PenQuin International and client Suzuki Auto SA conceptualised, planned and are in the process of executing an ambitious display stand at Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS). The mammoth task requires PenQuin to construct, deconstruct and re-erect the stand elements. 

The single largest automotive event in Southern Africa, JIMS, is open to the public from the 8th to 16th October 2011 at the MTN Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, Johannesburg. The Suzuki Adventure Zone occupies an impressive 2,500m2 outdoor area at the Esplanade across from the lake. 
An industrial theatre production will entertain and educate the trade media on the 7th October. 

Embracing Suzuki’s “Way of Life”, the Adventure Zone will be split into contrasting “Wild” and “Urban” experiences to accommodate all aspects of Suzuki’s range of vehicles. 

All off road vehicles will be displayed on the “Wild” side which includes a zoo area (managed by Lory Park Zoo, wildlife sanctuary and haven), a bird aviary, suspension bridge, Bedouin tent and an 80m2 tree house to entertain guests. 

The urban experience will have a distinct industrial feel, reminiscent of the urban jungle. This display will showcase Suzuki’s “road” vehicles alongside a suspension bridge, graffiti areas and a first ever 450m2 stacked container structure. 

“Initial construction time for all structures was estimated at around five months, but was completed in only seven weeks,” says PenQuin’s Darren Leishman. “The unique stacked container structure can only be described as a functional, entertainer’s dream house with vehicles displayed in attractive eloquence. An elevated bridge connects the container to the tree house representing the connection of Suzuki bringing Urban and Wild Adventures together. 

The overall project required a total of eight weeks, with a management team of ten supervising a construction team of 40 people. This included applying for and receiving engineering safety and compliance certificates and completing the design, layout and construction. 

“The biggest challenge to us was the manufacture and erection of the two focal structures in a very short time frame,” says Darren. “The tree house and urban container structure had to be manufactured and erected offsite, modularised and re-erected within just four days at the designated area. It’s a massive task but we’re up to the challenge and know it will be a great success.” 

Suzuki will exhibit more than just their premium motor vehicles, included will be Suzuki motorcycles, marine outboard motors and quad bikes.