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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:21:10

Nissan

Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer
Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer

Nissan, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, sells vehicles under Nissan, Infiniti, and formerly Datsun brands. It is part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance and was the sixth largest automaker in 2017.

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1907
Yoshisuke Aikawa establishes Tobata Casting Co., Ltd.

Yoshisuke Aikawa concealed his academic accomplishments and worked in a factory in the United States, where he developed casting skills. After his return to Japan, he established Tobata Casting Co., Ltd.

1911
Founding of Nissan

Yoshisuke Aikawa founded a company in Japan and decided not to use a person's name as the company name. Instead, he based the name on that of the parent group at the time of the company's founding, 'Nihon Sangyo'.

1914-09-16
First Design of Nissan

On September 16, 1914, the first design of Nissan, a box type small passenger car, was introduced.

1918
Kwaishinsha Motor Car Co., Ltd. founded

In 1918, the Kwaishinsha Motor Car Co., Ltd. was established, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the company. The capital of the company grew to 600 thousand yen, showing significant growth and expansion.

1919
Establishment of Jitsuyo Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd.

In 1919, Jitsuyo Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd. was established.

1925
Rebranding as DAT Motorcar Company

In 1925, the company underwent another name change to DAT Motorcar Company, emphasizing its commitment to producing both trucks and passenger cars. This transformation solidified its position in the automotive market.

1926
Merger of DAT Motors and Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., Ltd

In 1926, Tokyo-based DAT Motors merged with Osaka-based Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., Ltd to form DAT Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd. This merger led to the production of light cars and trucks under the name Lila.

1928
Yoshisuke Aikawa becomes president of Nihon Sangyo Co. Ltd.

In 1928, Yoshisuke Aikawa assumed the role of president at Nihon Sangyo Co. Ltd., the precursor to Nissan. Aikawa's understanding of the American automotive industry led him to believe that cars would gain popularity in Japan.

1929
Merger of DAT Automobile Manufacturing Inc. and IHI Corporation

In 1929, DAT Automobile Manufacturing Inc. merged with a part of IHI Corporation to become Automobile Industries Co., Ltd. This merger expanded the company's manufacturing capabilities.

1931
Formation of Nissan Motor Company

In 1931, Nihon Sangyo merged to establish what is now recognized as Nissan Motor Company, a prominent automobile manufacturer.

1932
Birth of DAT

In 1932, DAT, a significant player in the automobile industry, was founded.

1933-12-02
Tobatta Casting Co. Renamed Nissan

On December 2, 1933, Tobatta Casting Co. was officially renamed Nissan, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.

1933-12-26
Establishment of Nissan

On December 26, 1933, Nissan was established as a Japanese car dealer.

1934-02-11
The making of Nissan

On February 11, 1934, significant developments occurred in the making of Nissan.

1935
Opening of Yokohama Factory

Japan's first mass production automobile factory, the Yokohama factory, started its operations in 1935.

1936
Nissan hires four ladies for promotional activities

In 1936, Nissan employed four women for promotional activities, possibly continuing their trend of using female figures to enhance their brand image. This move could have been part of their innovative marketing approach during that time.

1937
Nissan uses full color movie film for product advertisements

In 1937, Nissan broke new ground by utilizing full color movie film for its product advertisements, a highly innovative and unprecedented move in the advertising industry.

1943-02-26
Nissan stops making cars during WW2

During World War II in 1943, Nissan halted car production due to the ongoing war.

1945-11-16
First post-war car made by Nissan

In November 1945, Nissan produced its first car after the war, marking a significant milestone in post-war automotive industry.

1947
Introduction of Nissan's Zero Emission Vehicles

In 1947, just two years after WWII, former Tachikawa Aircraft engineers in Japan produced the electric vehicle called the 'Tama', marking the roots of Nissan's zero emission vehicles.

1952
Nissan and Austin Motor Company Technical Cooperation Agreement

In 1952, Nissan entered into a technical cooperation agreement with the Austin Motor Company to enhance their technical development during the war.

1953
100 Day Strike at Nissan

During the Korean War, Nissan was a major vehicle producer for the U.S. Army. In 1953, a 100-day strike occurred at Nissan due to financial difficulties and wage negotiations. The strike led to the formation of a new labor union prioritizing productivity.

1954
Establishment of Nissan Design Team

In 1954, the Nissan Design Team was established, and one of their first products was the 'Datsun Sedan 112'.

1955
Establishment of Nissan Store (later Nissan Bluebird Store)

Nissan Store was established in 1955 and later renamed Nissan Bluebird Store in 1966. It sold a range of Nissan vehicles including the Datsun Bluebird, Datsun Sports, and Nissan Patrol.

