- Information technology and software solutions;
- Trucking manufacturers, components suppliers and service products;
- Specialized services to the automotive industry.
Outdoor exhibits, SUV exhibits and motorcycles as well as demonstration and activity centres are located outside the halls, within the Nasrec perimeter.
