50 Facts About Nissan: A Comprehensive Look at the Automotive Giant

Nissan's Humble Beginnings

Nissan's journey from a small company in Japan to a global automotive powerhouse is nothing short of remarkable. Let's explore the early days of this iconic brand.

1. Nissan's roots date back to 1911 when the Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works was founded in Tokyo, Japan. This company would later become the foundation of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. in 1933.
2. The name "Nissan" is derived from the abbreviated form of "Nihon Sangyo," which was used in the Tokyo Stock Exchange to refer to Nissan's predecessor company in 1933.
3. The first car produced by Nissan was the DAT, which was named after the first letter of the surnames of the company's three investors. This car was produced in 1914.

The Datsun Era

Before Nissan became a household name, the Datsun brand played a crucial role in the company's history.

4. In 1931, DAT Motors launched a new car called the Datsun, literally meaning the son of DAT. The Datsun brand was used in the UK and many other export markets until 1983, when Nissan switched to using the Nissan brand name for all markets.
5. The Datsun Type 15, launched in 1937, was Japan's first mass-produced vehicle. Other Type 15 models included phaetons, mini pickup trucks, and delivery vans.

Nissan's Global Expansion

Nissan's growth beyond Japan has been impressive, establishing itself as a major player in the global automotive market.

6. With its headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, Nissan has a global footprint and is among the top ten biggest automobile brands in the world.
7. Nissan is the third most popular car maker in the UAE, known for its luxurious, reliable, comfortable, and fuel-efficient vehicles. The Nissan Patrol is particularly popular in the UAE for its powerful engine and off-road capabilities.
8. Nissan opened its first American factory in Smyrna, Tennessee, in 1983 to fulfill the growing demand for Nissan vehicles in the U.S. market.

Iconic Models and Innovations

Nissan has produced some of the most iconic and innovative vehicles in automotive history.

9. The Nissan Skyline, introduced in 1957, was a forerunner to the revolutionary GT-R. The modern Nissan R35 GT-R was first made for sale in the U.S. in 2009.
10. The first Datsun introduced to the U.S. market in 1958 was the Datsun 1000, built on the same platform as the Datsun pickup truck. This was replaced in 1961 by the Datsun 1200.
11. In 1959, Nissan brought its compact pickup truck to America, which established itself on American shores with a quarter-ton model featuring a 48-HP 1200 CC engine.

Racing Legacy

Nissan's commitment to motorsports has led to numerous victories and innovations.

12. Nissan has a stellar racing record, with Hollywood legend Paul Newman capturing Nissan's 50th national SCCA championship in 1985 and 1986 with the Newman/Sharp Trans-Am 300ZX.
13. Nissan racing driver Geoff Brabham won his first of four consecutive IMSA Camel GT Driver’s Championships with his IMSA GTP ZX-T car, which clocked a breathtaking top speed of 200+ miles per hour on several tracks and won eight consecutive races.

Environmental Innovations

Nissan has been a pioneer in green technology, making significant strides in reducing its environmental impact.

14. In 1991, Nissan received its first environmental award from the EPA and took a big leap forward in green technology by lending its Alternative Fuel Vehicle to a California testing program and introducing the Future Electric Vehicle concept car.
15. In 2007, Nissan offered a hybrid driving option for the first time ever with the introduction of the all-new Altima Hybrid.

Milestones and Achievements

Nissan has achieved numerous milestones that have cemented its place in automotive history.

16. In 1992, Nissan marked the sale of the 2-millionth Nissan Sentra in the United States, a significant milestone for the brand.
17. The Nissan 350Z, a two-door, two-seater sports car, kicked off production in 2002 and ended the 6-year production hiatus in the U.S. Its sleek redesign of the 240Z DNA rejuvenated Nissan's market presence throughout the decade.
18. In 2005, Nissan introduced the all-new midsize Frontier with the most powerful V6 in its class. The mid-sized Pathfinder also debuted with an added 3rd-row of seating, and the 2nd-generation Xterra made its debut.

The GT-R Phenomenon

The Nissan GT-R, often referred to as "Godzilla," has become a legend in the automotive world.

