Toyota Breaks Records at NAMPO - Unveils Next-Gen Hilux
Thousands of Toyota Hiluxes descended on the NAMPO showgrounds near Bothaville in a bid to set several new World Records. Hiluxes of all shapes and ages joined in on the festivities, united in their love for the hardworking bakkie that has mobilised millions. They were also treated to a preview of the next generation Hilux and several other new Toyota products.
Since the dawn of time, people have been fascinated with extremes. Pushing the limits of the human body gave rise to the Olympics, but that was not enough to satiate their curiosity. They wanted to know who or what was the fastest, who could go further, longer, higher. Enter the Guinness Book of World Records, the global entity that recognises outstanding human achievement.
Toyota is no stranger to world records and holds several of them for a variety of things, ranging from the record for the best-selling car in history to the highest cumulative production. Toyota South Africa wanted to set a few more though, and what better vehicle to use for this than the venerable Toyota Hilux and where better to do it than the unofficial meeting place, NAMPO.
World Record Attempt
Toyota thought that they would challenge Hilux owners to all gather in one place at the same time, but The Guinness World Record institution stipulates that in order for a world record to be viable, there has to be a human component to it. Simply parking a whole lot of vehicles in one place would not qualify. Nevertheless, the gauntlet was laid down, and Hilux owners from around the country were invited to attend the 2026 NAMPO Oesvees expo near Bothaville in the Free State.
This annual event is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, with companies and visitors from all over the country (and Southern Africa) descending on the NAMPO showground for a week. Companies will exhibit their wares, their latest technology, and broker deals with farmers, breeders, and suppliers. A walk through the parking lot will quickly show you how popular the humble Toyota Hilux is in this community. So what better way than wrangling them all together for a joint cause?
Four separate records
Registrations opened for owners to register their interest in the record attempts and with a cap on the number set at 2,000 vehicles, Toyota was surprised to see that not only were all 2,00 slots accounted for, but the waiting list contained a further 1,000 owners wishing to participate. Ultimately, just over 1,540 vehicles made it to the show on the allotted day and participated in the record attempts.
The first record would aim to see the greatest number of cars switching on their headlights at the same time. This record is held by Suzuki Auto South Africa, who successfully had 787 vehicles switch their headlights on simultaneously. This was set at the Jimny Gathering in 2023.
Next would be the greatest number of car doors closed simultaneously. This record is also held by Suzuki Auto South Africa, with a total of 1,838 doors, set at the 2025 instalment of the Gathering.
The third attempt would be the greatest number of car horns/hooters sounded at the same time. This record sits at 1,077, and was achieved by Ford Everest Club Philippines on 27 August 2023.
The fourth and final attempt would be the greatest number of tailgates closed simultaneously, a record that has yet to be set.
One by one, under the guidance of the hosts, and with the Guinness marshals casting a watchful eye, more than 1,500 Hiluxes switched on their lights, sounded their horns, closed their doors, and shut their tailgates (not all at once, though) to challenge the records.
The records still need to be verified, but it's looking good for at least three of the four attempts. We will keep you posted.
Next Gen Hilux revealed
Numerous manufacturers will use NAMPO as a prime opportunity to reveal their new models. Toyota had a large and impressive stand where they unveiled the next-generation Toyota Hilux, which is due for local launch at the end of next month.
On their stand, they showcased the new double, single, and Xtra cab, allowing visitors to step inside and revel in the new design interior and walk around the vehicle to get a taste of what is to come. The crowd seemed suitably impressed, with the somewhat polarizing looks of the new front end seemingly growing on customers once they managed to view it in the metal.
More than just the Hilux
Toyota also took this opportunity to show off the new FJ Cruiser and BX4X, along with a host of wares from Toyota and the farm favourite, the 70-Series Land Cruiser. Keep an eye out on the AutoTrader channels as we prepare to bring you first-hand information from the launches of the RAV4, FJ Cruiser, BZ4X, and Hilux over the coming weeks.
