It’s the biggest automotive exhibition on the continent, and it takes place at Johannesburg’s Nasrec centre this week. The Auto Africa Expo 2004 opens on Wednesday 27 October, with over 300 exhibitors utilising a record 73Â 000 square metres of exhibition space to show off the latest model cars, bikes and quads, as well as support products and accessories. There will also be a host of outdoor activities for the more energetic visitors to participate in.
Halls 5 and 6 will house passenger vehicle displays, with 20 new models and a number of concept vehicles on display for the first time in Africa. Toyota’s TF 104 Formula One car will also be there for you to gape at. Models from newcomers Mahindra and Tata will be on display for the first time in South Africa.
Motorcyclists will be pleased to hear that the latest motorcycles, quads and scooters will be part of the main expo this year, in Hall 10. The behemoth 2,3 litre Triumph Rocket III will be there on view as will a host of the latest superbikes like the latest Yamaha R1, the Honda Fireblade, the Suzuki GSX-R 1000 and the Kawasaki ZX-10R. On show for the first time in South Africa will be the spanking new 2005 Kawasaki ZX6-R.
A new feature at this, the 5th Auto Africa Expo, is a shopping mall where the latest accessories, car care products, branded clothing, publications, motoring coffee table books, technical books and model cars are available for sale. Outdoor activities include the BMW Advanced Driving demonstrations, a newly designed user and spectator-friendly 4X4 demonstration track, the Topcar Dynamic Centre, a quad bike and pee wee track, bike stunt riding and Fire Ball Run 2004.
Entry to the Expo is from 09h00 to 18h00 every day, with those inside being able to stay till 20h00. Entry is R50 for adults and R20 for children under 12, with tickets available at the gates or through Computicket.