Suzuki Jimny Owners Set New Guinness World Record

In a spectacle that brought together the spirit of adventure, innovation, and community, Clarens in the Eastern Free State played host to an unprecedented gathering of Suzuki enthusiasts from across Southern Africa. Over 800 Suzuki Jimny, SJ, Samurai, and LJ owners converged at Langkranz Farm for the inaugural Suzuki Safari Town Festival and Jimny Gathering, marking an extraordinary celebration of all things Suzuki.

This momentous event, held exactly one year after Suzuki Auto South Africa’s announcement, aimed to unite Jimny owners and friends of the brand for an unforgettable weekend of excitement. The festivities spanned from Friday, September 22, to Sunday, September 24, with the Jimny Gathering at Langkranz Farm and a vibrant Suzuki Safari Town festival in Clarens Town Square on Saturday, September 23.

What set this gathering apart were the delightful surprises that awaited the participants. Notably, the event featured a special guest appearance by Hisanori Matsushima, Manager of the Automobile Styling Department at Suzuki Motor Corporation. Matsushima-san, renowned for his globally acclaimed Jimny design, had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the enthusiasm and camaraderie of South African Jimny fans.

Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto, expressed the significance of Matsushima-san’s presence, stating, “It was a privilege to host Matsushima-san at the South African Jimny Gathering. While he is well versed in the global success of the Jimny, it was great to introduce him to the fun and friendly South African Jimny fans and show him how his creation is used by adventure-seeking fans to explore every corner of our beautiful country.”

In a truly historic moment, Matsushima-san and the Suzuki Auto South Africa team orchestrated the setting of a Guinness World Record. On Sunday, all attending Jimny owners came together to establish a new world record for the most vehicles simultaneously switching on their lights. This record-breaking feat, confirmed by an official Guinness World Records representative on site, involved 787 Suzuki vehicles illuminating their headlights in unison. The timing of this record-breaking event, on Heritage Day, symbolized a tribute to Suzuki Jimny heritage alongside South African heritage.

The lively narration of the record attempt was provided by the popular local comedian, Schalk Bezuidenhout, who arrived at the Jimny Gathering in his own Suzuki Jimny. He entertained the crowds alongside Pedro Barbosa, Steve Umculo, and Soul Man’s Rhythm and Blues Machine, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

Yet another surprise awaited the visitors—a sneak peek at the soon-to-be-released five-door Suzuki Jimny. This family-sized version of the beloved off-roader made its debut at the recent Festival of Motoring at Kyalami, providing many Jimny fans with their first opportunity to experience this exciting new model.

The five-door Jimny has already garnered significant attention for broadening the appeal of the iconic off-roader. Brendon Carpenter commented, “It is interesting to see how the new five-door Jimny has broadened the appeal of this true-blue off-roader in countries where it is already for sale.” This version retains the three-door Jimny’s legendary off-road capabilities while offering extra space, making it an ideal choice for larger families.

The five-door Jimny, scheduled for release in South Africa in the fourth quarter of this year, also made a special appearance at the Suzuki Safari Town Festival in Clarens.

The festival, held on Saturday, September 24, welcomed all attendees to enjoy a diverse range of performances by renowned artists such as Black Heidi, Mango Groove, Goodluck, and Spoegwolf. Stalls featuring craft food and beverages complemented the variety of restaurants and shops that grace the Clarens Town Square, adding to the festival’s lively atmosphere.

In conclusion, the Suzuki Gathering and Safari Town Festival in Clarens left an indelible mark on all who attended. From setting a new Guinness World Record to showcasing the much-anticipated five-door Jimny, the event exemplified the vibrant and close-knit community of Suzuki owners. As Brendon Carpenter aptly put it, “It was quite a weekend! We left having set a new World Record, we met great Suzuki owners, we rocked the town with some great music, and, perhaps most importantly, we showed the world what a lekker group of people Suzuki owners are!”

The post Suzuki Jimny Owners Set New Guinness World Record first appeared on Fuelled.