Grandson Chung Eui-sun Revives Chung Ju-yung's 'Pony'... Returns as 'Coupe' After Half a Century

Revealed at Hyundai Reunion Event in the US
'Pony' as Korea's First Independently Produced Model
Special Significance for the Automotive Industry
"An Achievement Made Possible by the Efforts of Chairmen Jeong Ju-young, Jeong Se-young, and Jeong Mong-gu"
Possibility of Mass Production Open Depending on Customer Response

Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the restored Pony Coupe concept model for the first time on the 18th (local time). The ‘Hyundai Reunion Event’ was held in Italy, where the Pony Coupe was first introduced half a century ago in 1974.

The Pony holds special significance in the domestic automotive industry as Korea’s first independently produced model, as well as Hyundai’s. Although the Pony Coupe was developed with overseas markets in mind, it never went into mass production. Giorgetto Giugiaro, who designed the Pony in his 30s, started the restoration project last November at the age of 80.

At the 'Hyundai Reunion' event held on the 18th (local time) at Lake Como, Italy, the restored model of the Pony Coupe was unveiled for the first time. Introduced as a concept car at the 1974 Turin Motor Show but never mass-produced, the model was revived by its original creator after 49 years. Kim Yong-hwa, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company (from left in the photo), Peter Schreyer, Advisor, Lee Choong-gu, former President, Jose Munoz, President, Jang Jae-hoon, President, Giorgio Valteri, engineer at the time, Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, Giorgetto Giugiaro, designer, Luc Donckerwolke, President, Lee Sang-yup, Vice President, and Giorgetto’s son Fabrizio Giugiaro, along with current and former executives of Hyundai Motor Group and key figures involved in the development of the Pony in the 1970s, gathered in one place.

Jung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, attended the event and said, "Jeong Ju-young, the former chairman, believed that ‘a country capable of perfectly producing automobiles can produce anything, even aircraft,’ and realized the vision of creating an independent Korean automobile." He added, "I express my gratitude to everyone who played a role in the success of the Pony, including Italy and Korea."

Restored Pony Coupe (above), Pony Coupe in 1974 / Hyundai Motor Group

Hyundai’s reflection on the past is possible because of its confidence. The company explained that this project was planned to revisit the export patriotism of Chairman Jeong Ju-young, who aimed to develop unique independent models and grow automobiles into a key national export industry, as well as the passion of employees at the time who aspired to become a global brand.

Regarding this, Chairman Jung said, "I think it is thanks to the efforts of former Chairman Jeong Ju-young, Chairman Jeong Se-young, Honorary Chairman Jeong Mong-gu, and all of us that we are where we are today." He added, "Since it was made through collective effort, we should share it together and work to further develop it."

Jorge Toto Giugiaro (left in the photo), who designed the Pony in his 30s, and Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, are sitting in the restored Pony Coupe model and having a conversation.

Although the Pony is regarded as the pioneer of domestically produced cars, it holds a subtle status within the Hyundai family. Jeong Se-young, the younger brother of Chairman Jeong Ju-young and Honorary Chairman of HDC Group, laid the foundation in the early days of the company through technology partnerships with overseas automakers. Jeong Se-young’s nickname was "Pony Jeong," and there is even a foundation named after this nickname.

Jung Se-young, Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Development Company. He led various projects from the early days of Hyundai Motor Company, laying the foundation for the automobile business.

Hyundai Group’s automotive business was taken over by Jeong Mong-gu in 1999 when Jeong Se-young transferred his shares. At that time, Jeong Mong-gu was the CEO of Hyundai Precision & Industries. Hyundai Precision & Industries was the company that produced the Galloper, a sports utility vehicle (SUV). In other words, the roots of Hyundai’s sedans trace back to the Pony, while the Galloper is the ancestor of Hyundai’s SUVs. Furthermore, the Pony is considered the work of Honorary Chairman Jeong Se-young, and the Galloper that of Chairman Jeong Mong-gu. Chairman Jung Eui-sun’s remarks evoke this history of Hyundai Motor Company.

Former Hyundai Group Chairman Chung Ju-yung attending the 1985 Pony Excel new car launch event

The restored Pony Coupe features a wedge-shaped nose, round headlamps, and bold lines that attracted worldwide attention when it was first revealed. The driver-centric dashboard was also a unique structure for its time. After its debut at the Turin Motor Show, it was developed as an export strategic model and was close to mass production, but the 1979 oil crisis and subsequent economic downturn and worsening business environment prevented actual mass production. Later, blueprints and vehicles were lost due to flooding.

However, the company explained that the experience gained at that time became an asset in developing new businesses such as hydrogen and electric vehicles. The design of the high-performance hydrogen hybrid vehicle N Vision 74, which was also exhibited that day, inherits the Pony Coupe’s design. Hyundai’s first dedicated electric vehicle, the Ioniq 5, drew various inspirations from the Pony. The possibility of mass-producing the Pony Coupe remains open. Chairman Jung said, "The designer hopes it will definitely be mass-produced, but there are many factors to consider," adding, "Of course, if many customers like it, there is no reason not to mass-produce it."

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun and Giorgetto Giugiaro, who designed the Pony in the 1970s

Hyundai plans to exhibit the N Vision 74 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, a classic car and concept car exhibition held over three days starting from the 19th. The newly launched Hyundai Reunion Event will be used as a brand platform to showcase the company’s heritage in line with global heritage projects and major events.

Jang Jae-hoon, President of Hyundai Motor Company, said, "In the era of electrification transition, examining the unchanging brand values from the past is an important task to become a leader in future mobility." He added, "In the future, when Hyundai’s various heritage assets converge with future innovations, we will communicate the value that only a historic brand can provide."

The Pony Coupe concept car unveiled at the 1974 Turin Motor Show. Hyundai, with the intention of developing an independent model, sought out vehicle designers and made contact with Giorgetto Giugiaro, an Italian designer in his 30s. Giugiaro requested a design fee of $1.2 million at the time, which was twice as expensive as other companies.

Hydrogen hybrid high-performance rolling lab N Vision 74. It inherits the Pony Coupe design.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.