According to my mom, I started crying every time my dad pulled over his car the day I was released from Rusape General Hospital after birth. My parents saw how much I loved toy cars when they gave me my first one when I was less than a year old and started purchasing me new ones on a regular basis.
A decent book and a collector’s toy are the only two things I still purchase for myself. My psychologist buddy thought I was hardwired to love vehicles from an early age. This explains why I seldom fail to notice anything related to cars.
A plethora of motoring events took place over the weekend. At Celebration Centre, there was the 2024 Borrowdale Motor Show, and at Long Chen Plaza, there was the Be Forward vehicle giveaway campaign.
I ended up going to the Borrowdale Motor Show. I was curious to see what this new car show had to offer. Throughout my life, I have been to many car shows, both domestically and internationally. I always enter motor shows quietly and conduct my business discreetly.
Considering that the 2024 Borrowdale Motor Show was in its first year, the compactness of the event and the presence of some of the country’s major brands such as Old Mutual, Zimoco and Amtec immediately caught my eye upon entering. I also loved the fact that SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in the automotive industry came to be seen and be heard. A successful country is built by SMEs.
Several major companies initially backed the Borrowdale Motor Show, likely due to the event’s promise and the social media campaigns it launched. As a newcomer to the scene, Automotive Events Africa has a lot of growing pains to overcome before it can hope to win over the automobile industry’s most loyal patrons.
I will try to walk you through my Borrowdale Motor Show experience.
Garmin
- Borrowdale Motor Show comes alive
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As I made my way inside the expo grounds, the Garmin booth greeted me. Garmin sells products designed from the inside out for outdoor use. At the event, they showcased their GPS navigation and wearable electronics to industries like transportation, aviation, the maritime industry, the outdoors and fitness. Thanks to their inventiveness, they had the opportunity to surpass expectations.
Old Mutual
Old Mutual, a financial behemoth in Zimbabwe showcased their vehicle and funeral insurance. I came across one of the most pristine and cleanest hearses I have ever seen. I considered giving it a spin. Insurance, investments, corporate solutions and financial guidance are just a few of the many services offered by Old Mutual Zimbabwe. Additionally, they provide travel insurance. Their womensure product, a women-specific insurance line, is my favourite. Their ingenuity, financial strength, dependability and honesty have allowed them to remain ahead of competition.
Electrosales
The Electrosales booth was the most eye-catching. With a new and inventive approach, Electrosales is the top hardware supplier in Zimbabwe, and they can assist you with any construction or home renovation project. Their dedication to providing outstanding service has not wavered during the many years that they have served residential, contractor and industrial clients. Lubes, filters and accessories for motor vehicles are among their most prominent products. Electrosales is my go-to for Indy oils. You can’t beat the price and quality of Indy oils.
Mecca Auto and General
Mecca Auto and General is a prominent distributor of Toyota parts. Additionally, they showed up at the motor show with an unrivaled selection of authentic Toyota items. They offer repairs and maintenance services for vehicles. From affordable genuine Toyota parts to high-end Toyota parts, repairs and servicing, they keep your vehicle running smoothly to meet all of your demands.
Moovah
Tech insurance heavyweight, Moovah, was not to be outdone. You can protect what matters most to you with Moovah, an insurance solution that is dependable, simple to use and a breeze to use. It’s simple to insure your home, car, elderly parents and other possessions with your phone or online, from home or on the go. Switch to Moovah and experience the ultimate in ease.
TCC Automotive
Ineo’s local representative, TCC Automotive, showcased the show-stopping Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster. The audience pressed up close to the SUV, taking photos and asking questions. BMW’s 3.0-litre inline six turbocharged powers the Grenadier. That engine can put out 282 horsepower and 331 pounds of torque. The company Ineos has a 0–100km/h time of 9,6 seconds.
Honda
The quad bike at the Honda stand immediately drew my attention. They provide optimal driving performance and long-lasting durability. You may ride in comfort on any surface thanks to its sturdy construction and adjustable suspension. I have always wanted one.
Chery Zimbabwe
Chery Zimbabwe showcased many models, including the Chery Tigo 7Pro. Despite the fierce competition in this sector, I believe buyers will bring up the Chery Tigo 7Pro in their purchasing conversations. Models of the Tiggo 7 Pro come with 1,5 turbo petrol engines that can provide up to 108kW of power and 210Nm of torque. These engines are paired with a very silent nine-speed, stepped CVT gearbox. It is a beautiful and comfortable vehicle.
