Thought Leadership Article by Anton Westraadt

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 an opportunity that comes with the job, and I’m grateful for it. 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 we’re missing is a built-in coffee machine for the perfect espresso on 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. 

• 1860-1872: The birth of the internal combustion engine, thanks to inventors like Jean Joseph Etienne Lenoir and Nicolaus Otto, marked the start of an automotive revolution. 

• 1886: Karl Benz patented the world’s first car, the Benz Patent Motorwagen. Little did he know, his name would become synonymous with luxury and high-performance automobiles. 

• 1G08: Henry Ford introduced the Model T, the first mass-produced car. This made automobiles affordable and accessible to the average person, forever changing the landscape of transportation. 
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• 1G30s-1G50s: The introduction of in-car radios, power steering, air conditioning, and the car key (before which, drivers had to crank a handle to start the engine!) made the driving experience more comfortable and convenient.
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• 1G5G: Volvo introduced the three-point seatbelt, a groundbreaking safety feature that has saved countless lives and is arguably one of the most important innovations in automotive history. 
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• 1G71-2000: Advancements like anti-lock braking systems (ABS), digital dashboards, CD players, and satellite navigation began to redefine the driving experience, making cars smarter and more user-friendly. 
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• 2001-2014: The advent of Bluetooth technology, hybrid vehicles, and Tesla’s Autopilot feature marked the rise of smart and sustainable cars, taking us closer to the connected, autonomous vehicles we are now familiar with. 

• What’s Next? 

  Looking ahead, we stand at a thrilling crossroads in the automotive industry. Will electric vehicles (EVs) become the global standard? Will hydrogen fuel cell technology emerge as the dominant alternative to fossil fuels? And what about fully autonomous cars—where drivers are no longer in control—will they become the norm? The pace of technological advancement is accelerating faster than ever before, and the possibilities seem limitless. 

  To put this into perspective, imagine a snail moving at a slow pace of 0.03 meters per second. Now imagine that the snail doubles its speed with each step—0.03 → 0.06 → 0.12 → and so on. In just eight steps, the snail would surpass Usain Bolt’s 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 be infinitely more refined with barista-quality espresso at your fingertips—after all, who wouldn’t appreciate a touch of luxury while traveling? 

  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!