The Southern African Endurance Series (SAES) has secured a thrilling new partnership with Proton, the renowned Malaysian vehicle manufacturer, and Foton, a prominent Chinese light commercial vehicle brand. Starting with the highly anticipated Three-Hour and Nine-Hour of Kyalami at the end of November, this collaboration will see both brands providing a variety of essential vehicles, including Safety cars, Course cars, Recovery vehicles, and general support vehicles to ensure the smooth operation of the championship.
The synergy between Proton, Foton, and the SA Endurance National Championship is a seamless fit. In motorsport, reliability, durability, and performance are paramount, not only for the competitors pushing their machines to the limit but also for the vehicles that ensure the race day experience runs without a hitch. These qualities align perfectly with the needs of endurance racing, making this partnership a strategic move for both brands.
A Strategic Business Opportunity
Marius Smal, CEO of Proton and Foton, highlighted the natural appeal of the SA Endurance Series as a marketing opportunity. “We have been looking for a marketing platform that resonates with our target audience, and the SA Endurance Series offers just that. South Africans have a deep passion for motor racing and the great outdoors, and our vehicles are a perfect match for this lifestyle,” Smal said. He further emphasized how quickly the partnership came to fruition, with just one meeting making it clear that the exposure offered by the championship, especially through live coverage on SuperSport and YouTube streaming, would provide tremendous value.
Proton’s Powerful Contribution: Safety and Support
As part of the partnership, Proton will supply several key vehicles. The Proton X50, a sleek and powerful compact SUV, will serve as the Safety car. With 130kW of power, it is more than equipped to lead the pack of racers when needed, ensuring both safety and style at the forefront of the series.
Proton will also provide an X90 petrol-hybrid SUV as a versatile support vehicle. With its ample capacity and efficiency, the X90 will be tasked with a variety of roles during race weekends, from conducting circuit safety inspections to transporting race day essentials such as branding materials and trophies.
Foton’s Robust Support: Recovery and Logistics
Foton’s contribution is just as crucial, with the brand providing the Foton Tunland G7 double cab for recovery duties. The Tunland boasts a robust 120kW engine and a three-ton towing capacity, more than capable of recovering the lightweight but high-performance racing machines should they find themselves stranded. This ensures that racing can continue smoothly and without unnecessary delays, keeping the competition at the forefront of every race.
In addition to the recovery and support vehicles, Foton will also provide vehicles for VIP guest transportation, ensuring a premium experience for key attendees of the event.
Endurance, Reliability, and Future Growth
SAES CEO Wayne Riddell is equally enthusiastic about the partnership, acknowledging the pivotal role of the safety car in maintaining the integrity of an endurance race. “To have a stylish and powerful car like the Proton X50 at our disposal adds a dynamic new element to our series,” Riddell commented. “Moreover, the Foton Tunland’s capability to haul any competitor from the most challenging gravel trap is invaluable.”
The partnership between Proton, Foton, and the SA Endurance Series is set to run until the end of 2025, with both parties expressing confidence that this collaboration will extend well beyond the initial term. “I’m extremely confident that this will turn into a multiyear deal before we return to next year’s Nine Hour,” Riddell added.
An Expanding Network of Support
Both Proton and Foton are committed to providing excellent after-sales support, with Foton operating a network of 50 dealerships across South Africa, with plans to expand to 60 by the end of the year. Proton, too, has a robust network of 22 dealerships to manage its sales and service operations. Both brands also share a 10,000m² warehouse, valued at R70 million, stocked with spare parts to ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicles.
Foton offers a five-year, 200,000km warranty on their Tunland vehicles, while Proton’s three-car SUV lineup comes with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, underscoring the brands’ commitment to customer satisfaction and vehicle reliability.
Kyalami: A Thrilling Weekend for All
The Three-Hour and Nine-Hour of Kyalami, taking place on the 29th and 30th of November, promises to be a thrilling spectacle for motorsport enthusiasts. Beyond the championship-deciding races, the event will feature a family-friendly atmosphere, complete with a 16-artist music festival, flea market stalls, big-screen TVs around the circuit, a food court, and 100 racing simulators located on the top floor of the main pit building. This blend of high-octane racing and entertainment ensures that the Kyalami weekend will be an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
This partnership between the Southern African Endurance Series, Proton, and Foton signals a new era of collaboration in motorsport, bringing together brands that embody reliability, performance, and a passion for the racing lifestyle. It is a partnership that is set to thrive and grow in the years to come, enhancing both the racing experience and the automotive landscape in South Africa.
