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Nissan Heritage: 1910 - 2006 1910 - 1919 Only foreign cars from Ford and GM (General Motors) were seen on Japan's roads in the Meiji and Taisho eras. At that time, men like Yoshisuke Aikawa had zealously begun manufacturing vehicles. They are the ones who built the foundation of Japan's automobile industry of today.
Yoshisuke Aikawa establishes Tobata Casting Co., Ltd.
Establishment of the Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works
Completed manufacturing of the DAT car
Starts anew under the name Kwaishinsha Motor Car Co., Ltd.
Establsihment of Jitsuyo Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd. 1920 – 1929
Establishment of DAT Jidosha & Co., Ltd.
Establishment of DAT Seizo Co., Ltd. 1930 – 1939
DAT Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd. Becomes affiliated with Tobata Casting Co., Ltd.
1932 The birth of Datsun
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., is established in Japan.
Established Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd. In Yokohama
Coporate name changes to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
The first car manufactured by a fully integrated assembly system rolls off the line at the Yokohama Plant.
The Datsun Type 15 is the first mass-produced Japanese vehicle. Other Type 15 models include a mini pickup and delivery van. 1940 – 1949
The first knockdown (KD) units are shipped to Dowa Jidosha Kogyo in Manchuria.
Construction of the Yoshiwara Plant is completed; operations begin in October. In December, World War II progresses and production of cars and trucks is completely stopped.
The head office is moved to Nihonbashi, Tokyo, and the Company name is changed to Nissan Heavy Industries, Ltd.
The first postwar-manufactured car rolls off the line.
In January, headquarters returns to Yokohama. In August, research and development of textile machinery begins.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is reestablished as the Company name. 1950 – 1959
Nissan acquires an equity interest in Minsei Diesel Motor Co., Ltd. (now called Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.)
Nissan enters into a technological cooperation agreement with Austin Motor Co., Ltd. of the United Kingdom.
R&D on rocket motors commences. The All Nissan Motors Workers' Union (a new labor union) is established
Forklift production starts.
The first Datsun sedan arrives in the United States. The strong, heavy 1200 Sedan packs a 48-hp 1200-cc engine in thick body panels. In September, Datsuns are entered in the 6th Australia Mobilgas Trial, with one taking first place for the first time
The first Datsun compact pickup is sold in America. Originally imported with a modest 37-hp 1000-cc engine, the upgraded model features a 48-hp 1200-cc version. This quarter-ton pickup firmly establishes Datsun in the American market. In March, production commences at Yulon Motor Co., Ltd. in Taiwan, the Company's first overseas KD factory. 1960 – 1969 Toward the end of this decade of change, Nissan has built a strong reputation in both the American and the Japanese markets. The Datsun 2000 roadster, valued both for its style and performance, becomes synonymous with early Nissan design. Soon after, the Datsun "Z" changes the way people think of sports cars.
Nissan Motor Corporation USA (NMC) is established in Gardena, California. The model year witnesses the birth of Datsun's first sports car, the SPL 210. This high, narrow 4-seat roadster features a fold-down soft-top with side curtains, "4 on the floor," and a 48-hp 1200-cc engine that was soon replaced by a more powerful 85-hp version. In June, Nissan wins the 10th Annual Deming Prize for excellence in industrial engineering.
Nissan Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. is established. (Production begins in July 1966.)
Focused in American driving need, the Bluebird is the first Datsun with a fully-synchronized 3-speed transmission. It also sports classic two-tone paint, wide white-walls and optional bucket seats. Off
the road, Nissan's first utility vehicle, Patrol, makes its debut, with TV hero Roy Rogers as its spokesperson. Pitched as the world's most powerful, most advanced 4-wheel drive vehicle, the Patrol's brawny 145-hp 4000-cc
6-cylinder engine develops enough torque "to climb trees."
Construction of the Zama Plant is completed (partial operations began in December 1964).
The first Japanese-owned production facility in North America, Nissan Mexicana (NMEX), manufacturers its first vehicle. Nissan Motor Co. (Australia) Pty. Ltd. is established. In August, Nissan merges with Prince Motors, Ltd. of Japan; the Murayama Plant is acquired by Nissan.
The Datsun that is most desired by collectors, the 2000 Roadster, is also the first Japanese production sports car to come with a 5-speed transmission. That, plus its robust 150-hp engine, make it extra fun to drive. Production is limited to 1,000 and the first 10 are lightweight versions for racing. The 2000 Roadster wins 10 SCCA National Championships between 1967 and 1987.
Datsun launches the first car styled for the U.S. market, the Datsun 5100. Headquarters operations are moved to the Company's new building in the Ginza area of Tokyo. In October, a business cooperation agreement is concluded with Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Datsun introduces the "Z" as a 1970 model. By offering European performance plus creature comforts like roll-up windows and a heater, all at an affordable price, the 240Z becomes the best-selling
sports car in the world. The Corvette took nearly 25 years to sell 500,000 units; the Z does it in fewer than 10. 1970 – 1979 Annual sales in the United States pass the quarter-million mark. Nissan also establishes itself on the race-track: The BRE 510 wins the SCAA 2.5 liter Trans Am Championship in 1971, claiming Nissan's first professional racing championship. It proceeds to dominate the series, winning 15 out of 21 events. Meanwhile, another 510 wins the East African Safari, while yet another wins the American Rally Championship in 1971. Today, the 510 enjoys a cult-like following and is still active in SCAA club racing.
