Nissan

Corporate brand

Unclaimed Request correction

Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer with Nissan, Infiniti, Nismo and historically Datsun vehicle brands.

Last updated November 4, 2026

AI crawler reads

No AI crawler has read this profile since Oct 28, 2026.

Overview

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Yokohama. It sells passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, light commercial vehicles and electric vehicles, principally under the Nissan brand. Its wider brand portfolio has included Infiniti for premium vehicles, Nismo for performance products and motorsport-related activities, and Autech for specialized and customized vehicles. Datsun, the historic name through which Nissan achieved much of its early international recognition, was revived in the twenty-first century and later discontinued again. The company's industrial roots extend to Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works, founded by Masujiro Hashimoto in Tokyo in 1911, and to DAT Motors, whose name was formed from the surnames of early investors. The small Datsun automobile line emerged in the early 1930s. In 1933, the automobile business associated with the Nissan industrial group was reorganized as Jidosha-Seizo, and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1934 under Yoshisuke Aikawa. Aikawa had created Nihon Sangyo, commonly abbreviated as Nissan on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and used the group to build an integrated industrial enterprise. Nissan developed manufacturing, engineering and export capabilities before and after the Second World War. Its postwar progress was supported by technical cooperation with Austin Motor Company, which enabled Nissan to assemble Austin vehicles in Japan and use related patents and engineering knowledge in the development of its own engines. The company also benefited from the work of American engineer William R. Gorham and from the acquisition of Prince Motor Company in 1966. The Prince transaction added products and engineering expertise associated with the Skyline and Gloria, while the resulting technology contributed to Nissan's later front-wheel-drive and performance-car development. International expansion accelerated from the 1950s onward. Datsun vehicles entered markets including the United States, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. Nissan established production operations outside Japan, including in Mexico and the United States, and became a significant exporter of compact, fuel-efficient vehicles. Models such as the Datsun 510 and Datsun 240Z helped establish the company as a serious global competitor. The 240Z in particular combined sports-car styling, relatively accessible pricing and Japanese manufacturing quality, giving Nissan broad visibility in North America and other markets. The company entered a major strategic partnership with Renault in 1999 after a period of financial difficulty. Mitsubishi Motors joined the partnership in 2016, creating the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance. The relationship has involved cross-shareholdings, shared platforms, coordinated purchasing, joint development and production cooperation, while each company has retained its own corporate identity. Nissan acquired a controlling stake in Mitsubishi Motors in 2016 and reduced that holding from 34 percent to 24 percent in November 2024. As reported in the referenced material for November 2023, Renault and Nissan each held a 15 percent stake in the other, subject to the alliance's evolving ownership arrangements. Nissan was an early large-scale automotive promoter of battery-electric vehicles. The Nissan Leaf, launched in 2010, became one of the most widely recognized mass-market electric cars and formed a central part of the company's electrification strategy. Nissan has also continued developing crossovers, SUVs, performance vehicles and commercial products. Its principal present-day challenge is balancing investment in electrification, software and advanced driver-assistance systems with intense competition, uneven regional demand, alliance restructuring and pressure to improve profitability. The referenced material states that Nissan recorded a ¥671 billion loss in fiscal 2024/25 and that newly appointed chief executive Ivan Espinosa…

