Suzuki has done it again, setting a new world record right here in South Africa.
This past weekend marked the return of the Suzuki Jimny Gathering, an event where over 1,000 motoring fans assembled with their cars to have fun and make their way into the history books.
The Japanese carmaker set a new world record for “the most cars to close their doors simultaneously,” – a feat that was recorded by none other than representatives from Guinness World Records.
A total of 1,127 vehicles took part in the attempt, where individuals coordinated to close 1,838 car doors at the same time.
“Jimny Gathering is not just about celebrating the car we all love so much. It’s about honouring and saying thanks to all the people who make the close-knit Jimny family such a special one to be part of,” said Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa.
“Though this passion was felt throughout the event, it truly peaked on Saturday morning when a huge number of Jimny, LJ, SJ and Samurai models from all over South Africa took part in the world’s biggest synchronised door slam.”
This is not the first time Suzuki has set an eccentric world record in South Africa, as it did something similar two years ago at the inaugural Jimny Gathering, held in the town of Clarens in the Free State in 2023.
The carmaker’s previous achievement was for “the most vehicles to switch their lights on simultaneously,” which was also verified by Guiness.
A total of 787 Suzuki models helped to set the record, which was witnessed by Hisanori Matsushima, the manager of the Automobile Styling Department at Suzuki Motor Corporation, who is responsible for the design of the current-gen Jimny.
An event to remember
Beyond the world record attempt, the Jimny Gathering gave owners the opportunity to take their 4x4s on purpose-built tracks through the challenging but beautiful terrain of the Outeniqua Mountains in the Western Cape.
The tracks were designed by Suzuki Safari and Jimny Drive, and a Tiger Wheel and Tyre Fitment centre was set up at the camp site to assist those who ran into issues.
The weekend also saw the return of the Suzuki Safari Town Festival, which was held at the Louvain Guest Farm in the Western Cape.
Unlike the Jimny Gathering, the festival was not limited to Suzuki owners, as all members of the public were invited to enjoy four days of outdoor fun with live performances from talented South African artists.
A few of the big names at the event included Jeremy Loops, Spoegwolf, Karen Zoid, Early B and Rhino & The Rasta.
Hosting the festivities was comedian and Jimny owner Schalk Bezuidenhout, and the venue also set up a live screening of the Springboks game against Argentina.
Other festival activities included guided walks, yoga sessions, a clay cafe with ceramic Jimny models to decorate, and a silent disco where participants were given illuminated wireless headphones.
Suzuki also introduced a new Jimny Gathering Pageant, where owners could enter their vehicles to compete in various categories, such as:
- The Trailblazer – best equipped to go off-road
- The Globetrotter – best adventure-ready Jimny for long hauls
- The Showstopper – slickest ride in looks and style
- The Big Personality – most character, quirk or uniqueness
- The Heritage Hero – best classic/vintage Jimny or SJ model
“Jimny Gathering has shown us once more that this 4×4 is about so much more than getting from point A to B,” said Carpenter.
“Old or new, three-door or five-door, it’s a vehicle that brings people together, encourages travel and creates memories that last long after the engines are switched off and the dust is shaken out the floor mats.”
“We are grateful to every Jimny owner, fan and family member who joined us in the mountains for the last four days – they are the ones who make this community truly remarkable.”
2025 Suzuki Jimny Gathering & Suzuki Safari Town Festival
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