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Cape Town - With fame comes the power to influence – it's the reason you’ll see George Clooney featuring in Nepresso's ad. It's not only international celebrities who have the power to influence and endorse products, but local celebrities and athletes too.
The likes of Nomzamo Mbatha from the film 'Tell Me Sweet Something' and Olympic gold medalist Wayde van Niekerk are two of SA's many motoring brand ambassadors.
Motoring brand ambassadors: SA celebs and athletes
Wayde van Niekerk, Cameron van der Burgh, Nomzamo Mbatha, Tbo Touch - Audi
After breaking the world record and winning gold at the Rio Olympics South African athlete Wayde van Niekerk was surprised with a brand-new Audi R8 by Audi South Africa on his arrival from the showpiece.
Van Niekerk drives both the Audi RS3 and an R8 worth R1.8-million.
Another Audi brand ambassador is another Olympic gold medallist Cameron van der Burgh, he drives the RS3.
South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha drives is an Audi Q7.
Tbo Touch has never shied away from showing off his flashy vehicles and by becoming one of Audi’s brand ambassadors, he gets to do just that. On his various social media pages Touch shows off his fleet of Audi’s including, the Audi R8.
Tendai Mtawarira - Ford
‘Beast’ as he is commonly referred to by the public was last year announced as the new brand ambassador for Ford Performance. He received a brand-new Ford Mustang 2.3 EcoBoost with ROUSH Level 2 performance and styling upgrades.
On the partnership, Tracey Delate, Ford SA's general manager of marketing said: “Partnering Tendai Mtawarira with the Ford Mustang is a match made in heaven as it embodies the ultimate in power, strength, performance and style for both man and machine.”
Do brand ambassadors or “friends of the brand” influence you to buy a specific car? Email usand let us know
She added: “Beast is recognised as one of the world’s best rugby props, and it’s an honour to have him representing Ford Performance and the iconic Mustang, and we look forward to our proud association and over the coming months.”
Mi Casa - Mercedes
The Johannesburg-based band became the official “friends of the brand” for Mercedes-Benz and were handed the keys to their new G-Class in October 2016. Mi Casa is one of South Africa’s most loved bands, with their soulful house beats and tracks like “These Streets” and “Jika” making the local top 10 charts.
Selvin Govender, marketing director for the brand said: “We are delighted to have this association with Mi Casa as their talent appeals to a wide target audience – which include a good proportion of a trendy generation who aspire to be associated with our brand.”
The Japanese-based car manufacturer Toyota have partnered with South African football team, Kaizer Chiefs. The partnership which will last for three years, includes Toyota seeing to all the teams needs by providing them with fleet of vehicles including sedans, hatchbacks, SUV’s, panel vans and minibuses.
