When it comes to Japanese automakers, Nissan Motor consistently ranks in the top three along with Toyota And Honda. But few people know that the history of the brand began not with cars, but with production... aircraft parts. Today Nissan - more than 100 years of innovation, revolutionary technologies (including the world's first mass-produced electric car Leaf) and models that have become iconic - from Skyline GT-R to Patrol, who conquered the deserts of the Middle East.
In this article we will dive into history of Nissan Motor - from modest workshops in 1911 to modern factories with robots and artificial intelligence. You will learn how the brand survived wars, economic crises and even bankruptcy in the 1990s to become part of the alliance Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi - one of the largest automakers in the world. And let's figure out why Nissan often called a "pioneer of accessible technology": from the system CVT to semi-autonomous driving ProPILOT.
1911–1933: from DAT to Nissan. How it all began
Roots Nissan go to 1911when entrepreneur Masujiro Hashimoto founded the company Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works in Tokyo. The first product was a passenger car DAT — an abbreviation for the names of investors: Den, Aoyama, Takeuchi. The car was equipped with a two-cylinder engine with a power of only 10 hp and developed to the maximum 32 km/h, but became the first production Japanese car.
In 1925 the company was renamed DAT Motorcar Co., and a year later released a model DAT 411 - the first Japanese car with a four-cylinder engine. Fun fact: logo DAT (blue circle with a red sun) became the prototype of the modern logo Nissan. However, the real breakthrough came in 1931when DAT merged with the company Tobata Casting (manufacturer of aircraft parts) and formed Nihon Sangyo - abbreviated Ni-San (literally "Japanese industry").
- 📅 1911 - base Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works, issue DAT.
- 🚗 1926 - debut DAT 411 with 4-cylinder engine.
- 🏭 1931 - merger with Tobata Casting, birth Nihon Sangyo.
- 💡 1933 — emergence of a brand Nissan on export models.
B 1933 name Nissan first appeared on vehicles intended for export. And a year later the company introduced Nissan Type 14 - a car that became a symbol of Japan's modernization. Interestingly, before World War II Nissan produced not only cars, but also trucks, buses, and... engines for tanks and aircraft commissioned by the Japanese army.
- Pre-war years (1911–1945)
- Post-war reconstruction (1946–1970)
- Golden Age (1970–1990)
- Crisis and revival (1990–2000)
- Modern era (2000–present)
1945–1960: post-war reconstruction and first successes on the world market
The Second World War dealt a crushing blow to Nissan. Factories were destroyed and production of civilian vehicles virtually stopped. However, already in 1947 the company released Nissan Model 70 - the first post-war car that became a symbol of the revival of Japanese industry. The car was equipped with an engine capacity 1.5 l and developed speed up to 90 km/h - at that time it was a real breakthrough.
The real turning point came in 1952when Nissan entered into an agreement with a British company Austin Motor Company about licensed production of the model Austin A40. This step allowed the Japanese to master modern technologies and begin exporting to the USA under the brand Datsun (short for DAT Sun). Exactly Datsun became a "face" Nissan on the world market in the 1950s–1980s.
| Model | Year of manufacture | Features | Export markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Model 70 | 1947 | First post-war car, engine 1.5 l, 30 hp |
Japan |
| Datsun DB-2 | 1952 | Licensed copy Austin A40, export to USA | USA, Australia |
| Datsun 210 | 1957 | First Datsun with original design, engine 1.0 l |
North America, Europe |
| Nissan Cedric | 1960 | The first business class sedan, engine 1.5 l, 60 hp |
Japan, Asia |
K 1960 Nissan has already taken a strong position in the domestic market and has begun active promotion abroad. The model played a key role Datsun Bluebird 310 (1959), which became the first Japanese car to be massively exported to Europe. And in 1960 debuted Nissan Cedric - a luxury sedan designed to compete with American cars in the domestic market.
⚠️ Attention: In the 1950s–1960s Nissan used two brands in parallel: Datsun for export and Nissan for the domestic market. This often causes confusion among collectors - for example, the same model could be sold as Datsun 510 in the USA and how Nissan Skyline in Japan.
1960–1980: Nissan's golden age. Skyline, Z-series and the conquest of America
The 1960s became Nissan time technical revolution. B 1966 legendary debuted Nissan Skyline - a car that would later become the basis for GT-R, "the king of Japanese sports cars." First generation Skyline (code S50) was equipped with an inline 6-cylinder engine G7 volume 1.5–2.0 l and offered dynamics unprecedented in Japan.