1956
Mainichi Design Award for Datsun Sedan

The 1956 model of the Datsun Sedan, created by the Nissan Design Team, received the prestigious Mainichi Design Award for its practical and innovative design.

1957
Release of Nissan Skyline 'Godzilla'

In 1957, Nissan released the Skyline, which earned the nickname 'Godzilla' due to its powerful performance on the racetrack. This marked the beginning of a new wave of performance-based cars that combined Japanese innovation with efficiency and luxury.

1958-08-16
Nissan's Arrival in the U.S.

On August 16, 1958, Nissan made its debut in the United States by bringing the Datsun sedan to the market, marking the beginning of its car production in the country.

1959
Introduction of Datsun Bluebird 310

The Datsun Bluebird 310 was introduced by Nissan in 1959, showcasing a blend of flexibility and rationality with an emphasis on speed.

1960
Introduction of Nissan Cedric 30

Nissan introduced the Cedric 30 in 1960, reflecting their commitment to a healthy design and performance.

1961
Opening of Nissan's central research at Oppama Plant site

In 1961, Nissan established its central research facility at the Oppama Plant site in Yokosuka, Japan, which was previously the location of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Airborne Squadron base.

1963
Opening of Nissan Gallery in Ginza

In 1963, Nissan opened the 'Nissan Gallery' in Ginza, Tokyo, as a unique space for direct interaction with customers. This move was considered innovative at the time for an automobile manufacturer.

1964
Establishment of Nissan Miss Fairlady

To leverage the momentum from the 1964 Summer Olympics, Nissan opened a gallery in Ginza, Tokyo, featuring female showroom attendants known as Nissan Miss Fairladys. The name was inspired by the popular play 'My Fair Lady' and these women promoted the Datsun Fairlady 1500.

1965
Datsun 320 Truck

The Datsun 320 Truck was launched in 1965 as a reliable and practical pickup truck.

1966-11-04
First Nissan car in the U.S.

On November 4, 1966, the first Nissan car arrived in the United States, marking the beginning of Nissan's presence in the American market.

1967
Nissan introduces the highly advanced Nissan L engine

In 1967, Nissan introduced the advanced four-cylinder overhead cam (OHC) Nissan L engine. This engine, while similar to Mercedes-Benz designs, was a new engine developed by Nissan, powering the Datsun 510 and gaining Nissan recognition in the global sedan market.

1968
Nissan Cabstar

Nissan Cabstar is the name used for pickup trucks and light commercial vehicles sold by Nissan in Japan. It was initially introduced as Datsun Cabstar in 1968 and later transitioned to 'Nissan' badging in the early 1980s. The range has been sold worldwide and shares its platform with the Nissan Caravan.

1969
Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R (Model PGC10)

The Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R, also known as Model PGC10, was introduced in 1969. It was a high-performance variant of the Skyline series, featuring advanced technology and powerful engine.

1970
Introduction of the Z Car

The Z Car was introduced in 1970, adding modern flair and quality to the traditional Z-ness, becoming a masterpiece. It has been passed down through generations and continues to be loved today for over 50 years.

1971-01-16
First Japanese owned facility in North America

On January 16, 1971, Nissan established the first Japanese-owned facility in North America, solidifying their commitment to the North American market.

1972
Introduction of 'Ken and Merry' series for fourth generation Skyline

In 1972, a new series called 'Ken and Merry' was introduced for the fourth generation Skyline, creating a social phenomenon and generating a sensation.

1973
Nissan sells one-millionth vehicle in America

In 1973, Nissan achieved a milestone by selling its one-millionth vehicle in America, marking a significant success in the US market.

1975
Nissan becomes top US vehicle importer

By 1975, Nissan had become the leading vehicle importer in the US, solidifying its position in the American automotive market.

1976
Nissan Begins Production of Motorboats

In 1976, Nissan started the production of motorboats.

1977
Introduction of the Nissan King Cab®

In 1977, Nissan brought the first extended cab pickup, the King Cab®, to the market.

1979
Release of a new Nissan model

In 1979, Nissan released a new model.

1980
Establishment of Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corporation USA

Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corporation USA was established in 1980, as part of Nissan's expansion in the United States.

1981
Establishment of Nissan Design America (NDA)

In 1981, Nissan Design America (NDA) was established in La Jolla, California, to bring American style and concepts to Nissan vehicles.

1982
Formation of Nissan Technical Center (NTC)

In 1982, Nissan consolidated its technical centers in Suginami, Tokyo and Tsurumi, Yokohama into the Nissan Technical Center (NTC) in Atsugi, Kanagawa, enhancing its capabilities in product development, design, and engineering.

