One mega autoshow!

return of the Zimbabwe Motorshow.
While the event did not measure up to the standards of the many international auto shows I have attended around the world, it sure marked a brilliant beginning of greater things to come for the auto industry in Zimbabwe.
It was a well-organised event in the field area with a wide variety of vehicles, from the old to the latest.
One of the surprise packages was Hyundai, which had over nine models on show as the company signalled its intention to make a comeback on the local market.
I wished there was a Bug club representing those hot and sassy bundles of heavy metal 60s and 70s VW beetles.
It was like a giant showroom in the field, with food stalls and a hive of activity for kids.
All the other locally available brands were represented. The Jaguars that were on show impressed my little nine-year-old niece Tanatswa.
The only aspect that was missing was a race track for fanatics to pump the engines and hit the race tracks.
Imagine dropping the top on the Jag XK, making it cry on the dirt track pushing it harder than ever and beating the top speed.
That would be awesome and I am sure for the next show Jeremy Clarkson and the petrol heads from Top Gear will take a stand and participate in the next Harare Auto Show.
For the conservative business people, the new Mercedes S350, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota VX, Jeep Grand Cherokee, BMW5 series, Jaguar XF, VW Tourag, Mazda CX-9, Range Rover were representing in all their glory.
Major exhibitors included Toyota Zimbabwe, Nissan Zimbabwe, Willowvale Mazda Motor Industries, Zimoco, Duly’s Quest, Premier Auto, Hyundai and GM.
These are for the chosen few I tell you because their costs range from a little under US$100 000 to US$200 000 plus depending on how you spec them up.
The big boys’ toys were also there, your Disco 4, Toyota Prado, Range sport, Navara, Ford Everest and for speedsters, the Subaru was fully representing.
The middle managers also had something to marvel together with the rest of the working public.
With the introduction of a few affordable brands on the market, if finance becomes readily available, buying a new car will be as easy as eating pie.
Quest Motor was showcasing the new Chinese brands, the JMC and Chery which range from US$9 500 making them the cheapest on the market.
Great Wall Motors through Zimoco also has affordable pricing on their bakkie and 4×4 range together with their small vehicle being the Florid which is ideal for students or first time buyers.
GM Chisipite had a hot and sassy little car on show, the Spark. With its stylish and curvy figure at US$18 500, it’s economical and priced right for a Chevy.
There was also the Chevrolet Cruze which will suit most mothers because it’s roomy and stands out when you are doing that school run especially if you buy the red one.
It wasn’t all about cars as outdoor adventure suppliers, vehicle insurance companies, tyres, parts and accessories manufacturers and suppliers, roadside assistance companies like Road Angels, fuel and lubricants companies were also represented.
It was a giant one-stop auto show room for real. Finance companies were also on show.
For those who love good things in life (vakashanda kare) marine products such as boats and jet skiis were also on show. The reason for the above statement is because these things, as much as they are nice and exciting, you must have money and money in excess and really know how to manage that kind of life.
In short it’s a luxury which many of us will never have the pleasure of living but it doesn’t hurt to dream.
The whole point of the show was for visitors to have direct contact with the dealers and get to see all cars in one central place. It was an experience of a lifetime for many who have never attended such an event.
My only disappointment is that there weren’t any exotic cars like Lamboghinis, Maseratis, Lotus, etc, but hey it was fun and a great first instalment.
So till next week . . . keep pumping it.
l Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected]