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.
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.
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'.
On September 16, 1914, the first design of Nissan, a box type small passenger car, was introduced.
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.
In 1919, Jitsuyo Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd. was established.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 1931, Nihon Sangyo merged to establish what is now recognized as Nissan Motor Company, a prominent automobile manufacturer.
In 1932, DAT, a significant player in the automobile industry, was founded.
On December 2, 1933, Tobatta Casting Co. was officially renamed Nissan, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.
On December 26, 1933, Nissan was established as a Japanese car dealer.
On February 11, 1934, significant developments occurred in the making of Nissan.
Japan's first mass production automobile factory, the Yokohama factory, started its operations in 1935.
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.
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.
During World War II in 1943, Nissan halted car production due to the ongoing war.
In November 1945, Nissan produced its first car after the war, marking a significant milestone in post-war automotive industry.
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.
In 1952, Nissan entered into a technical cooperation agreement with the Austin Motor Company to enhance their technical development during the war.
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.
In 1954, the Nissan Design Team was established, and one of their first products was the 'Datsun Sedan 112'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Datsun Bluebird 310 was introduced by Nissan in 1959, showcasing a blend of flexibility and rationality with an emphasis on speed.
Nissan introduced the Cedric 30 in 1960, reflecting their commitment to a healthy design and performance.
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.
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.
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.
The Datsun 320 Truck was launched in 1965 as a reliable and practical pickup truck.
On November 4, 1966, the first Nissan car arrived in the United States, marking the beginning of Nissan's presence in the American market.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On January 16, 1971, Nissan established the first Japanese-owned facility in North America, solidifying their commitment to the North American market.
In 1972, a new series called 'Ken and Merry' was introduced for the fourth generation Skyline, creating a social phenomenon and generating a sensation.
In 1973, Nissan achieved a milestone by selling its one-millionth vehicle in America, marking a significant success in the US market.
By 1975, Nissan had become the leading vehicle importer in the US, solidifying its position in the American automotive market.
In 1976, Nissan started the production of motorboats.
In 1977, Nissan brought the first extended cab pickup, the King Cab®, to the market.
In 1979, Nissan released a new model.
Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corporation USA was established in 1980, as part of Nissan's expansion in the United States.
In 1981, Nissan Design America (NDA) was established in La Jolla, California, to bring American style and concepts to Nissan vehicles.
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.
In 1983, Nissan phased out the Datsun brand in most export markets and started using the Nissan brand instead.
In 1984, the Nissan LAUREL luxury sedan (model C32) became the first car in the world to feature retractable power door mirrors.
In 1985, the first American-built Sentra replaced the 1982 model and became popular, leading to fast-tracked production in Smyrna.
In 1986, Nissan reported a budget of ¥170 billion for research and development, equivalent to 4.5 percent of net sales.
The Be-1 (Model BK10) was introduced in 1987.
The Cima (Model FY31) was launched in 1988.
Since 1989, Nissan has been selling its luxury models under the Infiniti brand.
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.
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.
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.
In 1994, Nissan announced that they would make SRS airbags standard equipment in their cars, expanding beyond limited models in the Japanese market.
In 1995, Nissan continued to prioritize safety by implementing further measures in their vehicles.
Nissan introduced its first battery electric vehicle, the Nissan Altra, at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on 29 December 1997.
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.
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.
In June 2001, Renault executive Carlos Ghosn was named chief executive officer of Nissan.
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.
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.
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.
In May 2005, Ghosn was named president of Nissan's partner company Renault.
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.
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.
Nissan Z is a sports car model introduced by Nissan in 2008.
He was appointed president and CEO of Renault on 6 May 2009.
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.
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.
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.
Series production of the e-NV200 commercial van at the Nissan Plant in Barcelona, Spain, began on 7 May 2014.
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.
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.
In June 2016, Nissan announced it will introduce its first range extender car in Japan before March 2017.
In August 2016, Nissan introduced ProPILOT, a single-lane driving assistance system.
In February 2017, Ghosn announced he would step down as CEO of Nissan on 1 April 2017.
In September 2017, Nissan sold its stake in AvtoVAZ to Renault for Euro 45 million, giving Renault indirect control over the Russian manufacturer.
On 19 November 2018, Ghosn was fired as chairman following his arrest for the alleged under-reporting of his income to Japanese financial authorities.
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.
After 108 days in detention, Ghosn was released on bail, but after 29 days he was again detained on new charges (4 April 2019).
On September 9, 2019, Saikawa resigned as the CEO of Nissan amidst a scandal involving underreported income.
On 1 December 2019, Uchida became CEO.
Despite having a new management team, Nissan faced challenges as more people left the company and financial difficulties persisted.
In May 2020, Nissan announced that the company would cut production capacity by 20% due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
In January 2022, Nissan introduced the Ariya electric SUV with the code name FE0.
In the summer of 2022, Nissan introduced the Nissan Sakura, a new mini electric vehicle that aims to revolutionize Japan's automotive industry.
In January 2023, Renault said it intended to transfer almost 30% of its controlling stake in Nissan to a French trust.
In February 2023, Nissan announced its intent to produce electric vehicles with solid-state batteries by 2028.
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.
In May 2023, Nissan unveiled the Sakura model with the code name KE0.
The arrival of the LEAF electric vehicle has marked the beginning of an era where electric vehicles driving on the streets is becoming common.
In November 2023, Nissan announced its intention to build electric versions of the Qashqai and Juke at its plant in Britain.
In December 2023, Nissan celebrated its 90th anniversary.
The 2024 GT-R model was unveiled with new premium features and design.
The 2024 Versa model was introduced with updated pricing and specifications.
The 2024 Titan model was updated with new features and specifications.
The 2024 Frontier model received updates and enhancements for the new model year.
The 2024 Armada model was launched with new pricing and features.
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.