1983
Phase out of Datsun brand

In 1983, Nissan phased out the Datsun brand in most export markets and started using the Nissan brand instead.

1984
Nissan LAUREL luxury sedan (model C32) introduces retractable power door mirrors

In 1984, the Nissan LAUREL luxury sedan (model C32) became the first car in the world to feature retractable power door mirrors.

1985
Introduction of American-built Sentra

In 1985, the first American-built Sentra replaced the 1982 model and became popular, leading to fast-tracked production in Smyrna.

1986
Reported Budget for Research and Development

In 1986, Nissan reported a budget of ¥170 billion for research and development, equivalent to 4.5 percent of net sales.

1987
Be-1 (Model BK10)

The Be-1 (Model BK10) was introduced in 1987.

1988
Cima (Model FY31)

The Cima (Model FY31) was launched in 1988.

1989
Introduction of Infiniti brand

Since 1989, Nissan has been selling its luxury models under the Infiniti brand.

1990
Nissan's R&D Challenge

In 1990, Nissan embarked on a new challenge for research and development, resulting in the creation of outstanding products like the 'PRIMERA model P10' and 'Skyline model R32'. This initiative helped establish Nissan as a technology-driven company globally.

1991
Nissan's Environmental Award and Future Electric Vehicle concept car

In 1991, Nissan received an environmental award from the EPA and introduced green technology with its Future Electric Vehicle concept car. The EPA recognized Nissan as the 'Best of the Best' and the first Altima was launched in the US.

1992
Adoption of Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) by Nissan

In 1992, Nissan boldly adopted the expensive Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as a standard feature, showcasing their commitment to innovation and technology advancement in the automotive industry.

1994
Nissan includes SRS airbags as standard equipment

In 1994, Nissan announced that they would make SRS airbags standard equipment in their cars, expanding beyond limited models in the Japanese market.

1995
Continuation of Nissan's safety measures

In 1995, Nissan continued to prioritize safety by implementing further measures in their vehicles.

1997-12-29
Introduction of Nissan Altra

Nissan introduced its first battery electric vehicle, the Nissan Altra, at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on 29 December 1997.

1999-03-27
Renault-Nissan Alliance Formation

In 1999, Nissan faced financial difficulties and entered an alliance with Renault of France. This alliance was the first of its kind between a Japanese and French car manufacturer, each maintaining their distinct corporate culture and brand identity.

2000
Release of Nissan X-TRAIL SUV

The Nissan X-TRAIL SUV was released in 2000 as an innovative product targeting young people, showcasing Nissan's commitment to creating pioneering products and exploring new markets.

2001-06
Carlos Ghosn named CEO of Nissan

In June 2001, Renault executive Carlos Ghosn was named chief executive officer of Nissan.

2002-03-28
Incorporation of Renault-Nissan B.V.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance was officially incorporated as Renault-Nissan B.V. on 28 March 2002 under Dutch law, with equal ownership by Renault and Nissan.

2003
Nissan-Dongfeng Motor Joint Venture

In 2003, Nissan formed a joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Group, creating Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. This joint venture aimed to produce a wide range of automotive vehicles in China.

2004
Nissan Titan

The Nissan Titan is a full-size pickup truck introduced in 2004 for the North American market. It shares the platform with Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56 SUVs. The second-generation Titan was revealed in 2015 as a 2016 model.

2005-05
Carlos Ghosn named President of Renault

In May 2005, Ghosn was named president of Nissan's partner company Renault.

2006
Launch of Nissan Leaf

In 2006, Nissan launched the Nissan Leaf, the first mass-produced electric car, marking a significant milestone in the automotive industry's shift towards sustainable technology.

2007
Release of 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid

During the early 2000s, Nissan launched the 2007 Altima Hybrid, contributing to the company's growth in model options and sales, particularly in the American market.

2008
Nissan Z

Nissan Z is a sports car model introduced by Nissan in 2008.

2009-05-06
Carlos Ghosn appointed President and CEO of Renault

He was appointed president and CEO of Renault on 6 May 2009.

2010-04-07
Daimler AG Joins Renault-Nissan Alliance

Daimler AG exchanged a 3.1 percent share of its holdings with both Nissan and Renault, forming a triple alliance to enhance technology sharing and global cooperation.

2012-12-12
Renault-Nissan Alliance Joint Venture with Russian Technologies

The Renault-Nissan Alliance formed a joint venture with Russian Technologies to become the controlling shareholder of AvtoVAZ, Russia's largest car company. This acquisition was completed in June 2014.

2013-06-27
Carlos Ghosn Appointed Chairman of AvtoVAZ

Carlos Ghosn was appointed chairman of the board of AvtoVAZ, a Russian car manufacturer, on 27 June 2013, after the Renault-Nissan Alliance took a stake in the company.

