Nissan: the path from artisanal production to technological leadership

When we hear the name Nissan, iconic models like GT-R or innovative electric vehicles Leaf. But few people know that the history of this brand began with a modest car repair shop at the beginning of the 20th century. Today Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a transnational corporation with a turnover of tens of billions of dollars, part of the alliance Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and defining trends in the global auto industry.

For more than 90 years of existence, the company has survived wars, economic crises and technological revolutions. It was the first Japanese manufacturer to mass-produce American-style cars, create legendary sports cars, and pioneer affordable electric vehicles. In this article we will follow the whole path Nissan - from the first steps in 1911 to modern innovations in the field of autonomous driving and sustainable mobility.

1911–1933: The birth of the brand and the first cars

Official founding date Nissan considered December 26, 1933when the company was registered Jidosha-Seizo Co., Ltd. (translated as “Automotive Company”). However, the roots of the brand go deeper - to 1911, when the entrepreneur Masujiro Hashimoto founded a company in Tokyo Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works. This small workshop repaired and assembled cars under the brand DAT — abbreviations for the names of three investors: Den, AOyama and Takeuchi.

The company's first production car DAT Model 31 - rolled off the assembly line in 1914. It was a compact car with a two-cylinder engine producing only 10 hp, but by Japanese standards of the time it was considered a technological breakthrough. By 1918, the company produced about 100 of these cars, and in 1925 changed its name to DAT Motorcar Co. and began exporting to Asia.

• 📅 1911 - base Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works in Tokyo
• 🚗 1914 - release of the first production car DAT Model 31
• 🌏 1925 - start of car exports to Asian countries
• 🏭 1931 - production of the first truck DAT Type 41

The key event of this period was the merger in 1926 DAT Motorcar Co. with company Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., which produced trucks. The new enterprise was named DAT Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and began active expansion of production capacity. It was during this period that the legendary name appeared Datsun - abbreviation for "DAT + son" (translated from Japanese as "son", symbolizing the continuity and youth of the brand).

1934–1945: Formation of Nissan and war years

The turning point in the company's history was 1934when DAT Automobile Manufacturing was absorbed by the holding Nihon Sangyo (translated as “Japanese industry”). Abbreviation Ni-San (Nihon Sangyo) and gave the name to the future brand - Nissan. New management led by Yoshisuke Aikawa set an ambitious goal: to make Nissan leader of the Japanese auto industry.

In 1935, the first full-fledged automobile plant was built in Yokohama. Nissan, where mass production of cars and trucks began. The company actively collaborated with American partners, purchasing equipment from Graham-Paige and licensing technologies. In the same year, the first model under the brand appeared Nissan - truck Nissan Type 70, and a year later the legendary sedan debuted Nissan Model 70 with a 1.5 liter engine.

Year	Event	Model/Technology
1935	Opening of the Yokohama plant	Truck Nissan Type 70
1937	Start of production Datsun for the domestic market	Sedan Datsun Model 15
1941	Transition to military production	Trucks Nissan 80 And 180 for the army
1944	Bombing of the Yokohama plant	Production stopped

With the outbreak of World War II Nissan, like other Japanese enterprises, was forced to reorient itself to military needs. The company produced trucks, motorcycles and even aircraft engines for the imperial army. The truck was introduced in 1941 Nissan 80 with a diesel engine - one of the first Japanese cars of this type. However, by 1944, the Yokohama plant was virtually destroyed by Allied bombing, and civilian vehicle production had ceased completely.

⚠️ Attention: Military background Nissan still causes controversy among historians. The company used prisoner-of-war labor in its factories during the war, which became the subject of litigation in the 2000s. In 2015 Nissan officially apologized for these events.

1946–1965: Post-war reconstruction and entry into the world market

After the Japanese surrender in 1945 Nissan found himself in a difficult situation: factories were destroyed, equipment was outdated, and the country's economy was in ruins. However, already in 1946 the company resumed production of trucks, and in 1947 it produced the first post-war passenger car - Datsun Model DB. This compact car with a 722 cc engine has become a symbol of the Japanese economic miracle.

The key figure in the restoration was Taichi Ono, future creator of the system Toyota Production System, who advised in the 1950s Nissan on production optimization. In 1952, the company introduced a revolutionary model Datsun Type 1121 - the first Japanese sedan with a monocoque body. And in 1958 he made his debut Datsun 210, which became the first car Nissan, officially exported to the USA.

• 🔧 1947 - production of the first post-war car Datsun DB
• 🚢 1958 — start of export to the USA (model Datsun 210)
• 🏆 1959 - victory Datsun 210 in rally Mobilgas Trial in Australia
• 🌍 1960 — opening of the first foreign office in Los Angeles

The 1960s became a time of active expansion Nissan to world markets. In 1962 the company introduced Datsun Bluebird (310) - a model that has become a bestseller in Europe and Australia. And in 1965 he made his debut Datsun 1000 (known as Datsun B10 in Japan) is a compact and reliable sedan that laid the foundation for the brand's future success in the United States. By the end of the 1960s Nissan exported cars to 88 countries and ranked second among Japanese automakers after Toyota.

