Nissan History
The Nissan name is now synonymous with performance, quality, and luxury; however, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the company. The brand has undergone several changes since its inception, including a series of name changes, but it’s come out ahead and become an industry leader. Whether you’re looking for a luxury performance vehicle or a spacious SUV, Nissan has everything you need.
Early Years
Nissan was originally Nihon Sangyo, an automotive parts manufacturer that eventually went public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1933 with the ticker name NISSAN. Two years later, the company produced its first cars under the flagship brand Nishi-ku, and by 1958 it made its way to the US for the Los Angeles Auto Show. Though already Nissan in Japan, at that time, the brand was known as Datsun in the US. It started global production in Mexico in 1966, later erecting factories in Australia, Taiwan, and Smyrna, Tennessee.
Middle Years
Nissan became a major developer for the US Army during the Korean War, and it was also well known in the racing world by the 1960s. For example, the company merged with the Prince Motor Company in 1966, adding cars like the Skyline and Gloria. The Fairlady was also added in the 1960s, and by the 1970s you could find the Datsun 240Z.
Recent Years
Nissan joined with Renault in 1999, creating the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Today, the alliance sells one in every nine cars worldwide, with global production, distribution and 40 manufacturing locations on six different continents. Some of the most exciting innovations in recent years include the LEAF®, the best-selling zero-emissions vehicle in the world, while vehicles like the 370Z and GT-R have dominated the track for years. Other cool modern models include the new Kicks®, the spacious Armada and Pathfinder, or the refined Maxima.
Today, Nissan is one of the most versatile automakers in the world, with vehicles designed for families and commuters on a budget to ultra-green vehicles like the LEAF® and supercars like the GT-R. Learn more about the Nissan model lineup at Rothrock Motors.