History

Nissan's history combines early Japanese automobile manufacturing, industrial-group ownership, licensed engineering, export-led growth and alliance-based globalization. Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works was founded in 1911 by Masujiro Hashimoto and produced the DAT automobile in 1914. DAT Motors later merged with Jitsuyo Jidosha and developed both passenger cars and trucks. In 1931 it introduced a smaller car called Datson; after Nissan Group control, the name became Datsun, partly because the Japanese pronunciation of “son” could suggest loss. Nihon Sangyo, founded by Yoshisuke Aikawa in 1928, used Nissan as a stock-market abbreviation. In 1933, the automobile operations of Tobata Casting were separated and organized as Jidosha-Seizo. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1934, and its Yokohama plant began integrated production in 1935. During the wartime period the company produced trucks, engines and aircraft-related equipment and underwent several organizational and name changes. After the war, Nissan rebuilt its consumer-car business and used a 1952 agreement with Austin to assemble and manufacture Austin vehicles in Japan. The technical knowledge and patents associated with that program supported Nissan's own engine development. The company introduced increasingly independent designs, including the L-series engine, the Datsun 510 and the Datsun 240Z. The latter became an important export success and helped establish Nissan's reputation in the global sports-car market. Nissan merged with Prince Motor Company in 1966. The combination brought the Skyline and Gloria into Nissan's product family and strengthened the company's engineering base. Nissan also expanded its overseas sales and manufacturing network, establishing operations in Mexico and later the United States. Its Smyrna, Tennessee plant, begun in the early 1980s, became a major North American manufacturing site. The company responded to oil-shock-era demand for efficient compact vehicles while progressively adding trucks, sedans, SUVs and performance models. Financial difficulties in the 1990s led to the 1999 Renault alliance and a major restructuring program. The alliance enabled shared purchasing, platforms and engineering, while Nissan retained its own brand and product identity. Infiniti provided a premium-market extension, and Nismo supported performance and motorsport activities. Mitsubishi Motors joined the alliance in 2016 after Nissan acquired a controlling stake. Nissan made electrification a visible strategic priority with the 2010 launch of the Leaf. The Leaf helped normalize a mass-market battery-electric vehicle and was followed by additional electric and electrified products, including the Ariya crossover. In the 2020s, Nissan faced intense competition, supply-chain pressures, changing consumer demand and the need to manage its relationship with Renault and Mitsubishi. The reported 2024/25 loss prompted a further restructuring plan under Ivan Espinosa, including factory closures, workforce reductions and model rationalization.

2025
Restructuring plan announced
[1]Nissanen.wikipedia.org
Following a reported fiscal loss, Nissan announced factory closures, workforce reductions and a smaller model portfolio.
2024
Mitsubishi stake reduced
[1]Nissanen.wikipedia.org
Nissan reduced its Mitsubishi Motors holding from 34 percent to 24 percent.
2020
Ariya introduced
[3]Nissan Ariyaen.wikipedia.org
Nissan launched the Ariya battery-electric crossover.
2016
Mitsubishi joins the alliance
[1]Nissanen.wikipedia.org
Nissan acquired a controlling stake in Mitsubishi Motors.
2010
Nissan Leaf launched
[2]Nissan Leafen.wikipedia.org
Nissan introduced the Leaf, one of the first mass-market battery-electric cars from a major global manufacturer.
1999
Renault partnership formed
[1]Nissanen.wikipedia.org
Nissan entered the Renault–Nissan alliance and began a major financial and operational restructuring.
1980
United States manufacturing expanded
[1]Nissanen.wikipedia.org
Nissan established its major Smyrna, Tennessee manufacturing operation.
1969
Datsun 240Z launched
[1]Nissanen.wikipedia.org
The 240Z became a major international sports-car success.
1966
Prince Motor merger
[1]Nissanen.wikipedia.org
Nissan merged with Prince Motor Company, adding the Skyline and Gloria product heritage.
1952
Austin agreement signed
[1]Nissanen.wikipedia.org
Nissan agreed to assemble Austin vehicles and subsequently localized production and used related patents in its engineering work.
1934
Nissan Motor incorporated
[1]Nissanen.wikipedia.org
Yoshisuke Aikawa incorporated Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
1933
Automobile business reorganized
[1]Nissanen.wikipedia.org
The automobile operations associated with Tobata Casting were reorganized as Jidosha-Seizo and moved to Yokohama.
1931
Datson introduced
[1]Nissanen.wikipedia.org
DAT introduced a smaller passenger car that became the basis for the Datsun name.
1914
First DAT automobile produced
[1]Nissanen.wikipedia.org
Kwaishinsha built its first car, named DAT after the surnames of its investors.
1911
Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works founded
[1]Nissanen.wikipedia.org
Masujiro Hashimoto founded the company that produced Nissan's early DAT automobiles.

