July 6: Hyundai's journey

A lot can happen in thirty years. Heck a lot can happen in one year, but that time line doesn't suit today's blog. Over the past thirty years, General Motors has gone from a powerhouse car maker to bankrupt and has risen again. Chrysler has been bought a couple of times, sold once and bankrupt once. Audi has gone from almost closing shop in North America, due to the bogus unintended acceleration debacle, to being the luxury stronghold they are today. And finally, the car industry has become a sport utility industry. Throw a few more in of your choosing.

Thirty years ago, Hyundai was setting the Canadian market on fire with a piece of junk called the Pony......

1975 Korean market Pony two door

.....and even before that they started their car business with a joint venture with Ford.........

                                                                                                                                                                                                           

But that was then, and thirty years later this company is churning out excellent quality cars and suvs. Adding in their other companies, Kia and Genesis, makes them the third largest car manufacturer in the world (the universe?). Chew that over for a minute or two. This brings us to their latest introduction. Every car maker is rushing to expand their suv offerings, while dropping the car models, that brought them to the dance. A marketing axiom, you have to make what sells. A couple of weeks ago, at the Busan International Motor Show (you know that one, don't you?), Hyundai showed its newest suv. Currently they have three in their line up.....small (Kona), compact (Tucson) and midsize (Sante Fe), so maybe the time is right to move up to a full size model?

Let me introduce you to the Palisade........

Maybe it won't wear that name, when it comes here next year? Maybe it won't be named after a large fence? Maybe Hyundai will follow their southwestern US theme and call it the Phoenix, or the Scottsdale or even the Las Vegas? Seriously, Scottsdale would be perfect and appropriate, but maybe it's being saved for the upcoming Genesis suv. Wait and see.

But back to the Palisade. Beautiful and rich looking. Well, sure those funky rims might not make it stateside, but hey, maybe they will. Try cleaning those on a Saturday morning. Interesting back end and of course, wearing that attractive new Hyundai corporate grille, also seen on the '19 Sante Fe below........

Thirty years. From hero (inexpensive, well equipped new Pony) to zero (Pony, Stellar and Sonata were junk and Hyundai suffered because of them) to hero again. What a track record. 

Next up? The new pick-up said to arrive in 2019........

Pretty sure it won't look like this concept, but wouldn't it be cool if it did? Hey, this is Hyundai, so expect the unexpected. In the meantime, need a full size suv? Times flies and it won't be long before the Palisade (or whatever) is ready to test drive.

Until next time........