Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer tracing its roots to 1911 with the Kwaishinsha Co. (predecessor). The company's corporate timeline includes founding of Nissan in 1933, expansion under Yoshisuke Aikawa, landmark products like the Datsun Bluebird and Fairlady Z, international growth, merger with Renault, financial turnaround, and modern electric vehicle push.
Masujiro Hashimoto founds Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works in Tokyo, producing the first Japanese automobile, the DAT. #automotive #japan
Kwaishinsha produces the DAT car, named after the initials of the company's investors. #automotive #japan
Kwaishinsha merges with Jitsuyo Jidosha Seizo to form DAT Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd. #automotive #japan
DAT Jidosha releases the small car DATSON (later Datsun) to meet Japanese government's small car regulations. #automotive #datsun
Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd. is founded in Yokohama, becoming Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. in 1934. Yoshisuke Aikawa is key figure. #automotive #japan
Nissan opens its first integrated automobile plant in Yokohama, producing Datsun trucks and cars. #automotive #manufacturing
Nissan signs a technical assistance agreement with Britain's Austin Motor Company to produce the Austin A40 under license. #automotive #partnership
Nissan launches the 4W60 series, predecessor to the Patrol off-road vehicle. #automotive #suv
The Datsun Bluebird 310 series is launched, becoming a popular compact car and export success. #automotive #datsun
Nissan establishes Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in Gardena, California to sell Datsun vehicles. #automotive #expansion
Nissan merges with Prince Motor Company, gaining the Skyline and Gloria models. #automotive #merger
The first-generation Nissan Fairlady Z (Datsun 240Z) is introduced, becoming a legendary sports car. #automotive #sportscar
Nissan establishes manufacturing operations in Mexico, expanding global production footprint. #automotive #manufacturing
The Oppama plant in Yokosuka begins production, later known for LEAF electric vehicle production. #automotive #manufacturing
Nissan announces plans to build a plant in Sunderland, UK, becoming the first Japanese carmaker in Europe. #automotive #expansion
The R32 Skyline GT-R debuts, featuring advanced ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system and RB26DETT engine. #automotive #performance
Nissan announces the Infiniti luxury brand for the US market, with first models arriving in 1989. #automotive #luxury
The fourth-generation Nissan Fairlady Z (Z32) is launched with a twin-turbo V6 engine. #automotive #sportscar
The Nissan Altima is introduced as a compact sedan, later becoming a bestseller. #automotive #sedan
Nissan enters a global alliance with Renault, with Renault acquiring a 36.8% stake. Carlos Ghosn becomes COO. #automotive #merger
CEO Carlos Ghosn launches the Nissan Revival Plan, cutting costs, closing plants, and returning to profitability. #automotive #business
The fifth-generation Z-car, the 350Z (Z33), revives the iconic sports car line. #automotive #sportscar
The R35 GT-R is unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, featuring a twin-turbo V6 and advanced AWD. #automotive #performance
Nissan unveils the LEAF electric vehicle concept, later becoming the world's first mass-market EV. #automotive #electric
Nissan begins sales of the LEAF, a fully electric compact car, in Japan and US. #automotive #electric
Nissan's supply chain is disrupted by the Great East Japan Earthquake, but company recovers quickly. #automotive #crisis
Nissan unveils e-Power, a series hybrid system first used in the Nissan Note. #automotive #technology
Nissan takes a controlling stake in Mitsubishi Motors after Mitsubishi's fuel economy scandal, expanding the Alliance. #automotive #merger
Carlos Ghosn is arrested in Japan for alleged financial misconduct, leading to his removal as chairman. #automotive #scandal
Carlos Ghosn flees Japan while on bail, causing a major international incident. #automotive #scandal
Under new CEO Makoto Uchida, Nissan reveals a plan to cut costs, reduce global capacity, and focus on core markets. #automotive #business
Nissan introduces the Ariya, an all-electric crossover SUV with advanced ProPILOT driver assist. #automotive #electric
Nissan announces a multi-billion dollar investment in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing globally. #automotive #electric
Nissan and Honda announce a memorandum of understanding for a partnership in EVs and software. #automotive #partnership