As the Managing Director of Pupkewitz Motors, I have the unique privilege of driving a wide range of vehicles from across our esteemed brand portfolio. It’s one of the perks of the job, and I don’t take it for granted. Recently, while embarking on a road trip to South Africa in a Toyota Prado, I experienced a moment of nostalgia that truly made me reflect on the incredible evolution of motoring. As I cruised down the open road, I found myself reminiscing about Knight Rider—a show from the 1980s, featuring David Hasselhoff and his iconic talking car, KITT. Back then, KITT’s futuristic technology seemed like a far-off dream. Yet, here I was in 2025, cruising in a car equipped with sophisticated technology, navigating effortlessly with the help of "her" voice (yes, she has a soothing tone!), adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and a 360-degree camera offering an expansive view of my surroundings. It was hard not to marvel at just how far we’ve come.
Today, whether you're behind the wheel of a Toyota, BMW, Nissan, Lexus, VW, or GWM, modern vehicles are equipped with technology that makes driving safer, more comfortable, and even more enjoyable. In fact, the only thing I think we could still use is a built-in coffee machine for that perfect espresso during long journeys!
But this moment of reflection had me thinking: how did we get here? What were the defining milestones in automotive history that led us to this point? It’s a fascinating journey, and one that I believe deserves a closer look.
A Brief History of Motoring Milestones
The evolution of the automobile has been nothing short of remarkable. From the invention of the internal combustion engine to the groundbreaking technologies we see today, it’s been a century of constant innovation.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, we stand at a thrilling crossroads in the automotive industry. Will electric vehicles (EVs) become the new standard, or will hydrogen fuel cells rise to the challenge? And will fully autonomous cars, where drivers become passengers, soon be the norm? The pace of technological advancement is accelerating faster than ever before, and the possibilities seem limitless.
To put this into perspective, think of the growth of technology in terms of exponential progress. Imagine a snail moving at a mere 0.03 meters per second. If the snail were to double its speed with every step (0.03 → 0.06 → 0.12, etc.), it would only take eight doublings for it to outpace Usain Bolt, who runs at a top speed of 12.4 meters per second. This is the essence of exponential growth—small, consistent advancements that, over time, lead to massive breakthroughs. In the world of motoring, what seems impossible today may be a reality in just a few years.
We are witnessing this in real-time with innovations like electric propulsion, semi-autonomous features, and increasingly integrated digital systems. But the journey is far from over. It will be fascinating to see what the next wave of innovation brings.
Final Thoughts
If I could wish for one thing in the next phase of automotive innovation, it would be a vehicle that can brew the perfect cup of coffee while I drive. Long road trips would certainly be more enjoyable with a barista-quality espresso on demand—after all, who wouldn’t want that luxury while on the go?
In conclusion, as we celebrate 100 years of motoring, it’s impossible not to feel excited about the future. The journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and the next 100 years promise even greater advancements in safety, sustainability, and comfort. Here’s to a future where technology continues to enhance our driving experience—and perhaps, just maybe, we’ll get that coffee machine in our cars too!
Here’s to the next century of motoring—exciting, innovative, and perhaps, caffeinated!
- Anton Westraadt, Managing Director - Pupkewitz Motors