#AutoCentral on CliffCentral

I don't think there's anyone in SA who isn't familiar with Gareth Cliff and his CliffCentral 'unradio' station - a pioneering digital content hub. It's just brilliant and with Gareth being the man in charge, there's no one to rein him in, it's completely uncensored and that always makes for great entertainment.  On CliffCentral there's a bunch of shows that cater for just about every demographic you can think of and they run from 06:00 to 18:00, but for those who can't 'tune in' during their normal work day, the shows are repeated during the off air time. 

    The latest addition to the CliffCentral lineup is aimed directly at those with ethanol in their veins and it's backed by one of the most well-known motoring brands in SA - Autotrader. SA's most popular platform for selling cars is the driving force behind the new show titled #AutoCentral. Car-mad listeners can tune in for reviews on the latest cars, they can participate in chats about comparative online car shopping and they can get (and give) useful info on the DIY front. Hot topics will include extreme motoring and events and more.  It makes sense why AutoTrader is on board now doesn't it?

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    With a motoring show like #AutoCentral it makes sense that you'd need someone with a fair bit of knowledge on the subject to host it, after all, motoring enthusiasts are an opinionated bunch and will make sure to let you know when you're talking crap or have some stats wrong.  It makes sense then that AutoTrader's automotive and digital CEO, George Mienie, will man a microphone. There's probably not many people around with his in-depth knowledge on the new and used car market. “Bringing two innovative and digital brands like AutoTrader and CliffCentral together is a perfect match. The creation of AutoCentral is aimed at making the car shopping journey easier by giving expert advice and tools that help buyers shop, compare and buy new and used cars online.” comments George.

    With a show, whether on tv or radio (or unradio), a feminine touch is a must, and so George is joined by SA Speed Queen Wilmarie Janse van Rensburg. Motorsport fans will know who she is, but just in case... Wilmarie has been competing in local motorsport for 17 years, she's President of SA Woman in Motorsport Panel and started her own Rider & Driver Training Academy for Men & Ladies in 2004 - Speed Queen Racing Academy.  That's not all, she has a professional stunt company called SheDARE.com to cater for women in various extreme industries. I'm sure you'll agree, she's more than qualified for the job. “It feels like I'm back on the start line with the bike begging me to let the clutch go for that holeshot! I'm super excited to host the motor show and feel blessed and honoured to do what I love with such an incredible team,“ says Wilmarie.

    #AutoCentral on CliffCentral launched on the 10th June at the CliffCentral building in Rivonia to a bunch of motoring media and well-known faces in the industry. To break in the first hour-long show the team managed to (after sorting out a few technical bugs) do a telephonic interview with motoring superstar Ken Block who's in SA as a guest of the Clarkson, Hammond, May Live show. While the interview was happening in studio, the guests were on the roof competing in a celebrity scalectrix competition. The last time I looked, Gugu Zulu was the leader and I don't think anyone would have taken his top spot. 

Head honcho Gareth said: “We’re thrilled that AutoTrader have partnered with us to create a show about everything to do with motoring. I think this will become a real petrolhead podcast”. He's right, I know I'll be tuning in.  You can catch #AutoCentral every Wednesday from 13:00-14:00 or download the podcasts and listen at your convenience. Stay up to date by following the crew on Twitter:  @AutoTraderSA, @CliffCentralCom, @GeorgeMienie & @SASpeedQueen.