The Korean automaker pushed on to make its aspirations into reality as it signed up renowned designer Giorgetto Giugiaro – a partnership that was rekindled last year to recreate the iconic Pony Concept Car. But back then, Giugiaro was tasked to design a compact car based on the Mitsubishi Lancer.
Hyundai’s first-ever car was said to gain popularity in its home market, earning the nickname Kook-mincha or “the people’s car.” This gave Hyundai the opportunity to offer other variants of the said car such as the Pony Taxi, Pony Pickup, Pony Wagon, and Pony 3-Door.
In 1976, the Hyundai Pony’s first batch was exported to Ecuador, followed by Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, among other countries. Although, reports stated that the Pony did not sell well in those markets.