But the line created a real sensation Datsun Z (known in Japan as Fairlady Z). Model Datsun 240Z (1969) became the first Japanese sports car to compete with European brands in design and performance. The engine was hidden under the hood L24 volume 2.4 l and power 151 hp, accelerating the car to 100 km/h for 8 seconds - an impressive result for the late 1960s!
- 🏁 1964 - debut Nissan Silvia, the company's first sports coupe.
- 🚀 1966 — release Skyline 2000GT with engine
2.0 lAnd130 hp. - 🏆 1969 — premiere Datsun 240Z, sold more than
500 000copies. - 🌍 1970 — Nissan becomes the largest exporter of automobiles from Japan to the United States.
B 1970s Nissan continued to increase its presence in the global market. B 1972 a plant was opened in the USA (Tennessee), and the model Datsun 510 received the title "Car of the Year" according to the magazine Motor Trend. By the end of the decade Nissan entered the top 5 largest automakers in the world, surpassing brands such as Chrysler And Volvo.
Why has the Datsun 240Z become a cult classic?
The model combined European design (developed by Albrecht von Hertz, formerly of Alfa Romeo), Japanese reliability and affordable price - about $3500 in 1970 (cheaper Porsche 911 2 times). In addition, 240Z actively participated in races, winning the class 2.5 l on highways in the USA and Europe.
1980–1990: technology, crises and the birth of legends (GT-R, Pathfinder, Qashqai)
The 1980s became Nissan time technological breakthroughs. B 1984 debuted Nissan 300ZX (code Z31) - the first Japanese car with turbocharging and electronic fuel injection. The model developed 230 hp and accelerated to 100 km/h for 6.4 seconds, making it one of the fastest production cars of the time.
But the real revolution was Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 (1989) - a car nicknamed "Godzilla"for domination in motorsport. The engine was hidden under the hood RB26DETT twin-turbocharged, developing 280 hp (officially, the actual power reached 320+ hp). GT-R R32 won 29 of 29 Japanese championship racing JTCC in 1990–1993 - an absolute record!
⚠️ Attention: In the 1980s Nissan faced a serious crisis due to the Japanese real estate bubble. The company actively invested in speculative projects, which led to debt in $20 billion by the early 1990s. This period became a harbinger of impending bankruptcy.
In parallel with sports cars Nissan developed other segments:
- 1985 - debut Nissan Pathfinder (in Japan - Terrano), one of the first affordable SUVs.
- 1986 — release Nissan Pulsar with all-wheel drive system ATTESA, later used in GT-R.
- 1988 — premiere Nissan Primera, the first sedan with a multi-link rear suspension in its class.
Installed Japan's first turbo engine on a production car (300ZX)|
Developed an all-wheel drive system ATTESA for sports cars|
Released the first Japanese supercar (GT-R R32)|
Created one of the first crossovers (Pathfinder)-->
1990–2000: bankruptcy, alliance with Renault and revival of the brand
The beginning of the 1990s became for Nissan the most difficult period in history. Due to the economic crisis in Japan and poor management decisions, the company accumulated debt of $22 billion and was on the verge of bankruptcy. B 1999 Nissan entered into an alliance with a French automaker Renaultwho purchased 36.8% company shares. The new CEO was Carlos Ghosn, a Brazilian of Portuguese origin, nicknamed "later"Bonecrusher"for tough restructuring measures.
The revival plan known as Nissan Revival Plan, included:
- Closing of 5 factories and downsizing 21 000 jobs.
- Reducing the number of suppliers with 1 100 to 600.
- System implementation keizen (continuous improvement) at all enterprises.
- Focus on profitable models: Altima, X-Trail, 350Z.
The results were not long in coming: by 2001 Nissan returned profitability, and 2002 the debt was repaid. The model became a symbol of revival Nissan 350Z (2002) - successor to the legendary Z-seriesequipped with engine VQ35DE power 287 hp.
If you're looking for a reliable Japanese car from the 1990s-2000s, check out Nissan Primera P12 (2001–2007) with engine QR20DE. This model is famous for its simplicity, low maintenance and engine life up to 300,000+ km when used correctly.
2000–2020: electric vehicles, crossovers and new challenges
New millennium Nissan met with ambitious plans. B 2004 debuted Nissan Qashqai - the first compact crossover that combines the features of a hatchback and an SUV. The model became a bestseller in Europe, selling more than 3 million copies for 15 years. And in 2010 Nissan presented Juke - a polarizing but extremely successful crossover with a turbo engine and system All Mode 4x4.
