The legendary PONY is ready to hit the streets once again

Greece does have an automotive industry

 

The production of a new generation of PONY cars is expected to begin in 2014, aiming to win a market share not only in the Greek market, but also those in countries of Africa, such as  Egypt and Angola, who have already shown an interest because of its durability and low price. 

The reason behind it is the crisis that makes luxury cars unwanted items, and Greeks looking for inexpensive and proven solutions. 

Thus, almost 30 years later, the Greek-made legendary car is ready to hit the streets once again, affirming its "popular" character, like in the period of 1974-1982. 

The NAMCO company is currently carrying out a new investment in Raidestos in Thessaloniki, to produce a new Stalion 4X4 model and the CITY STAR, a pioneering electric car. 

"We want to offer simple cars, small, rational, non-polluting and above all, cheap. NAMCO has created its own school in the specific PONY-type cars, which may not satisfy the refined tastes or interests of the rich, but will appeal to the mass production of emerging countries, the only supporters of the real economy," says to Proto Thema Petros Tzanetos Kontogouris, chairman of the board of the company, appearing optimistic about the new beginning. 

"Some argue that Greece is not able to produce cars, not even bicycles. But General Motors who could, went bankrupt and received $70 billion from U.S. taxpayers. The same happened with almost all major automobile makers, now selling off their factories. It is my view that our country cannot just survive on shipping and tourism. It can go on eternally on the creative minds and business of all branches of all Greeks, especially the talented youth. This is what we are trying to do here in NAMCO, supporting every new innovation and technology, and applying green growth with low-pollution vehicles and electric city cars." 

As infrastructure vice minister Socrates Xynidis said, the ministry will help in any way to reactivate the NAMCO company's production base, and appeared positive for the creation of an action group organized to consider the actual support of the Greek industry of all kinds of vehicles, as requested in parliament by LAOS MP Costas Aivaliotis. 

 

They fought against its success 

From 1974 to 1982, when the NAMCO unit went bust, it had sold more than 18.000 vehicles, achieving daily production of 8 to 10 units. PONY had managed to attract buyers because it was light, with an affordable price tag and most importantly «Made in Greece», something that fascinated the Greeks. 

In late ‘70s, armed forces, security forces and public utilities (such as OTE and ELTA), purchased PONY cars for their general stewardship needs. 

The commercial success of the Greek automobile industry quickly alarmed the multinational giants and domestic supporters who tried to attack it, eventually achieving a production halt. 

It was not only the then government officials who invented various obstacles to curb the rise of NAMCO, but its employees as well, who were led by trade unionists into a 120-day strike, demanding a raise of 35% and additional holiday leave, leading to the shutting down of the plant and the end to a glorious success story.