Festival of Motoring 2025 – A Milestone Celebration of Passion, Innovation, and Community
The 8th edition of the Festival of Motoring (FOM), powered by WesBank, has officially concluded at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, marking a landmark year for Africa’s premier automotive showcase. With 32,441 visitors, 107 exhibitors, and more than 10,000 track experiences, the 2025 Festival achieved record attendance and cemented its position as a must-attend event for motoring enthusiasts, families, and industry leaders alike.
This year’s Festival was more than an event – it was a shared achievement. Exhibitors, organisers, and partners united under a common vision to deliver an immersive experience that reflected the strength of the automotive sector while celebrating the spirit of Ubuntu – “I am because we are.”
Event Highlights
Visitors explored four dynamic zones that brought the Festival to life. Highlights included:
- Green & Yellow Zone – 23 automotive brands offered track drives around the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, making this the beating heart of FOM.
- Main Circuit Content – Visitors witnessed thrilling Formula 1 demo laps and motorsport spectacles including the SunBet ZX10 Masters Cup (Superbikes), Vilaca Time Attack, and the Shelby Speed Challenge.
- Red Zone – exhibitor showcases and a vibrant hub of food experiences.
- Yellow Zone – Santam Adventure Zone featuring go-karting, drifting, and a chill pod for relaxation. Takealot self-handling track and motorsport action.
- Blue Zone – A rugged 4×4 playground where visitors tackled off-road challenges and experienced the power of leading brands’ vehicles.
From adrenaline-fuelled rides and precision driving to lifestyle activations and retail showcases, the Festival created a platform where passion and innovation converged.
What They Said
Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communications at WesBank, said:
“The Festival of Motoring has once again proven its reputation as South Africa’s premier automotive event. This year, we saw more than just the latest models on display, the event served as a crucial launchpad for new vehicles and even a new brand, highlighting the industry’s vibrant evolution. We are excited to build on this momentum and welcome more brands and a growing, diversified audience to next year’s event.”
Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, said:
“The Festival of Motoring is evolving every year: our audience is getting younger, the interest of female motor enthusiasts is increasing every year and also our regional pull is even stronger: we welcomed attendees from 271 towns and cities across South Africa and 19 countries. The intent to purchase has also grown strongly to 40%. All in all, excellent metrics that point towards a robust automotive enthusiasm and a strong consumer interest.”
Show Director Judy Maharaj concluded:
“The 2025 Festival of Motoring was a milestone edition. Beyond the numbers, this year underscored the power of unity – when exhibitors, organisers, and partners work as one with a shared vision, the result is extraordinary. The Festival continues to evolve in today’s shifting landscape, with automotive manufacturers remaining the heartbeat of the platform while lifestyle and mobility brands bring fresh energy and new dimensions to the visitor experience. More than an event, it is a celebration of passion, innovation, and community, where the pride of our partners and the excitement of our visitors transform effort into impact. To our team at Messe Frankfurt South Africa, whose respect and kindness are our superpower, and to our naming rights partner WesBank for their steadfast support, we extend heartfelt thanks. Together, we have set a new benchmark – and we look forward to driving the spirit of Ubuntu forward into the future.”
Global Reach & Next Edition
This year, visitors travelled from 19 countries and over 272 cities and towns, underscoring the Festival’s role as a vital meeting point for Africa’s motoring community.
The Festival of Motoring will return to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from 28-30 August 2026.
For show enquiries contact Show Director, Judy Maharaj at judy.maharaj@za.messefrankfurt.com
Links to websites:
https://safestivalofmotoring.com
https://www.facebook.com/SAFestivalofMotoring
https://www.instagram.com/safestivalofmotoring/#
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
www.messefrankfurt.com/background-information
Sustainability at Messe Frankfurt
www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability-information
Festival of Motoring 2025 – A Milestone Celebration of Passion, Innovation, and Communityhttps://t.co/2QJF1ydNPT#ArriveAlive @FestivalofM @dealerfloor pic.twitter.com/HqU31jgYkr
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) September 3, 2025
