KNYSNA, South Africa, 10 April 2026 – The roar of engines and the scent of precision engineering will soon share a new signature at the 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb, as global filtration leader MANN+HUMMEL enters the event as a Supporting Partner through its flagship brand MANN-FILTER.
Set to take place from 30 April to 3 May 2026, the Simola Hillclimb continues to cement its reputation as South Africa’s premier motorsport lifestyle showcase, where high-performance machinery meets a passionate community of drivers, engineers, and fans. This year’s addition of MANN-FILTER adds a distinctly global engineering presence to the Knysna spectacle, reinforcing the event’s growing international appeal.
“At MANN+HUMMEL, innovation and performance are part of our DNA, and there’s no better place to showcase that spirit than the Simola Hillclimb,” says Anneritha Maritz, Marketing Manager for Southern Africa at MANN+HUMMEL Filters SA. “The Simola Hillclimb brings together the best in engineering, speed, and community energy, making it the perfect platform for MANN-FILTER to shine.”
The partnership arrives at a pivotal moment for the company, which expanded its Southern African footprint with a new 3 200 m² manufacturing facility in Kempton Park in 2025. The plant produces a wide range of premium air and cabin filters designed to meet OE-quality standards across diverse vehicle segments, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to local production with global standards.
According to Maritz, the performance-driven philosophy behind MANN-FILTER extends far beyond the factory floor. The brand’s presence in motorsport environments serves as a live testing ground where extreme conditions help shape everyday product innovation. “Our MANN-FILTER range delivers the quality and reliability that both motorsport professionals and everyday drivers depend on,” she explains. “Our filters ensure longer engine life and improved efficiency, and are trusted globally, both on and off the track.”
It is this intersection between competition and consumer application that has made MANN-FILTER a familiar name in high-pressure racing environments worldwide. Maritz emphasises that motorsport is not simply a marketing channel, but a development arena where engineering insights are forged under real-world stress. “Racing isn’t just a branding exercise for us – it’s a proving ground,” she adds. “Every challenge on the track gives us insights that help us develop filtration solutions that benefit everyday drivers, too.”
For the Knysna Speed Festival, which owns and runs the Simola Hillclimb, the partnership signals further validation of the event’s growing status on the global motorsport calendar. Ian Shrosbree, Managing Director of the organisation, welcomed the addition of the internationally recognised brand and its iconic motorsport identity.
“We are proud to add MANN+HUMMEL and the MANN-FILTER brand as a Supporting Partner for the 2026 Simola Hillclimb,” says Shrosbree. “The brand and colours are iconic in the international world of motorsport. It is therefore a privilege for the Hillclimb to introduce the brand to the South African motoring and motorsport fraternity.”
He adds that the expanding portfolio of partners reflects the event’s continued ability to attract meaningful global brands while deepening engagement with local automotive enthusiasts. “Our growing list of partners is a testament to the appeal and effectiveness of this unique event in reaching and engaging with the car enthusiast market, and creating even greater awareness for brands such as MANN-FILTER.”
As anticipation builds for the 16th running of the Simola Hillclimb, the addition of MANN-FILTER underscores a shared philosophy between competition and engineering excellence, where performance is measured not only in speed but in durability, precision, and trust under pressure.
Tickets and further information for the 2026 event are available via www.simolahillclimb.com
, as Knysna prepares once again to transform its hills into a theatre of speed, sound, and mechanical artistry.
