By Danidee Mainland

Distinguished by its International Organisation of Vehicle Manufactures (OICA) Certification, this is the single largest international automotive event in Southern Africa featuring displays, interactive activities and demonstrations as well as motoring events among others.

The biennial exhibition also features two co-located shows, the Johannesburg International Truck and Bus Show and Auto Shop, providing a complete representation of the automotive industry.

Messe Frankfurt, the world’s leading trade fair organisers, acquired a majority shareholding in SA Show Services who is appointed by The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) and the Expo Centre to manage the show. “NAAMSA welcomes the new international link with Messe Frankfurt and is looking forward with great anticipation to their specialist and valued input into the creation of the motor industry’s best ever event next year,” said Dr Johan van Zyl, president of NAAMSA, when he delivered his key note at the launch.

Dr van Zyl also announced that WesBank will be the Platinum and lead sponsor at next year’s show after filling this position at the 2013 event.

The event also enjoys the endorsement and support of various industry bodies including the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) and the Retail Motor Industry organisation (RMI).

Change has transformed how consumers buy cars, how they relate to brands and how they interact with technology. The Johannesburg International Motor Show has embraced this change evolving from an information exchange to an immersive, experiential consumer engagement platform.

Visitors can look forward to interaction with their favourite brands and vehicle models. Ride and Drive activities will provide opportunity for visitors to experience their dream cars in action rather than simply viewing a static display; the ever-popular 4X4 track will allow them to test the ruggedness and capability of their favourite 4X4 vehicles and there will be numerous opportunities to meet motoring personalities and brand ambassadors at the Show. Leading the innovations will be the introduction of a Techno Lab showcasing future trends and technology and their impact on the automotive world. On display will be the latest in high-tech trends including robots such as Honda’s ASIMO, the latest in solar and hybrid power technology and the convergence of the mobile technology and the automotive industry demonstrating the future of connected cars.

Another visitor highlight will be the Show Theatre providing visitors with an “all access” pass to new events, unveilings of the latest models and a sneak preview of models yet to be introduced into the South African market.

Dr van Zyl assured the audience that the 2015 show will offer exciting opportunities for visitors and exhibitors alike. The management team of the 2015 Motor Show is investigating various interesting overseas and local innovations to provide a ‘wow’ factor for visitors, but they are still keeping these under wraps.

“The show encompasses all segments of the new vehicle market,” says Dr van Zyl. This includes cars, light commercial vehicles, medium and heavy trucks, extra heavy commercials and busses as well as original equipment and automotive components, parts and accessories as well as industry service providers.

“The 2015 Johannesburg International Motor Show will offer local consumers and visitors from beyond our borders a unique insight into the rapidly changing automotive future. Exhibitors will grasp the opportunity to showcase new technologies, either production ready or at an advanced stage of development as well as launching many new models for sale into the Southern African market.

Most of all the show will give consumers the opportunity to compare makes and models at one place and at one time, while experiencing the excitement of our industry up close and personal,” concluded NAAMSA’s executive director, Nico Vermeulen.

It is clear that the 2015 Johannesburg International Motor Show will be one of its kind which should not to be missed.