The Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) is all prepared to spread its magic once again at the Nasrec Expo Centre on October 6 .In the wake of competing events being around the corner, organisers are making sure to lure people in the best possible way. The show takes place for two weekends which usually attracts huge crowd, due to the traditional quotient attached to it.
The show was last organised in 2008 and usually flags-off every two years, however it got cancelled in 2010 because of the Fifa soccer World Cup where in exhibitors had an extravagant spending. Albeit this time, they are back with the same enthusiasm and strength. Pula Dippenaar, who has been related to the show for quite some time now says that, this time the event would likely be featuring more than 5000 vehicles. Moreover, apart from the standard cars there will be 4x4s, sports utility vehicles, bakkies, vans, trucks, buses, motor bikes, scooters and even quad bikes.
The popular show is organised by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers (NAAMSA) of South Africa and commissioned by the Paris-based International Organisation of Vehicle Manufacturers (IOVM). NAAMSA President David Powels said, “It is the biggest motor show in the Southern Hemisphere and rated among the top 20 in the world. Having personally attended several of the best-known international shows in recent years, I can vouch for the fact that JIMS is among the very best.”
Toyota South Africa President Johan van Zyl said that “It gives us the opportunity to showcase our newest vehicles and to showcase SA as an important hub in the international automotive industry.”
Nissan will showcase the 2011 World Car of the Year, its all-electric Leaf with offers a maximum speed of more than 220 kmph. Peugeot will display its HR1 petrol- electric concept vehicle while Mercedes-Benz will display its latest SLK with Magic Sky Control. Rival BMW’s i8 concept, a sporty plug-in hybrid, will be a part of extravaganza.
Dippenaar confirmed that the show strives to offer something for everyone. In addition, JIMS will also include a one-day conference on the state of the South Africa motor industry and its present position in the world.