Products and positioning

Mass-market automotive brand emphasizing practical mobility, Japanese engineering, design, electrification and accessible technology, with premium and performance extensions through Infiniti and Nismo.

Battery-electric car · 2010
Nissan Leaf
Introduced in 2010, the Leaf is Nissan's best-known electric vehicle and one of the earliest globally marketed battery-electric cars from a major automaker. It was developed as a practical, relatively accessible hatchback for everyday use and became a central symbol of Nissan's electrification strategy.
Battery-electric crossover · 2020
Nissan Ariya
The Ariya is a battery-electric crossover positioned above the Leaf in size and equipment. It extends Nissan's electric portfolio into the fast-growing crossover segment and incorporates the company's newer design and driver-assistance technologies.
Performance sports car · 2007
Nissan GT-R
The GT-R is Nissan's high-performance flagship. It descends from the Skyline GT-R tradition and is associated with advanced all-wheel-drive systems, turbocharged engines, motorsport-derived engineering and strong performance relative to many more expensive sports cars.
Sports car · 1969
Nissan Z
The Z line continues Nissan's long-running rear-wheel-drive sports-car tradition that includes the 240Z and later generations. It serves as a design and performance halo product for the Nissan brand.
Sports car · 1969
Datsun 240Z
The Datsun 240Z was introduced in 1969 and became an influential export model. Its six-cylinder engine, distinctive styling and comparatively attainable price helped Nissan gain credibility in international performance-car markets.
Passenger car and performance car · 1957
Nissan Skyline
Originally associated with Prince Motor Company, the Skyline became part of Nissan's range after the 1966 merger. The name is particularly associated with Japanese performance cars and the Skyline GT-R lineage.
SUV · 2007
Nissan Rogue
The Rogue is a major Nissan crossover nameplate in North America. It represents the company's mass-market focus on practical family vehicles and has been among its important volume products in the region.
Crossover SUV · 2006
Nissan Qashqai
The Qashqai is a compact crossover developed for markets including Europe. It helped reinforce Nissan's position in the compact SUV and crossover segment.

Controversies

2022
Yonkers Nissan dealer sues Nissan over proposed dealership
A Nissan dealer in Yonkers, New York, sued Nissan over its approval of a nearby new Nissan dealer. The suit alleges breach of contract and violation of state law and seeks to block the proposed dealership from opening.
Source
2022
Nissan issues dealer notices for Rogue recall
Nissan dealer notices went out on January 25 for a recall affecting 2014–2016 Nissan Rogue vehicles. The reported wiring-harness corrosion could cause electrical problems and, in the worst case, a fire; consumer notices were expected in March. Nissan said it was studying the issue and expected to have a dealer solution soon.
Source
2021
Nissan recalls ZE1 2020 Leaf cars over parking mechanism welding defect
Nissan recalled ZE1 2020 Leaf cars because of a welding defect in the parking mechanism. According to the recall notice, the defect could allow the car to move unexpectedly and potentially cause injury. Nissan said it would contact affected owners to arrange repairs. The recall concerns the ZE1 2020 Leaf model and addresses the parking mechanism welding defect identified in the affected vehicles.
Source
2021
Nissan announces recall of 14,054 X-Trail vehicles
Nissan announced a recall of 14,054 X-Trail vehicles because improperly assembled rear brake calipers may lack an internal bushing, potentially causing brake-fluid leakage, increased stopping distance, or brake failure. The recall was expected to begin on June 10, and Nissan said it would provide free repairs and replacements for affected owners.
Source
2021
Nissan recalls 2013–2015 Pathfinder vehicles
A total of 354,505 North American 2013, 2014 and 2015 Pathfinders, including 29,876 in Canada, are being recalled over a brake-light switch problem that can allow the vehicle to be started and shifted into gear without pressing the brake pedal. Nissan said it will notify affected owners with repair instructions.
Source
2020
Nissan recalls vehicles for Takata airbag inflator replacement
Nissan announced a recall of nearly 308,000 U.S. vehicles to replace Takata airbag inflators that can explode and hurl shrapnel. Dealers were to begin replacing the inflators on February 10. The recall concerns the Takata airbag inflator defect, in which the inflators may explode and eject shrapnel. The announced remedy was replacement of the inflators by dealers, with the replacement work scheduled to begin on February 10.
Source
2020
Nissan and Infiniti vehicle airbag recall announced
Nissan North America announced a recall of 307,962 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles to replace front passenger airbag inflators. According to the announcement, the inflators could explode after propellant degradation, potentially causing serious injury or death. Dealers were to replace the inflators free of charge, and the recall was expected to begin on February 10, 2020.
Source
2020
Nissan sues Carlos Ghosn in Japan
Nissan filed a lawsuit against former chairman Carlos Ghosn in a Japanese court, seeking $90 million in damages. The claim covers costs related to alleged financial misconduct and other company-related expenses. Reports describe the allegations as claims rather than established findings, and no court determination is stated in the source.
Source
2020
ETCM announces recall campaign for C26 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid
Edaran Tan Chong Motor and Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Centre announced a voluntary recall campaign covering 4,001 fully imported C26 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid vehicles manufactured from September 2012 to November 2013. The purpose of the campaign is to reprogramme the CVT control unit. Under the campaign, labour and any replacement parts are provided at no cost to owners.
Source
2020
Five South Korean automakers recall vehicles for faulty components
Five automakers in South Korea began a voluntary recall of 210,738 vehicles across 76 models to repair faulty components. The article identifies defects involving GM Chevrolet Lacetti, BMW models and Audi A6 vehicles.
Source

