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Nampo 2012 – what’s hot at the Bothaville agricultural show?
It’s the last day of Nampo, Bothaville, and Leisure Wheels sent some scouts to find out what’s hot at this year’s agricultural show.
Nampo has a 40 year heritage, and over 73 000 visitors attended the show in 2011 – a record high. This year more than 676 stands make up the show, both local and international, as well as static and mechanised. The all-important livestock section takes up a chunk of Nampo Park, as always, and a large “Renewable Energy” stand is also on display. The latter, according to our scouts, was a tad disappointing and only showcased geysers and solar-batters. Nothing new there.
But, that’s not what we’re interested in. With just about every auto-manufacturer represented, Nampo 2012 showcases a wide variety of models. There are even a few special Leisure Wheels features!
Leisure Wheels home grown:
Project Navara – the unmistakable green hulk – is on display at the LA Sport stand. If you haven’t seen this creature before, make sure you take a look. It’s for sale, so there’s no telling how long we’ll still be displaying it around the country.
(LA Sport Stand 192)
Project Scorpio – our kitted out Mahindra Scorpio is making the rounds at Nampo. Drop by the Mahindra stand to find out where it is, and how you can order a special edition Scorpio of your own.
(Mahindra Stand 206B & C)
The Babe Mobile – The Bush Babes Isuzu KB is at the GM stand, kitted out in a brand new wrap. You can get more info on how to become a Bush Babe, or just drool over our double-cab!
(Isuzu Stand 193)
Auto-focus
FOTON has brought their brand new Tunland – the Chinese have come a long way, as we’ve reported in the last two issues of Leisure Wheels. This is a stand worth visiting – and the Tunland is a vehicle worth noting. All we can say is, watch this space!
MAHINDRA introduces their new Scorpio special editions, the Genio and new SsangYong models to the farming community. Catch the Leisure Wheels Project Scorpio – soon to be recreated for purchase – driving around Nampo. Company CEO, Ashok Thakur, explains the reason for the special editions:
“We have also customised several of the models with added value equipment which we believe will appeal to farmers and all those who enjoy off-roading”.
A total of nine vehicles makes up their stand, including the Adventure Scorpios (SUV, single-cab pick-up and double-cap pick-up), the single-cab Bolero pick-up, a brand new Genio pick-up and the special edition models. Besides our Project Scorpio, the modified XUV500 from Weg/GO! Will also be there.
On the SsangYong stand are the Korando and the Actyon Sport (Mahindra is now the distributor of SsanYong/Korando products in Southern Africa).
SCANIA launched its new, global engine platforms for the five-and six-cylinder power units used in trucks and buses sold locally. With capacities of 9.3l and 12.7l, the new engines are claimed to be more efficient and robust than predecessors, in order to cope with the higher compression ratios required to meet Euro Five and Six emission standards.
FORD has their Wildtrak Ranger on display, and photos of the upcoming ST (with the 2,0 litre EcoBoost engine). Single Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab are on displayed. The Ranger made motoring history by becoming the first pick-up to achieve a Five Star rating under the Euro NCAP crash test protocol, a feat sure to generate considerable interest from potential buyers.
MERCEDES-BENZ has their new SLS AMG Roadster, the new B-Class, as well as some C-Class diesel derivatives on display. There is, of course, also a large commercial vehicle section.
Outdoor-focus
Look out for the off-road gear and camping stands, which are plentiful at this year’s Nampo. Take your wallets, though! Click here for a full list of exhibitors.
Agri-focus
This year sees the first SA ploughing competition! You read right – ploughing! Also a Grain SA initiative, BKT and Tubestone are amongst the sponsors of the event. They’ve got participants from the UK and instructors on hand – and a couple of demonstrations for those keen to learn.
There’s also the first-ever wheat mill display. Maize Master (Kroonstad) has built it especially for Nampo, and is using the show to launch their small-system wheat mill.
The theme this year is ‘Conserve Tomorrow, Act Today.’ Nampo Harvest Day committee chairperson, Cobus van Coller, says that the show is aimed at each and every agriculturalist who is serious about the future – their own, and that of the industy.
Special radio broadcasts from Grain SA – hosted by OFM – stream live from the show every day, and can be picked up in a 75km radius around Nampo Park.