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The Nissan History

Well crafted interiors, edgy exteriors, high performance, these are the things that come to your mind when you hear about Nissan. Coupes, convertibles, sedans, SUV's, minivans and trucks, you just name it and they have it in their production fleet.

So how did it all start? Allow Carazoo.com to take you through the history of this global automobile giant that has become the very core of automobile innovation, reliability, performance and design.

Jidosha-Seizo Kabushiki-Kaisha, which means Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd." in English, was established on December 26, 1933. This company took over all the manufacturing operations of Datsuns from the automobile divisions of Tobata Casting Co., Ltd., and the company was rechristened to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. on June 1, 1934.

In 1937, the first mass-produced Japanese vehicle, the Datsun Type 15, is rolled out. Other Type 15 vehicles that were rolled out included a mini pick-up and a delivery van. Post World War II, Nissan made a global alliance with the UK based Austin Motor Co. Nissan made its presence known in America when it released the Austin platform based Datsuns to America in the year 1958.

Nissan during the 60's

In 1960, Nissan Motor Corporation USA was established in Gardena, California. This also saw the birth of Datsun's first sports car, the SPL 210. This 4-seater roadster featured a fold-down soft top with side curtains and a 48 hp, 1200 cc engine that was soon replaced by an 85-hp version.

The Bluebird, the first Datsun with a fully synchronised 3 speed transmission, and the Patrol, the first SUV from Datsun were launched during 1962. Launched as the world's most powerful, most advanced 4-wheel drive, the Patrol's brawny 145-hp 4000-cc 6-cylinder engine that could develop enough torque 'to climb trees.'

Nissan achieved another major milestone in 1966 when first Japanese-owned production facility in North America, Nissan Mexicana (NMEX) manufactured its first vehicle.

The 2000 Roadster, which was the first Japanese production sports car to come with a 5-speed, was launched in the year 1967. The 200 roadster was the winner of ten SCCA National Championships between 1967 and 87.

In 1968, Nissan launched the first car that was styled for the US market, the Datsun 510 sedan, which brought Nissan the much desired respect in the sedan segment. In 1969 Nissan introduced the Datsun 240Z sports car which used a six-cylinder variation of the L series engine. The 240Z became an immediate sensation and lifted Nissan to world class status in the global automobile market.

Nissan during the 1970's

Nissan continued its peculiarity among the masses during the 70's, with annual U.S. sales surpassing a quarter of a million cars.

In 1972, Nissan introduced the civilian 510: a 4-door sports sedan. This good-looking, 5-passenger family car was fun to drive, economical, and sold over 300,000 sedans and wagons. As a result, race-bred sportiness became a part of Nissan today.

In 1975, Nissan became the top US vehicle importer. In 1977, Nissan introduced the King Cab, the first extended cab pickup.

Nissan during the 1980's

In the 80's, the Nissan brand came into its own and the first Nissan truck was manufactured in the U.S. Soon after this, Nissan introduced the Infiniti line of luxury vehicles.

In order to fulfill the growing demand for Nissan vehicles, Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corporation (NMMC) was established in Smyrna, Tennessee.

In 1983, Nissan started the worldwide marketing of vehicles using the Nissan. In 1988, Geoff Brabham won the first of four consecutive IMSA Camel GTP Drivers Championships.

Nissan during the 1990's

In 1991, Nissan unveiled the Future Electric Vehicle concept car, and received the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award from the Environmental Protection Agency. In 1992, Sentra, surpassed the 2 million sales mark and Altima, the first Nissan mid-sized sedan produced in the U.S, was rolled off the assembly line in Tennessee.

In 1993, Nissan celebrated its glorious 10 years of production in the US. In the same year, Altima became the best-selling new nameplate in the United States. In 1995, Nissan introduced the all-new 200SX and the fourth generation Sentra, both assembled in the award-winning Smyrna, Tennessee plant. In the same year, Nissan was also recognized as Most Distinguished Partner by the Los Angeles Urban League.

In 1999, Nissan and Renault signed a global partnership agreement. Nissan introduces the Frontier Crew Cab, the first compact truck with four real doors. Frontier Crew Cab, the first compact truck with four real doors was also introduced.

The Present

After the global alliance with Renault of France, Nissan unveiled the 2003 Z® Concept. In 2001, Nissan unveiled the 2002 Sentra SE-R, Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed, and an absolutely new Altima.

A leader in the automotive industry, the legendary Nissan Z® is reborn in the year 2002. Also launched in the same year is the Murano. It brought forth the Nissan Child Safety Seat Fit Guide, known as Snug Kids®, one of a kind child safety feature. In 2004, Nissan Korea Ltd is established in February.

In February 2005, the re-designed Altima was launched. In April, the second generation 2005 Xterra made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show.

In 2009, Nissan introduces LEAF, the world's first affordable, zero-emission car. Nissan will be launching its small car, Micra by May 2010 in India. Nissan Micra, labeled as the game leveler for Nissan was launched in the Geneva Motor Show 2010.

Currently, Nissan is the third largest Japanese car manufacturing company when sales are taken into consideration. Nissan has a global market share of 5.5 percent.