19. The Nissan GT-R earned the nickname “Godzilla” after achieving a string of motorsport victories in the early 90s. The GT-R with a 3.8-litre V6 twin-turbo engine had such dominance in the races that people started calling it the Godzilla or the monster from Japan.
20. The Nissan GT-R is among the fastest 4×4 cars in the world, with a speed of 0-100kmph in 2.8 seconds, making it a competitor to the Lamborghini Aventador and Porsche 911.

Electric Vehicle Leadership

Nissan has been at the forefront of electric vehicle innovation, leading the charge towards a greener future.

21. True to its vision of enriching people’s lives with driving innovation, Nissan started electric car manufacturing and launched its electric cars in the European market in 2020.
22. The Nissan Leaf, launched in 2010, was the world's bestselling plug-in electric car until 2020 when the Tesla Model 3 overtook it. Over half a million Nissan Leafs have been sold to date.

Unique Marketing Strategies

Nissan has employed some unique and innovative marketing strategies over the years.

23. Nissan cars used not less than 29 logos over the years. These emblems had visual significance and were an integral part of Nissan's branding strategy.
24. In 1936, Nissan hired four aesthetically inclined women to work in their showrooms. These women, known as the Miss Fairlady staff, managed to increase sales significantly by their presence and charm.

Rivalries and Controversies

Nissan's journey has not been without its share of rivalries and controversies.

25. Contrary to popular belief, Nissan's biggest rival is not Toyota but Porsche. This rivalry began in the late 80s when Nissan was trying to develop the R32 GTR, which was meant to dominate every car on the track. Nissan contacted Porsche for a case study on their 959 model but was politely declined. Undeterred, Nissan reverse-engineered the all-wheel drive system from the 959 and built their own version called the Atesa all-wheel drive system.
26. The R34 GT-R is an iconic model known for its color, Bayside Blue. Initially, it was supposed to be called Wangan Blue, inspired by the Wangan, a popular street racing route on the Shoko Expressway. However, Nissan changed the name to avoid affiliation with the street racing group Midnight Club, which was disbanded in 1999 following a multi-car wreck.

Unique Models and Features

Nissan has produced some unique models with interesting features that set them apart from the competition.

27. The S13 model is famous for being a near-perfect drift car. Interestingly, Nissan has publicly stated that the S13 was never built for drifting but was specifically marketed towards educated single women, who made up over 75% of its buyers.
28. The 270R S14 is the only S chassis to come with a Nismo badge. It had upgraded suspension, brakes, gearbox, and body kit. Nismo also bumped its power output from 211 to 270 horsepower, and only 30 units were made, all of which were sold in Japan in the 80s.
29. Nissan established a company called AAC, which focused on customizing and building cool and quirky cars like the Stelvio AV E1 and the four-door R33. However, it remains unclear whether these cars are actually legal.
30. When it came to the 350Z, Nissan intentionally gave it a 53 to 47 weight distribution. This unique distribution allowed the car to flatten to the golden ratio under full throttle, reducing understeer and enhancing handling.

Contributions Beyond Automobiles

Nissan's contributions extend beyond the automotive industry, showcasing its innovative spirit.

31. Nissan has a fascinating legacy in rocket engineering. The company built rocket engines that powered Japan's first satellite launch in 1970. The Ohsumi satellite, launched by the Lambda 4S rocket, was a significant milestone in space exploration.
32. The Nissan Patrol holds Guinness World Records for towing the heaviest plane with a production car in 2013 and ascending a 100m sand dune in 4.9 seconds flat in 2015.
33. The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is a global leader in the automotive industry, selling more than 1 in every 9 vehicles sold worldwide. The alliance was established in 1999 between Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors.
34. Nissan was a pioneer in Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) technology, first using it in 1992 and later developing an in-house CVT. Currently, Nissan is the only manufacturer using roller-based CVT, giving it a significant edge over regular CVT transmissions.
35. While Nissan did not build satellite components, it did contribute to the rocket engine that launched Japan's first satellite, Ohsumi, into outer space in 1970.

Popular Models and Market Leadership

Nissan's popular models and market leadership have solidified its place in the automotive world.