Marketing campaigns

2010Nissan Leaf global launch
Global
Nissan marketed the Leaf as a practical mass-market battery-electric vehicle, using the launch to establish a visible leadership position in consumer EVs.
Outcome. The Leaf became one of the most recognized early mass-market electric cars.
Source
1964Nissan Miss Fairlady
Japan
Nissan created showroom ambassador programs associated with its Ginza gallery and the Fairlady name. The representatives promoted Nissan and Datsun vehicles and became a longstanding part of the company's Japanese retail marketing.
Outcome. The program continued through later Nissan dealership and showroom structures.
Source

Brand decisions

2025
Announce factory and model restructuringStrategy
Background
Nissan reported a ¥671 billion loss for fiscal 2024/25 amid competitive and operational pressure.
Action taken
CEO Ivan Espinosa announced plans to close seven factories, eliminate 20,000 jobs and reduce the vehicle range from 56 models to 45 by 2027.
Aftermath
The plan was intended to concentrate investment on more profitable products and simplify Nissan's manufacturing and model structure.
Reported fiscal loss. ¥671 billion loss (Fiscal year 2024/25)
Source
2024
Reduce Mitsubishi Motors ownershipStrategy
Background
The alliance continued to adjust cross-shareholdings and capital relationships.
Action taken
Nissan reduced its Mitsubishi Motors stake from 34 percent to 24 percent.
Aftermath
The change reduced Nissan's direct ownership while retaining a substantial strategic interest.
Source
2016
Acquire a controlling stake in Mitsubishi MotorsM&A
Background
Mitsubishi Motors faced governance and performance challenges, while Nissan sought deeper alliance scale and cooperation.
Action taken
Nissan acquired a 34 percent controlling interest in Mitsubishi Motors, bringing it into the alliance with Renault.
Aftermath
The three-company Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance coordinated purchasing, platforms and selected product programs.
Source
2010
Launch the Nissan LeafProduct launch
Background
Nissan identified battery-electric vehicles as a strategic growth and technology area.
Action taken
It introduced the Leaf as a purpose-designed, mass-market battery-electric hatchback.
Aftermath
The Leaf gave Nissan an early global position in mainstream electric vehicles and established a platform for later electrification products.
Source
1999
Form the Renault–Nissan partnershipM&A
Background
Nissan faced serious financial and operational difficulties and required a strategic partner.
Action taken
Nissan and Renault created a cross-border alliance involving capital ties, shared purchasing and coordinated vehicle development.
Aftermath
The partnership supported Nissan's recovery and became the foundation for the later Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance.
Source
1966
Merge with Prince Motor CompanyM&A
Background
Nissan wanted to strengthen its product range and gain engineering capabilities, including front-wheel-drive expertise and established nameplates.
Action taken
Nissan merged with Prince Motor Company and incorporated products such as the Skyline and Gloria into its portfolio.
Aftermath
The merger broadened Nissan's market coverage and preserved the Skyline performance heritage within the Nissan group.
Source
1952
License Austin vehicles and localize productionStrategy
Background
Nissan sought access to modern automotive engineering and manufacturing knowledge during its postwar development.
Action taken
It entered an agreement to assemble Austin vehicles, then produced localized Austin models and used related patents in its own engine development.
Aftermath
The program contributed to Nissan's engineering capability and supported the transition toward independently designed vehicles.
Source