2014-05-07
Start of Nissan e-NV200 production

Series production of the e-NV200 commercial van at the Nissan Plant in Barcelona, Spain, began on 7 May 2014.

2015
Nissan becomes naming rights sponsor for Nissan Stadium

In 2015, Nissan secured the naming rights sponsorship for Nissan Stadium, the home venue of the Tennessee Titans and Tennessee State University football teams in Nashville.

2016-05
Nissan's Controlling Stake in Mitsubishi Motors

In May 2016, Nissan acquired a controlling stake in Mitsubishi Motors for an estimated USD 2.3 billion, solidifying their partnership in developing mini cars.

2016-06
Introduction of Nissan range extender car

In June 2016, Nissan announced it will introduce its first range extender car in Japan before March 2017.

2016-08
ProPILOT introduction

In August 2016, Nissan introduced ProPILOT, a single-lane driving assistance system.

2017-02
Carlos Ghosn steps down as CEO of Nissan

In February 2017, Ghosn announced he would step down as CEO of Nissan on 1 April 2017.

2017-09
Nissan Sells AvtoVAZ Stake to Renault

In September 2017, Nissan sold its stake in AvtoVAZ to Renault for Euro 45 million, giving Renault indirect control over the Russian manufacturer.

2018-11-19
Carlos Ghosn fired as Chairman of Nissan

On 19 November 2018, Ghosn was fired as chairman following his arrest for the alleged under-reporting of his income to Japanese financial authorities.

2019-01-11
José Muñoz resigns from Nissan

On January 11, 2019, José Muñoz, Nissan's chief performance officer and a close ally of Ghosn, resigned from the company amidst the internal investigation. His departure signaled further turmoil within Nissan.

2019-04-04
Carlos Ghosn detained on new charges

After 108 days in detention, Ghosn was released on bail, but after 29 days he was again detained on new charges (4 April 2019).

2019-09-09
Saikawa Steps Down as CEO of Nissan

On September 9, 2019, Saikawa resigned as the CEO of Nissan amidst a scandal involving underreported income.

2019-12-01
Makoto Uchida becomes CEO of Nissan

On 1 December 2019, Uchida became CEO.

2019-12-30
Nissan's Struggles and Financial Woes

Despite having a new management team, Nissan faced challenges as more people left the company and financial difficulties persisted.

2020-05
Nissan cuts production capacity due to COVID-19

In May 2020, Nissan announced that the company would cut production capacity by 20% due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021
Introduction of Updated Brand Identity

In 2021, Nissan unveiled its updated brand identity, including a new logo, symbolizing a new era for the automotive manufacturer with a focus on modernization and progress.

2022-01
Nissan Ariya (FE0)

In January 2022, Nissan introduced the Ariya electric SUV with the code name FE0.

2022-06
Launch of Nissan Sakura mini EV

In the summer of 2022, Nissan introduced the Nissan Sakura, a new mini electric vehicle that aims to revolutionize Japan's automotive industry.

2023-01
Renault transfers stake in Nissan

In January 2023, Renault said it intended to transfer almost 30% of its controlling stake in Nissan to a French trust.

2023-02
Nissan's plan for solid-state batteries

In February 2023, Nissan announced its intent to produce electric vehicles with solid-state batteries by 2028.

2023-03
Renault-Nissan Stock Share Change

Renault and Nissan announced a change in stock share between the two companies in March 2023, leading to both companies being treated as economically independent entities.

2023-05
Nissan Sakura (KE0)

In May 2023, Nissan unveiled the Sakura model with the code name KE0.

2023-06
LEAF Arrival

The arrival of the LEAF electric vehicle has marked the beginning of an era where electric vehicles driving on the streets is becoming common.

2023-11
Nissan's electric versions of Qashqai and Juke

In November 2023, Nissan announced its intention to build electric versions of the Qashqai and Juke at its plant in Britain.

2023-12
Celebrating 90 years of Nissan

In December 2023, Nissan celebrated its 90th anniversary.

2024-03-05
2024-gt-r

The 2024 GT-R model was unveiled with new premium features and design.

2024-03-06
2024-versa

The 2024 Versa model was introduced with updated pricing and specifications.

2024-03-11
2024-titan

The 2024 Titan model was updated with new features and specifications.

2024-03-21
2024-frontier

The 2024 Frontier model received updates and enhancements for the new model year.

2024-03-25
2024-armada

The 2024 Armada model was launched with new pricing and features.

2030
Ambition 2030

Ambition 2030 is a long-term goal or vision set by Nissan for the year 2030. It outlines the company's aspirations and targets for the future.

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Nissan
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