36. From the Datsun 1000 to the modern-day GT-R, Nissan has produced a wide range of popular models that have captured the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide. The Datsun 1000 was one of the first cars to be exported to the U.S., marking Nissan's entry into the American market.
37. The Nissan Qashqai is named after a conglomeration of five nomadic mountainous tribes that live throughout southern and central Iran. Nissan believes that owning a Qashqai gives you the freedom to become nomadic in nature like the tribes it is named after.
38. In the early 20th century, Nissan became the market leader in Japan, much like Ford was in the U.S. After acquiring Datsun in 1932, Nissan grew the brand by introducing various car bodies, including pickup trucks and convertibles.

Racing Legacy and Green Technology

Nissan's commitment to racing and green technology has led to numerous innovations and achievements.

39. Nissan has a storied racing legacy, with numerous victories in various motorsport events. The company's commitment to racing has led to the development of high-performance vehicles like the GT-R, which has earned its nickname “Godzilla” for its dominance on the track.
40. Nissan has been at the forefront of green technology, receiving its first environmental award from the EPA in 1991. The company has continued to innovate in this field, introducing alternative fuel vehicles and electric cars to reduce its carbon footprint.

Global Production Network and Brand Evolution

Nissan's global production network and brand evolution have played a crucial role in its success.

41. Nissan has expanded its global production network over the years, establishing factories in Mexico, Australia, Taiwan, and the U.S. The first American factory opened in Smyrna, Tennessee, in 1983 to meet growing demand for Nissan vehicles in the U.S. market.
42. Nissan's brand has evolved significantly over the years. From using the Datsun brand for export markets to adopting the Nissan brand globally in 1983, the company has maintained a consistent focus on quality and innovation.

Unique Marketing Strategies and Rivalries

Nissan's unique marketing strategies and rivalries have shaped its journey in the automotive industry.

43. The Miss Fairlady staff, hired by Nissan in 1936, played a crucial role in increasing sales by their presence and charm. This innovative marketing strategy was ahead of its time and contributed significantly to Nissan's early success.
44. Nissan's rivalry with Porsche began in the late 80s when Nissan was developing the R32 GTR. Despite being declined by Porsche for a case study on their 959 model, Nissan reverse-engineered the all-wheel drive system and built their own version called the Atesa all-wheel drive system.

Controversies and Unique Models

Nissan's journey has not been without its share of controversies and unique models.

45. The R34 GT-R was initially supposed to be called Wangan Blue, inspired by the Wangan, a popular street racing route on the Shoko Expressway. However, Nissan changed the name to avoid affiliation with the street racing group Midnight Club, which was disbanded in 1999 following a multi-car wreck.
46. The S13 model was marketed towards educated single women, who made up over 75% of its buyers. This unique marketing strategy was a departure from the typical male-dominated car market at that time.
47. The 270R S14 was a limited edition model with only 30 units produced. It featured upgraded suspension, brakes, gearbox, and body kit, along with a power output bumped from 211 to 270 horsepower.
48. Nissan's AAC company focused on customizing and building quirky cars like the Stelvio AV E1 and the four-door R33. However, it remains unclear whether these cars are actually legal.
49. The 350Z was designed with a 53 to 47 weight distribution to enhance handling and reduce understeer. This unique distribution allowed the car to flatten to the golden ratio under full throttle, making it more agile and responsive.

Nissan's Legacy in Rocket Engineering

Nissan's legacy in rocket engineering is a testament to its innovative spirit.

50. Nissan's legacy in rocket engineering is a testament to its innovative spirit. The company built rocket engines that powered Japan's first satellite launch in 1970, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.

Nissan's Legacy of Innovation

Nissan's journey from its early days in Japan to becoming a global automotive giant is a testament to its innovative spirit. From the Datsun era to the Nissan GT-R's dominance on the track, the company has consistently pushed boundaries. The introduction of the Nissan Leaf marked a significant step in electric vehicle technology, showcasing Nissan's commitment to green innovation. The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance further solidified its global presence. Notable models like the Nissan Patrol and the 350Z have left a lasting impact on car enthusiasts. Nissan's pioneering work in CVT technology and its contributions to space exploration highlight its diverse expertise. With a rich history and a focus on the future, Nissan continues to lead in automotive excellence, blending tradition with cutting-edge advancements.