However, the main achievement was electrification. B 2010 Nissan released Leaf — The world's first production electric car with lithium-ion batteries. The model offered a power reserve 175 km (by cycle NEDC) and became the sales leader among electric cars, overtaking Tesla Roadster. K 2020 sold more than 500 000 copies Leaf.
| Model | Year | Innovation | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Qashqai | 2004 | The first compact crossover with a raised seating position | >3 million |
| Nissan GT-R R35 | 2007 | Engine VR38DETT, 480 hp, all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS |
>10,000 per year |
| Nissan Leaf | 2010 | The first mass-produced electric car with Li-ion batteries | >500 000 |
| Nissan Ariya | 2020 | Electric crossover on a platform CMF-EV, power reserve 500 km |
Sales launch |
B 2016 Nissan presented the technology ProPILOT — a semi-autonomous driving system capable of driving on the highway (lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, automatic braking). Today ProPILOT 2.0 available on models Ariya And Skyline, offering "hands off the wheel" at speeds up to 130 km/h.
Electric cars Nissan (in particular, Leaf And Ariya) use technology e-Pedal, allowing you to control acceleration and braking with one pedal. This not only makes driving easier, but also increases range through energy recovery.
2020–present: new challenges and electrification strategy
Recent years have become Nissan time rethinking strategy. B 2021 the company announced a plan Nissan Ambition 2030, according to which to 2030 40% sales in Europe and Japan should come from electric vehicles. Key areas:
- Platform development CMF-EV for electric cars (debuted on Ariya).
- Issue 15 new electric models to 2030, including pickup truck and commercial van.
- Introduction of solid state batteries (solid-state) to 2028, promising a power reserve 900+ km.
However, not everything goes smoothly. B 2018 scandal with overestimation of fuel efficiency data (fuel economy scandal) led to a recall 1.2 million cars in Japan. And in 2019 Carlos Ghosn, Renaissance architect, was arrested Nissan - on charges of financial fraud. These events forced the company to reconsider its approaches to corporate governance.
Now Nissan bets on:
- Electric cars: Ariya, Leaf e+ (power reserve 385 km), a future electric pickup truck.
- Crossovers: updated Qashqai (2021) and X-Trail (2022) with hybrid power plants.
- Technologies: ProPILOT 3.0 (autonomy level L2+), system e-4ORCE for electric cars (all-wheel drive with vector torque distribution).
- Already own Leaf/Ariya
- Considering a purchase
- Skeptical - not enough chargers
- I prefer hybrids
- I need internal combustion engines
FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Nissan history
Why did Nissan use the Datsun brand overseas but Nissan in Japan?
In the 1930s–1980s Nissan adhered to the “dual branding” strategy. Datsun was associated with affordable and reliable cars for export (especially to the US and Europe), whereas Nissan positioned as a premium brand in the domestic market. For example, Datsun 240Z in Japan it was sold as Fairlady Z. B 1983 the company refused Datsun in favor of a single brand Nissan.
Which Nissan model was the first to have a turbo engine?
The first production car Nissan became turbocharged Nissan Skyline Turbo C110 (1973), equipped with engine L20B power 140 hp. However, the real revolution was made Nissan 300ZX (Z31) 1984 - the first Japanese car with a turbo engine and electronic fuel injection, developing 230 hp.
Is it true that the Nissan GT-R R35 was created for racing?
Yes, Nissan GT-R R35 (2007) was originally designed as an "everyday supercar" capable of competing with Porsche 911 on the highway and remain comfortable on public roads. The model was equipped with an engine VR38DETT (3.8 L, twin turbo), all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS and adaptive suspension. In the races GT-R achieved success in series GT1, Super GT and even set a production car record at the Nürburgring (7:29.03 in 2013).
What is Nissan Leaf famous for?
Nissan Leaf (2010) became the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle with lithium-ion batteries available to the masses. His key achievements:
- Sales exceeded 500 000 copies to 2020.
- Power reserve increased from 175 km (2010) before 385 km ( Leaf e+, 2019).
- Technology e-Pedal made it possible to control acceleration and braking with one pedal.
- Leaf became the first electric car to win the World Car of the Year award (World Car of the Year, 2011).
What Nissan models were produced in Russia?
C 2009 to 2022 Nissan produced cars at a plant in St. Petersburg. Among them:
- Nissan Teana (2009–2019) - business class sedan.
- Nissan X-Trail (2009–2022) - crossover, one of the leaders in sales in Russia.
- Nissan Qashqai (2014–2022) - compact crossover.
- Nissan Murano (2015–2022) - premium crossover.
After leaving the Russian market in March 2022 production was stopped and the brand came under the control of a local dealer.