MPH Live heads for Joburg
George Matlala
11 January 2008
Some of the world's most stylish - and priciest - cars will be seen at this year's MPH Live Motoring Theatre, to be held at Northgate's Coca-Cola Dome from 31 January to 3 February, with British motoring icon Jeremy Clarkson bringing the wild show to Johannesburg for the second time.
This year Clarkson, will be joined in Johannesburg by his Top Gear co-host, Richard "The Hamster" Hammond, while local television and radio personality Sasha Martinengo will host the event, which is sponsored by petroleum company BP.
Clarkson, a critically acclaimed motoring journalist and commentator, takes a no-holds-barred approach to reviewing cars. He and his Top Gear team are famed for the crazy stunts they pull in the name of motoring journalism - in one show, Hammond suffered a head injury in a serious accident involving jets and cars.
According to show director Paul Edmunds, MPH is an explosive, 90-minute theatre motoring show combining car chases,
outrageous stunts, incredible driving and world debuts. In addition, there will be a light show containing sequences with loud noise, pyrotechnics and flashing lights.
Edmunds pointed out that unlike other motoring shows, MPH shows off and tells people about cars in an entertaining way, while also featuring the finest selection of the most stylish and expensive cars.
"MPH is back and will be as exciting and as thrilling [as ever], and will offer fans an even faster ride. Having Jeremy Clarkson eagerly signing up again proves that this is not like any [other] car show," he said.
Designed to keep visitors enthralled, MPH is similar to Clarkson's TV series. At its South African debut last year, Caterpillar Diggers and Opel cars danced.
BP brand and advertising manager Rui Jardim said the company was proud to support the event, as it is synonymous with high-end motoring technology, performance and innovation. "We are pleased to have been able to partner with JCRM
Events SA to once again bring South African motoring fans the 'hottest' car show around," he said.
More on offer
Edmund said that with more than 60 exhibitors, the display would be an awesome line-up of the most beautiful and desirable cars.
Luxury car manufactures such as Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, Ferrari, BMW and Aston Martin will show off some of their latest sleek designs at the MPH Exhibition. Some cars that have not been seen in South Africa will be on show.
And visitors will be able to get up close and personal with the vehicles at the Motoring Pavilion. "The Pavilion affords people the luxury of experiencing the vehicles with all their senses, allowing emotive experience," he explained.
Volvo, Cadillac, Hummer, Opel and SAAB will launch cars at MPH, while New H3 and 4x4 vehicles will be on display, and General Motors will be on hand to offer visitors an interactive experience of these vehicles.
"Come and have
a lot of fun, and see what cars do naturally," Edmunds urged.
MPH first came to South Africa in 2007, when Clarkson brought his flamboyant style to the Coca-Cola Dome in February. It debuted at London's Earls Court in 2003. Since then, it has surged in popularity, with more than 100 000 visitors at each show.
Entrance is R270 for premium tickets, R170 for standard tickets and R100 for children under 12. Corporate and VIP hospitality packages are R1 150. Tickets are available at Computicket outlets, on 083 915 8000 or through the Computicket website.
Source: City of Johannesburg
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