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Mahindra South Africa, one of the fastest growing brands in South Africa, has signed on as the naming-rights sponsor and a major exhibitor at this year’s Getaway Show in Johannesburg.
Scheduled to hold between September 14 and 16, 2018, the Getaway Show, in association with Mahindra, will be the largest outdoor and lifestyle exhibition of its kind. Like before, the expo will be hosted at the TicketPro Dome in Northcliff on the West Rand, Johannesburg.
According to a statement, the Getaway Show, in association with Mahindra, will feature hundreds of different exhibitors, including suppliers of outdoor and camping gear, 4×4 specialists, travel operators and outdoor-activity specialists. There will also be several workshops throughout the three days of the expo, where visitors can learn skills and gain insight into subjects such as wildlife photography.
There are various synergies when partnering with the Getaway Show, as Mahindra has become a well-known brand in the outdoor lifestyle segment in South Africa. The company’s range of double cabs and 4×4 SUVs offers outdoor enthusiasts various options that perfectly fit their lifestyles.
Mahindra will anchor the Getaway Show with a large exhibition of its range of lifestyle SUVs and bakkies. These will include the flagship XUV500, the S10 Pik Up 4×4 and THAR, a new favourite for budget-conscious off-road enthusiasts.
Speaking on the event, CEO of Mahindra South Africa, Rajesh Gupta, said: “Over the past 14 years, Mahindra has become a trusted alternative to the well-established, but very expensive lifestyle vehicles available in the South African market. We have made great strides in introducing models and specific customisation options that meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, while keeping our vehicle prices in check.”
Mahindra South Africa will also showcase one of its first locally assembled Pick Ups. The company joined the league of South African vehicle manufacturers in May this year when it opened its assembly facility for Mahindra vehicles in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
At the new assembly plant, Mahindra assembles the full range of Pick Up models, including the Mahindra 4×4 Double Cab Pick Up on display at the show.
“Assembling vehicles in Durban has made it possible for us to localise more components and to test different customisation options from local component suppliers,” says Gupta. “Mahindra already has a range of 4×4 accessories, such as a purpose-built approach bumper, which can be fitted by the dealer and which does not affect Mahindra’s vehicle warranty in any way.”
Guests at the Mahindra exhibition will also have an opportunity to learn more about Mahindra’s partnership with Leribisi Lodge near Pretoria, where 4×4 specialists are on hand to train new Mahindra owners on the finer details of their SUV or bakkie and showcase its off-road capabilities.
Says Hans Greyling, national sales manager for Mahindra South Africa: “South Africans love their outdoor adventure and they are certainly spoilt for choice with the wide range of national parks, lodges, 4×4 routes and breakaway options both here and in our neighbouring countries.
“Unfortunately, many of the overland and 4×4 vehicles on offer in South Africa are simply too expensive for many families, which is where we come in. Our range of off-road vehicles and lifestyle SUVs perfectly matches these families’ need for adventure, without breaking the budget.”
One example of what Greyling refers to is the Mahindra Pik Up S10 4×4. This model costs R357 995 and is offered with a low range, mechanical rear differential lock, six gears and a 103 kW 2.2 litre mHawk turbo diesel engine with common rail direct injection and turbo charging.
Inside the S10 4×4, Mahindra has added luxury features such as an automatic air conditioner, power windows and a touch-screen infotainment system with Bluetooth cellphone connection and a full navigation system.
