Nissan
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About Nissan
In 1934, the Tokyo-based automaker Jidosha-Seizo Kabushiki-Kaisha changed its name to the Nissan Motor Company and soon after started building vehicles under the legendary Datsun banner.
Beginning in 1938, Nissan converted its operation from producing small passenger cars to producing trucks and vehicles for the war effort. The Allies seized the majority of Nissan’s assets after hostilities ceased in 1945, a situation that would continue for a decade before Nissan regained full control. The first Datsun hit the U.S. in 1958, and the maker continued to expand its presence internationally in the decades that followed.
In 1981, Nissan dropped the Datsun name and started selling vehicles under the Nissan marque globally. In 1989 it established Infiniti as a premium luxury marque.
The 90s were a mixed bag for Nissan, starting out strong with the 300ZX and Maxima, but then sliding back with more nondescript vehicles and slowing sales. A 1999 alliance with Renault revitalized the brand, launching a wide range of sedans, SUVs, pickups and EVs.
Today, Nissan is one of Japan’s largest car manufacturers. Car models include the ultra-efficient Nissan Versa, family-friendly Nissan Maxima sedan, sporty Nissan 370Z, and supercar Nissan GT-R. To compete in the West, Nissan offers trucks ranging from the affordable Nissan Murano SUV to the massive Nissan Titan XD.