Hyundai Galloper

Full size SUV

The Hyundai Galloper (hangul=갤로퍼 ), also known as the Galloper Exceed, Galloper Innovation, Mitsubishi Galloper, Asia Galloper or Hawtai Jitian, is a mid size SUV manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai from 1991 to 2004.

Chung Mong koo spearheaded the localisation of the Galloper while leading the Hyundai Precision and Industry Co., Ltd. division of the Hyundai Group. Reportedly, Chung Mong koo had been asked by Chung Ju young, his father and the chairman of the Hyundai Group, why he was leaving Hyundai Motor, which at the time was led by his uncle (Chung Ju young's brother Chung Se yong), to make a four wheel drive vehicle. Chung Mong koo replied that Hyundai Motor was a sedan oriented company and resistant to developing a utility vehicle; by adding to the breadth of products offered by Hyundai, Chung Mong koo saw benefits to the Group and the Korean market as a whole. Hyundai Precision razed Yeompo dong No. 2, a container factory that was originally completed in 1989, and rebuilt it as a dedicated automobile factory. When the second generation Pajero was introduced in 1991, the production lines for the first generation were transferred to Hyundai Precision, which began assembling the Galloper in September 1991. A book was published in 2000 detailing the journey. In 1994, Hyundai began exporting the Galloper to other countries in Asia, starting with China. By 1999, Hyundai had produced more than 300,000 Gallopers. Mohenic Garage (hangul=모헤닉게라지스 ) produced restomod Gallopers as the Mohenic G, at a cost of up to  million ($80000), taking up to 12 months to complete; the company's founder, Henie Kim (hangul=김태성 ), was inspired to start the business in 2013 after being dissatisfied with new cars he could take camping: "I was looking for a car that could set me free. When I found an old Hyundai Galloper, I remembered how much I loved the car as a college student." However, because of the engine's obsolete pollution control system, access to central districts in Seoul while driving a Galloper was restricted starting in 2021.

It is almost identical to the Mitsubishi Pajero; the main changes for the Korean market included steel brush/bumper guards on the higher grade Exceed trim, running boards, and "Western" style door mounted side mirrors. NOTOC

When first released, the Galloper had round sealed beam headlights. The vehicle launched as either Standard (5 seat, short wheelbase) or Exceed (6 seat, long wheelbase) models powered by a 2.5L naturally aspirated 4 cylinder D4BA diesel engine with a peak output of at 4200 RPM and at 2500 RPM, delivered through a 5 speed manual transmission; an automatic transmission was available from November, and a D4BF turbodiesel with improved power to was made available in December. It follows the Pony EV (April 2021) and Grandeur EV (November 2021).

In an October 1991 review, Cartech was generally positive, noting its refinement compared to contemporary SUVs on the Korean Market. Criticism was limited to the short length of the gear selector, the lack of space between the driver and their door, and the difficult access for third row passengers. The music video features clips from vintage Galloper advertisements and the "Marco Polo" expedition.