The 2024 Westgate Motor Show review.
In a show of resilience to the unforgiving Zimbabwean economy, 21 exhibitors took their gazebos and display props and headed to the majestic Westgate Mall to display their wares from 10 am to 5 pm this past Saturday. They invited a number of media houses and personalities to attend. It certainly was an improvement from the 2024 Borrowdale Motor Show. Many people came to the show to view the cars on display. On several occasions, I had to wait my turn for exhibitors to explain their products. The Event was hosted by Automotive Events Africa.
According to Automotive Events Africa’s business development officer, Keith Ngoni, “A total of 21 exhibitors took part, while 176 adults and 314 children paid to attend the show. The 2025 version will be bigger and more entertaining. The Westgate community and Harare at large have something to look forward to, as this is now an annual event. It provided show-goers with access to the latest technology in the motor industry, as some of the models on display were from the 2025 model year. The show gave participants networking opportunities and enhanced their brand awareness."
He added that motor shows provide the public with the opportunity to see various makes and models in one place. The newest and, at times, the oldest cars can also be in one place. The 1994 Ford Mustang on display remains etched in my memory. I had the opportunity to get up close and even perform a doughnut on the tarmac. It sent excitement throughout my body. The exhaust notes were just exhilarating.
The show provided children with fun, games, and excitement, which contributed to their large attendance numbers. The show reportedly targeted more than 30 schools and colleges within the Westgate catchment area. Kids will always coerce their parents to attend.
The stand that caught my eye was the Mr. Cruiser one. They really went all out display-wise with all the whistles and bells. It gave you the adventure feel that comes with a Toyota Land Cruiser. They probably had the best stand.
The Lifestyle Motors exhibition stand was very appealing, showcasing their exquisite lifestyle motorcycles. You had to be present to understand that Lifestyle Motors encompasses not just motorcycles but also the entire riding culture. They demonstrated all aspects of their globally recognized and endorsed bikes.
Presley Car Rental was equally impressive. Not only did they have a cheerful team, but they were also eager to explain their brand to visitors. Presley Car Rental was present, showcasing our wide range of rental vehicles, including fuel savers, sedans, and SUVs. Supreme Tows, their sister company, used a car-equipped wrecker as a prop for their towing business. They are a company specialising in road assistance, offering comprehensive road assistance that is available 24/7.
- The 2024 Westgate Motor Show review
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ZIMOCO demonstrated why they are firm believers in specialised services for special brands with the GWM Tank 300 and Hybrid P500. I observed a significant number of individuals expressing interest in the Tank 500. People wanted to get inside this gorgeous car to see what made it special, making it the show's most popular.
Chery Zimbabwe seemed to be the most popular stand, with visitors milling about. Their cars were eye-catching. Rutendo Chabururuka, sales and marketing manager for Chery Zimbabwe, remarked that the Westgate Motor Show was well-timed in the festive season, and people from all walks of life passed by their stand and made enquiries about their models. Notably, they were positively surprised by the 10-year/1 million km engine warranty offered to the first owner. The goal was achieved to spread awareness of the emerging brand of vehicles from China, which has done well on the global market.
Hyundai vehicles are known for their quality and dependability and have won many automotive awards. Hyundai vehicles offer premium features and high-tech amenities at an attractive price, all without compromising performance. Hyundai Zimbabwe showcased their beautiful Creta and Tucson vehicles. The Creta starts from 29,840, and the Tucson starts from 38,801.
For you to drive, you need a license. It was fitting that Easy Go Driving School was present. No one teaches you how to drive better than Easy Go. They are Zimbabwe’s best when it comes to driving lessons.
Transerv, the leading distributor of branded, guaranteed, quality automotive spares and accessories within Zimbabwe, with branches all over the country, did not miss the opportunity to showcase their variety of stocks. Their stand was well put together.
Nissan brought a couple of Nissans, but as usual, the Navara caught the eye. The Nissan Navara is a versatile, reliable, and comfortable pickup truck that's suitable for a variety of uses. Nissans have premium safety features installed in all of their cars, SUVs, and trucks.
Zimbabwe’s insurance giant Old Mutual did not disappoint. Old Mutual Zimbabwe offers a wide range of affordable and comprehensive insurance, investment, and corporate solutions as well as financial advice. They brought some of their solutions to the show.
Murare Car Rental, another prominent player in the travel and tours industry, also had a presence at the event. They are known for providing an exceptional car rental experience to NGOs, individuals, and corporates. Their employees are very sociable and will always tailor-make a favorable deal for you.
Zimbabwe's fastest-growing mobile phone-based insurance brands, offering products that cover senior citizens, vehicles, property, household contents, and other assets, also made an appearance. Moovah is a hassle-free, reliable, and convenient insurance product that allows you to cover the things you love. You can get coverage for senior citizens, your vehicle, property, household contents, and other assets from the comfort of your home or wherever you are using a mobile phone or online. Move over to Moovah and enjoy more convenience.
The champion of insurance, Champions Insurance, was present as well. They brought their experienced team to explain what risk management is all about to those who visited their stand.
Built on a philosophy of showcasing their exceptional customer service at the show, The Legacy Car Rental, a leading provider of homegrown transport solutions, primarily car rental services, in Zimbabwe showed up as well. They are ready to satisfy the transportation needs of all those traveling this festive season and are running a 10% promotion on all sedan and hatchback rentals.
AMTEC brought the Navara as well. With the mighty Navara, you can take on any task or adventure. It is made with customers in mind to suit their functional and lifestyle needs.
Tsapo Group, one of Zimbabwe's largest automotive companies, had strong representation from BYD, Chinese Parts, and Ashok Leyland. BYD Zimbabwe brought the BYD T3. The T3 has a powerful electric motor, an automatic gear shift, and a range of up to 300 km on a single charge. It also has a cargo space of 3.8 cubic meters and a payload of 780 kg. With the BYD T3, you can achieve superior performance and savings with an eco-friendly fleet.
Ashok Leyland came armed with the best-in-class payload truck, the Phoenix. The Phoenix comes with the best-in-class payload of 1860 kg and a 2950 mm-long load body—the longest load body in its segment.
There is no need for your Chinese-manufactured workhorses to be parked due to lack of spare parts. Chinese-assembled motor vehicles, buses, construction, mining, and agricultural equipment. Chinese Parts Solutions stocks a wide variety of genuine Howo Sinotruk, Lovol, Faw, and Golden Dragon parts.
All things considered, you will require a loan to buy your vehicle or workhorse. African Century is the only company that truly understands this aspect of business. They have a passion for empowering businesses and individuals. Talk to them today to receive financial assistance for purchasing a vehicle.
Jennifer Morand, president of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, emphasises that motor shows are unmatched in their ability to influence buying decisions, even in the digital age. They provide a platform for showcasing the latest products and technologies directly to qualified buyers. Auto shows play a crucial role in helping consumers in the market make a vehicle purchase decision. Specifically, the data shows:
- 43% of attendees plan to purchase a vehicle within the next 12 months.
- Moreover, 76% of these in-market consumers report that a brand’s absence from an auto show impacts their purchase decision.
- Additionally, 37% of respondents added a brand to their consideration list as a result of their auto show experiences.
- Finally, 69% found the auto show helpful in their purchase decision-making process.
Presenting your brand at car shows has a significant impact on your brand’s visibility, credibility, and customer engagement. It will bring increased visibility, improved brand credibility, enhanced customer engagement, and a competitive advantage to our brand, while also establishing you as a thought leader in the industry.