1966–1989: Golden age and technological breakthroughs

The period from the mid-1960s to the end of the 1980s is rightfully considered the "golden age" Nissan. The company not only strengthened its position in the global market, but also made a number of technological revolutions. In 1966 it was introduced Datsun 1600 - the first Japanese car with independent suspension on all wheels. And in 1969 the legendary Datsun 240Z, which once and for all changed the world’s understanding of Japanese cars.

240Z became the first truly global hit Nissan. This sports coupe is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-six engine producing 151 hp. combined European design, Japanese reliability and an affordable price. Over 10 years, more than 500 thousand copies were sold, and the model won titles in rallies and racing. Trans-Am. Success 240Z allowed Nissan enter the premium car market and create a division Nissan Motor Sports (NISMO).

1971: First Japanese car with electronic fuel injection (Datsun 240K GT-E)|

1973: System Nissan Energy Control System (predecessor of ABS)|

1983: Turbodiesel engine LD28 for pickups|

1985: All-wheel drive system ATTESA for Skyline GT-R|

1988: First Japanese car with airbags (Nissan Cima)

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In the 1980s Nissan continued the innovation race:

• 🤖 1983 — launch of a robotic plant in Tsurumi (the first in Japan)
• 🏁 1984 - debut Nissan 300ZX (Z31) with turbo engine and digital instrument panel
• 🚀 1989 - presentation of the legendary Skyline GT-R R32 with the system ATTESA E-TS

However, by the end of the 1980s the company faced serious problems. Japan's economic bubble burst, and aggressive expansion into foreign markets led to overproduction. Nissan accumulated huge debts - more than $20 billion by 1999. The situation was aggravated by a conservative corporate culture and ineffective management. The company urgently needed radical changes.

1999–2010: Crisis and revival under Carlos Ghosn

Salvation came in 1999 in the person of Carlos Ghosn - a Brazilian manager with Portuguese roots, who was invited to head Nissan after merger with Renault. Ghosn immediately presented a revival plan called Nissan Revival Plan (NRP), which included:

• 💰 Debt reduction from $20 billion to $7 billion in 3 years
• 🔨 Closing of 5 factories and reduction of 21 thousand jobs
• 🚗 Reduction of the model range from 48 to 18 basic platforms
• 🤝 Partnership with Renault for joint development

Ghosn's reforms have brought results faster than anyone expected. Already in 2000 Nissan returned to profitability, and by 2002 became the fastest-growing automaker in the world. The key models of this period were:

• 🚙 Nissan X-Trail (2000) - the company's first crossover
• 🏎️ Nissan 350Z (2002) - revival of the legendary Z-series
• 🔋 Nissan Tino (2000) - the first hybrid concept car

In 2005 Nissan introduced a revolutionary system CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for mass models, which has become the hallmark of the brand. And in 2010 he made his debut Nissan Leaf - the world's first mass-produced electric car, which has become a symbol of the company's new course towards sustainable mobility.

⚠️ Attention: Carlos Ghosn's reforms are still controversial. On the one hand, they saved the company from bankruptcy. On the other hand, tough measures led to the loss of thousands of jobs and a deterioration in reputation Nissan in Japan. In 2018, Ghosn was arrested on charges of financial fraud, which became one of the most notorious scandals in the history of the auto industry.

2011–present: Electrification and new challenges

The last decade for Nissan marked by a focus on electric vehicles and autonomous technologies. Success Leaf (more than 500 thousand copies sold by 2020) inspired the company to develop a new platform CMF-EV, on the basis of which the crossover was created Nissan Ariya (2021). In parallel Nissan develops technology ProPILOT - Level 2 autonomous driving system, which is already available in models Skyline And Rogue.

However, the company has to deal with new challenges:

• 📉 Falling sales in China and the USA due to competition with Tesla and Chinese brands
• 🔋 Alliance dependent Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, where Nissan plays second role
• 🤖 The lag in the development of full-fledged autonomous cars from Waymo And Cruise

Year	Innovation	Model
2013	System ProPILOT (Level 1 autonomous driving)	Nissan Serena
2016	Technology e-Pedal (one pedal control)	Nissan Leaf (2nd generation)
2020	Platform CMF-EV for electric vehicles	Nissan Ariya
2023	Solid State Batteries (2028 Plan)	Concept Nissan Hyper Force

Today Nissan sets ambitious goals:

• 🌱 By 2030, make 40% of sales electric vehicles
• 🔄 Achieve carbon neutrality by 2050
• 🤖 Implement Level 3 autonomous driving by 2026

What are solid state batteries?

Solid-state batteries are a new type of battery where the liquid electrolyte is replaced by a solid material (such as ceramic). Benefits:

✅ 50% higher energy density (power reserve up to 1000 km)

✅ 2 times faster charging (15 minutes to 80%)

✅ More safe (no risk of fire)

✅ Last longer (up to 1 million km)

Nissan plans to begin mass production of solid-state batteries by 2028 at a new plant in Yokohama.