Road Angels
A road assistance expert, Road Angels, was in attendance. They offer transportation services for vehicles, machinery and equipment, in addition to providing comprehensive roadside assistance. Their goal is to provide the fastest response time possible throughout the country, which is why they have branches in all of Zimbabwe’s main cities and are constantly opening new ones. They also provide customised roadside assistance solutions. Not only are they quick, but they are also polite and affordable. They are available all day and night, and I have used them several times.
TLOZ
TLOZ has earned a stellar reputation for providing tyres, accessories and tire services to a wide range of automotive sector corporations and organisations. The helpful staff at their booth walked me through all of the questions and concerns I had about tyres. They are very knowledgeable in the following areas: automotive accessories, bulk gasoline, lubricants and tyres and magnets.
Minerva
Another insurance giant, Minerva, was also present. Red and white made their gazebo stand out. In Zimbabwe, Minerva is unrivaled when it comes to HR benefits advising, insurance broking and risk management. Using its extensive resources and technological knowledge, Minerva has been offering cutting-edge risk and people solutions since its founding in 1947. Through a robust culture of creativity, collaboration and honesty, Minerva provides exceptional value to its clients in the insurance industry.
Mazda
Willowvale Motor Industries tagged along with the Mazda BT50 and other Mazda vehicles. If you are in the market for a bakkie, a look at the Mazda BT50 is a must, for it flawlessly combines rugged utility with elegance.
Amtec
Amtec Motors came armed with the Navara bakkies. As an official Mazda and Nissan vehicle distributor, they understand and appreciate the allure to novelty. They strive to bring you the future today, offering all models in the Mazda and Nissan ranges of vehicles. For picky drivers, Amtec is a one-stop shop. While you wait, their Fast-Tec shops offer convenient exhaust, brake and tyre repairs. Their state-of-the-art vehicle workshops handle the more extensive servicing and repairs for vehicles.
Zimoco
As Zimbabweans debate whether their country is ready for completely electric vehicles (EVs), the GWM ORA03 was the show-and-social media’s most talked-about vehicle. As is well known, Zimbabwe is still not ready for EVs. It is critical to inform the public about the nation’s expected readiness and rollout dates. For now, this may seem like a minor concern, but we must prepare for the change before it transforms us. Zimoco is at the forefront of EV and hybrid revolution. They brought the ORA03, Jeeps and Mitsubishis. I was hoping to see the Tank 500 and P500 when I went there, but it was not to be.
NMB Bank
NMB was not to be outdone. For more than three decades, NMB has been a rock in Zimbabwe’s financial sector. Businesses and individuals looking to establish or grow their fleet may get loans from this medium-sized banking organisation. Numerous accolades attest to its inventive spirit and service quality: it caters to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses and corporations with a full range of financial services.
Events executive at Automotive Events Africa, Wayne Mudzengerere, said: “Considering it was our inaugural edition of the Borrowdale Motor Show, the event was a success.
“Our goal is to create an environment where individuals who are passionate about cars can come and see the newest models, indulge in their passion and potentially choose their next car.
“We are providing exhibitors with the ideal platform to deliver relevant news to their clientele. We plan to keep the shows compact and strategically focused solely on cars, excluding agriculture, yellow goods, or livestock. We aim to cater to the discerning consumer who primarily seeks information on cars.”
My decision
Some argue that motor shows are in decline. I believe they are evolving. In my opinion, auto shows are more important than ever when it comes to purchasing a vehicle.
According to new research from Cox Automotive, consumers are reducing the number of dealership visits when purchasing a vehicle. It’s not to say that seeing things in person at dealerships isn’t important to shoppers. What they really want is an improved experience. They would want a no-pressure setting to test drive the cars and learn about their specs and technologies in a non-intrusive environment.
Auto shows may not be as much about introducing brand-new models as they once were, but they take your current inventory to the buyer. Car shows are more important than ever because customers’ buying habits and expectations are constantly changing.
- Auto companies that forgo auto shows are missing a great opportunity, as there is still no substitute for a real, physical, live, in-person experience. — andrew@muzamhindo.com