The Lambda 4S-5 successfully launches Japan's first satellite, OHSUMI. Nissan developed and manufactured the rocket engine and launch vehicle. In March, Nissan moves into the marine engine field.
The civilian 510 introduces a new concept: a 4-dor sports sedan. This good-looking, 5-passenger family car is fun to drive and economical. Over 300,000 sedans and wagons are sold. As a result,
race-bred sportiness remains very much part of Nissan's DNA today.
The 1-millionth Datsun vehicle is sold in America.
Nissan Science Foundation is established.
Datsun becomes the top U.S. vehicle importer. Cumulative domestic sales in Japan surpass 10 million units.
Nissan Motor Manufacturing Co. (Australia) Ltd. is established and full-scale operation begins.
Nissan expands the idea of how much work a truck can do by introducing the King Cab, the first extended cab pickup truck. Cumulative production surpasses 20 million units.
Nissan Design International (NDI) is established in La Jolla, California, to provide American concepts and style to Nissan vehicles. Among their many creations (including today's popular Xterra) is the "out there" Gobi Truck concept. Developed in the late 1980s, it is a direct extension of the very first Datsun truck. 1980 – 1989 In the 1980s, the Nissan brand comes into its own as the first Nissan truck is manufactured in the U.S. Not long after this milestone, Nissan introduces its Infiniti line of luxury vehicles, ending the decade with a tremendous new business venture.
Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corporation (NMMC) is established in Smyrna, Tennessee, to fulfill the growing demand for Nissan vehicles. The first Datsun truck rolled off the line in June 1983; the first Sentra (Sunny), in March 1985.
Nissan begins worldwide marketing of vehicles under the Nissan name as part of a new corporate identity program.
Nissan's rich off-road truck racing history includes 19 championships from 1982 – 1992. A King Cab desert racer competing as an HDRA/SCORE Class 1 Unlimited Vehicle, packs a sand-scorching 380 hp. It has full-time 4WD, a radical mid-engine design and a 4-wheel fully independent suspension.
Worldwide marketing of vehicles using the Nissan name begins. And the first truck produced by Nissan in America rolls off the line in Smyrna, Tennessee. Nissan Research and Development (NRD) is established in Michigan.
Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. is established (production begins in July 1986). Cumulative domestic sales in Japan surpass 20 million units.
Legendary Hollywood actor Paul Newman races the Newman/Sharp Trans-Am 300ZX to an SCCA GT1 championship in 1985 and 1986. Particularly noteworthy is the 1985 win, which is Nissan's 50th national SCCA championship. Meanwhile, the first Sentra rolls off the line in Smyrna.
The H-I rocket, featuring the fixed apogee motor designed and produced by Nissan in Japan, successfully launches the engineering test satellite KIKU-5.
Nissan driver Geoff Brabham wins the first of four consecutive IMSA Camel GTP Drivers Championships. The streak includes eight straight races, breaking the American road record. Almost unbeatable, the
IMSA GTP Race Car dominates with a breathtaking top speed of 200 mph.
It's a year of remarkable milestones: Nissan launches the Infiniti line of luxury vehicles. NMMC produces its 1-milionth vehicle. And Nissan begins the Summer Institute for historically Black Colleges
and Universities. 1990 – 1999 During the 1990s, Nissan demonstrates its agility while retaining the Nissan heritage and moving in new directions. More cars begin rolling the Smyrna assembly line, and quality awards are given, too.
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) is established in Torrance, California.
Nissan takes a big leap forward in green technology, lending its Alternative Fuel Vehicle to a California testing program, and unveiling the Future Electric Vehicle concept car. Nissan also receives
its first environmental award from the EPA.
The Altima rolls off the assembly line in Tennessee and the Sentra surpasses two million sold in the U.S.
Nissan has big reason to celebrate its 10th anniversary of manufacturing in the U.S. with the Altima topping the list in new nameplate sales and the Maxima surpassing one million models sold.
Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. earns a Queen's Award for Export Achievement for three consecutive years.
Nissan introduces the all-new 200SX and fourth-generation Sentra.
Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corporation U.S.A. commences production at a new engine and transmission plant in Decherd.
A Nissan R390GT1 is placed third in the Le Mans 24-hour race.
Nissan and Renault sign an agreement for a global alliance, including equity participation. 2000 – 2009 Over the past decade a SHIFT_ has been made. Nissan has nearly doubled the number of models offered and nearly doubled its sales. In 10 years, the diverse lineup has grown to include Nissan's first full-sized truck, all-new hybrid technology and a 21st-Century supercar. This is only the beginning of what's to come.
Nissan begins sales of the super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV) Sentra CA in California.
Nissan and Suzuki Motor Corporation reach the agreement that Suzuki will supply mini-vehicles to Nissan on an OEM bases.
Nissan Altima wins "2002 North American Car of the Year Award".
The all-new reintroduced Z makes a comeback, and Nissan introduces its first full-sized truck, Titan.
Nissan reports record operating profits of 825 billion yen and operating profit margin of 11.1 percent.
Nissan launches the all-new Frontier, the most powerful V6 truck in its class, as well as a new mid-sized Pathfinder with added third-row seating and a second-generation Xterra. (Claim based on six
models under 8500 GVWR starting below $45,000 in Ward's Lg. Pickup Segment.)
Infiniti to launch across Europe in 2008.
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