Legendary Nissan models: from Datsun to GT-R

For its history Nissan produced dozens of iconic cars that influenced the entire auto industry. Here are some of them:

• 🏆 Datsun 240Z (1969) - "Japanese Porsche", winner East African Safari Rally
• 🚀 Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 (1989) - "Godzilla" dominated the races Group A
• 🌍 Nissan Patrol (1951) - legendary SUV, rival Land Cruiser
• 💨 Nissan GT-R R35 (2007) — a supercar with 550+ hp, accelerating to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds
• 🔋 Nissan Leaf (2010) — the first mass-produced electric car (>500 thousand units sold)

Occupies a special place in history Nissan Skyline - a model that has evolved over 60 years from a modest sedan to a supercar. Legendary version GT-R R32 (1989–1994) with engine RB26DETT and all-wheel drive system ATTESA became invincible in racing, for which she received the nickname "Godzilla". Modern GT-R R35 (2007–present) with a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 continues the tradition, combining technology with an affordable (by supercar standards) price.

Another iconic model - Nissan Juke (2010), which created a new "cross-coupe" segment. Its eccentric design, developed in a European design center Nissan in London, divided the public, but at the same time brought huge sales to the company. A Nissan Qashqai (2006) became the founder of modern compact crossovers and one of the most copied cars in the world.

Nissan in Russia: from Lada to local production

History Nissan in Russia began back in Soviet times, when in the 1970s VAZ considered the possibility of producing Datsun under license. However, instead, it was decided to develop our own model - Zhiguli. However, in the 1990s Nissan officially returned to the Russian market by starting deliveries Primera And Almera.

The turning point came in 2009, when Nissan entered into an agreement with AvtoVAZ about co-production. As a result, in 2012, production began on the assembly line of the plant in Togliatti. Nissan Almera on the platform Lada Granta. And in 2019 Nissan opened its own plant in St. Petersburg, where production is localized Qashqai, X-Trail And Murano.

Year	Event	Model
2002	Start of official sales in Russia	Nissan Primera, Almera
2009	Agreement with AvtoVAZ on joint production	Nissan Almera (based on Lada)
2012	Launch of production Almera in Tolyatti	Nissan Almera G15
2019	Opening of a plant in St. Petersburg	Qashqai, X-Trail

However, in 2022 due to geopolitical events Nissan was forced to suspend the operation of the plant in St. Petersburg and leave the Russian market. To date, there are no official sales of new cars, but the company reserves the right to return if the situation changes.

⚠️ Attention: Owners Nissan in Russia, it is important to know that from 2023 official support and warranty service are suspended. However, many dealers continue to operate in service mode, and spare parts are still available through parallel imports. For models with electronic systems (for example, Leaf or Ariya) It is recommended to download service manuals in advance, as access to online databases may be limited.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan history

🔹 Why was the brand called Datsun, and then became Nissan?

Title Datsun appeared in 1931 as an abbreviation for "DAT + son" (where DAT - an abbreviation for the names of the founders, and son means "little" or "son" in Japanese). In the 1980s Nissan decided to unify the brand under a single name to strengthen its global image. The latest model under the brand Datsun became a pickup truck Datsun 720 (1986). However, in 2013 the brand Datsun has been revived for budget models in emerging markets (e.g. Datsun on-DO for Russia).

🔹 Which Nissan model is the best-selling in history?

Best selling model Nissan is Nissan Sunny (known as Sentra in the USA and Almera in some countries). Since 1966, more than 20 million copies of this model in different generations. In second place - Nissan Micra (more than 10 million cars sold since 1982), and in the third - Nissan Qashqai (more than 7 million since 2006).

🔹 Why is the Nissan GT-R called "Godzilla"?

Nickname"Godzilla"(Godzilla) Nissan GT-R received in 1989 after the debut of the model Skyline GT-R R32. The car dominated motorsport competitions, especially Japanese Touring Car Championship And Australian Touring Car Championship, destroying competitors by a huge margin. Australian journalists dubbed him "Godzilla" for his unstoppable power and devastating dominance on the track. Later this nickname stuck with all generations. GT-R.

🔹 Which Nissan technologies were ahead of their time?

Nissan repeatedly introduced innovations that later became industry standards:

• 🔋 1971 - the first Japanese car with electronic fuel injection (Datsun 240K GT-E)
• 🤖 1995 - system Nissan Intelligent Key (keyless entry)
• 🚗 2001 - system Around View Monitor (360° all-round view)
• 🔋 2010 - the first mass-produced electric car Nissan Leaf
• 🤖 2016 - system ProPILOT (level 2 autonomous driving)

🔹 What is the rarest Nissan in the world?

The rarest production car Nissan considered Nissan R382 (1969) - a racing prototype built to participate in 24 Hours of Le Mans. Total released 2 copies, and both have survived to this day. Another rarity - Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 LM (1995), racing version for Le Mans, from which only 6 cars were made. The rarest among road models is Nissan Pulsar GTi-R (1990–1994) with all-wheel drive and a turbo engine, produced in a circulation of only 14,360 copies.