The automotive culture in Botswana is rapidly growing, and one of the most exciting events in the car scene is the German vs. Japan car meet, organized by Car Meet Botswana. This event, which brings together enthusiasts of both German and Japanese cars, has quickly become a standout in the local automotive calendar. With a unique mix of performance, aesthetics, and culture, the German vs. Japan event attracts car lovers, performance tuning fans, and casual spectators alike, all eager to see which nation’s engineering reigns supreme.
Car Meet Botswana’s German vs. Japan event is a celebration of two of the most iconic automotive cultures in the world: German engineering, known for its precision, luxury, and performance, and Japanese ingenuity, renowned for its innovation, reliability, and affordable performance. This friendly rivalry has been a staple of global car culture for decades, and Botswana is now home to its own take on the legendary showdown.
Asked about the why they are staging the event, the event coordinator cars.by.letso said, “The rationale behind the whole Car Meet Botswana is to grow the community by doing things the right way. Car meets have been hosted in Botswana, let’s take the past 6 months for example, All the meets hosted within that time frame were all shut down by the police because of illegal gatherings. That is where we as Car Meet Botswana decided to join in and do it legally by informing the property owners and getting full rights to use their premises. As for the upcoming event, German vs Japan. Botswana has a lot of German cars we all know of and Japanese cars that are in hiding, with this event we want to bring them out and show the world, show the community that we have it good too. We want to put Botswana out there.”
At the heart of the event is the gathering of car enthusiasts from both sides of the rivalry, showcasing their vehicles in all their glory. The German car enthusiasts bring the hallmark precision of their machines, often emphasizing performance, engineering, and luxury. BMWs, Volkswagens, and Mercedes-Benzes line the streets, often sporting highly-modified engines, cutting-edge suspension systems, and sleek designs that embody German engineering at its finest.
On the other side, the Japanese car enthusiasts exhibit the innovative spirit of their brands, often focusing on the power-to-weight ratio, tuning potential, and affordability. Toyotas, Mazdas, and Subaru WRX are often the stars of the show. Many of these cars feature extensive modifications, from turbocharged engines to custom body kits, reflecting the tuning culture that Japan has pioneered.
Letso went on to say that,” Car Meets Botswana hosted their first event on the 22nd of February 2025, which was put together by different media houses, cars.by.letso and Carhub Botswana at the forefront amongst different automotive media houses. The Car Meet on the 22nd of February was our very first of many. The Botswana Car Meets team is a newly formed team that just started operating this year and the reception is exactly what we hoped for. People are looking forward to the next events. Proud on our end because we did it all without sponsors, for the next event though we have been approached by potential sponsors so the next will be bigger and better.”
The event is categories as follows:
- BEST OF JAPAN, BEST OF GERMAN, BEST STANCE, BEST OF THE SHOW
- SHOW AND SHINE: BEST INTERIOR x BEST EXTERIOR x BEST BOOT INSTALL (AIR) x BEST BOOT INSTALL (SOUND) x BEST WHEEL x BEST OLD SCHOOL x BEST MILLENIUM x BEST VINTAGE x BEST ENGINE BAY
- STANCE WARS: BEST STATIC x BEST AIR TUCK x BEST STATIC FITMENT x BEST AIR FITMENT x BES JUDGES FAV x BEST OF THE SHOW
- SOUND: ROOKIE x STOCK 1 x STOCK 2 x STOCK 3 x ADVANCE x ULTIMATE BAKKIE CUT x BAKKIE UNCUT
- BASS BOXING: LIGHTWEIGHT x HEAVYWEIGHT x LOW LIMBO
There will be trophies awarded to the best of each category and the best car of the day walks away with P5000 which is yet to increase provided we get sponsors. The event will be held at Game City Gaborone at the Rooftop parking.
Letso
Just like any other start up events, Car Meets Botswana still doesn’t have a sponsor for the event yet, but they are currently selling tickets via their agents and partners. See below flyer for more details
Beyond the competition, one of the best aspects of the German vs. Japan car meet is the sense of community it fosters. Whether you drive a German luxury sedan or a Japanese performance car, the event is a celebration of shared passion and respect for automotive culture. Enthusiasts from all walks of life come together to enjoy the beauty of cars, discuss modifications, and share stories of their experiences with their vehicles.
Car clubs, especially those focused on either German or Japanese cars, play a central role in the event. These clubs come out in full force, bringing together like-minded individuals who share the same love for their chosen brands. The event serves as a meeting point for these communities to not only showcase their cars but also build stronger bonds with fellow enthusiasts.
As the car culture in Botswana continues to evolve, events like this play a crucial role in providing a platform for showcasing local talent, fostering entrepreneurship in the automotive industry, and driving the development of the motorsports and tuning culture.
In closing, Letso noted, “Gaborone Car Meets is the start of something great for Botswana’s car community. Not only in Gaborone, we will visit other districts in Botswana and revive the scenery there plans are already in motion. The community in Botswana is there, it just needs to be revived. It needs people who want to put in the work and work together, it has not been booming lately because we were divided but that is to change with the help of the Gaborone Car Meets team.”
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of German engineering or a lover of Japanese performance, this event offers something for everyone. It’s a testament to the power of car culture and the joy that cars bring to people’s lives, regardless of where they come from.
So, if you find yourself in Botswana during the next German vs Japan meet, be sure to attend – it’s an event that car lovers won’t want to miss!
