The inaugural Australian Motoring Festival has drawn more than 25,000 visitors through the gates over four days of interactive, hands-on automotive experiences at the Melbourne Showgrounds.
The festival, a joint initiative between the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and the RACV, featured four action-packed days of unparalleled automotive showcases and driving experiences; with a focus on providing visitors with multiple opportunities to interact with vehicles and vehicle technology through test drives and simulation. More than 30% of event patrons took part in an interactive drive experience at the festival during the four days.
Geoff Gwilym, VACC Executive Director VACC, said the festival was a great opportunity for the public to connect with the automotive industry in a new and engaging way.
“The inaugural Australian Motoring Festival has been a fantastic event, and we’re especially pleased by the positive response we have received from the public over the course of the four days,” said Geoff.
“We would like to thank the RACV for their significant support helping us make this ambitious festival a reality, and a big thank you to all of our manufacturers and exhibitors who supported us and believed, as we do, in the strong opportunity for an interactive motoring festival that moves in Melbourne.
“We were pleased with the festival attendance, in light of facing a very busy event weekend in Melbourne with the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.”
Some of the highlights of the festival included the Ferrari Pavilion, featuring $30 million worth of the Italian supercar giant’s vehicles, show stopping interactive drive experiences with the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy, the jaw dropping Isuzu Team D-MAX Iron Summit, AFL players alongside the vehicles at the Toyota display, Volvo’s Polestar racing around the tarmac track, one of Australia’s best collections of classic and vintage vehicles in the History that Moves display, and much more.
“We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the reaction from the public at the Australian Motoring Festival,” said Herbert Appleroth, CEO of Ferrari Australasia.
“Overall it has been a very positive experience for Ferrari, our owners and fans alike. Our showcase vehicle LaFerrari drew a large number of people to the Ferrari Pavilion at the event, along with our current range and classic vehicles on display.
“We had large queues throughout the weekend for the interactive elements of our exhibition, with something on offer for the whole family including simulators, slot cars and kids ride in cars. It’s really exciting to be a part of an event like this, and we look forward to seeing the festival grow in future years.”