Interview: May & Elmar Wepper
It's immediately apparent that the two have known and liked each other for decades. Michaela May has barely arrived at the museum of Munich's public transport company MVG when she is already engrossed in conversation with Elmar Wepper. The two stroll past buses and streetcars from around 130 years of transportation history. They know many of the models as passengers. After all, the two have been traveling in the metropolis on the Isar River for well over 60 years. The constant changes in the city are part of their everyday lives. Also when it comes to mobility.
"For me, the streetcar was a place to meet my friends".
Michaela May
Does the exhibition here evoke memories of your childhood and youth?
Elmar Wepper: Definitely. From the age of ten, I took streetcar line 3 to school. I liked to hang on to the outside grab rails - if the conductor let us. But a streetcar wasn't that fast back then either.
Michaela May: For me, the streetcar was also a daily friendship meeting. In addition, we copied our homework and later, of course, watched the first boys and dared to make shy eye contacts.
How else did you get around town as a child?
Elmar Wepper: By bike or bus, the subway didn't exist yet. Back then, the distances seemed longer than they do today. The city center was less than four kilometers from my parents' apartment. That seemed like an eternally long way away.
Do you both actually own a car?
Elmar Wepper: I've been leasing for 30 years. Ownership is not that important to me. But car sharing, no, that wouldn't be for me. I would like to get into a car that has my things in it. My golf bag, for example.
Michaela May: I always have mountain boots, poles and a picnic blanket in the trunk. That's important to me. I may be old-fashioned in that respect, but for me my car is also a bit like my home. I want to have that for myself.
Ms. May, if you were a means of transportation, which would you be?
Michaela May: I would be a bicycle - without an engine, of course. I think it's the most individual vehicle. Because you can decide for yourself when to ride. When the weather permits, I'm always on my bike in Munich. It's practical and fast.
And you, Mr. Wepper?
Elmar Wepper: Following my old passion, I would prefer a Harley-Davidson Low Rider Custom. But don't underestimate me: I've also ridden a bike from Munich to Venice.
You can read the entire interview in issue 01/2022 of ADAC Motorwelt. You can find more information about the new Motorwelt on the ADAC website.