Recent events

2026-09-21
Nissan officially reveals 2027 Rogue with e-Power hybrid technology for the U.S. market[30]日产正式发布面向美国市场、搭载e-Power混动技术的2027款Roguecnbc.com
Reported: 2026-09-21
Nissan officially revealed the 2027 Rogue crossover with its new e-Power series hybrid technology for the U.S. market, its first hybrid of this kind for the American market, with starting pricing between $35,490 and $43,490.
Unconfirmed
Nissan considers adding a third shift to increase U.S. production[30]日产正式发布面向美国市场、搭载e-Power混动技术的2027款Roguecnbc.com
Reported: 2026-09-21
Nissan is considering increasing its U.S. production, potentially adding a third shift at its Smyrna, Tennessee assembly plant, which could mean hundreds or thousands of new jobs and lift U.S. output to roughly 1 million units annually from nearly 487,000 in 2025.
Unconfirmed
Nissan launches US-spec Kicks Rock Creek off-road edition[31]Nissan推出美规Kicks Rock Creek越野版cars.tvbs.com.tw
Reported: 2026-08-14
Nissan introduced a US-spec Rock Creek edition of the Kicks for the 2027 model year, priced at $28,840, featuring a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and standard all-wheel drive, positioned against the Subaru Crosstrek.
Unconfirmed
Nissan closes its Changzhou factory[32]日产关闭常州工厂k.sina.com.cn
Nissan closed its factory in Changzhou, China.
2026-01-05
Nissan confirms Gravite launch and Tekton unveil dates for India[33]日产确认Gravite上市与Tekton亮相日期zigwheels.com
Reported: 2026-01-05
Nissan announced that the Gravite MPV will launch in India on 21 January 2026 and the Tekton compact SUV will be unveiled on 4 February 2026, as part of its India product offensive.
2022-02-08
Yonkers Nissan dealer sues Nissan over proposed dealership[22]Yonkers Nissan dealer sues Nissan over proposed dealershipcarbuzz.com
Reported: 2022-02-08
A Nissan dealer in Yonkers, New York, sued Nissan over its approval of a nearby new Nissan dealer. The suit alleges breach of contract and violation of state law and seeks to block the proposed dealership from opening.
Unconfirmed
2020 Nissan Sentra named a finalist for North American Car of the Year[34]2020 Nissan Sentra 入围北美年度汽车奖thenewswheel.com
Reported: 2022-01-29
The 2020 Nissan Sentra was among the three finalists for the 2021 North American Car of the Year award.
2022-01-27
Nissan announces electric supermini planned as Micra successor[35]日产宣布计划推出Micra继任电动小型车carscoops.com
Reported: 2022-01-27
Nissan announced a new electric supermini for Europe intended to succeed the Micra. Nissan said it would be designed by Nissan and engineered and manufactured by Renault; launch timing and technical details were to be released later.
2022-01-25
Nissan issues dealer notices for Rogue recall[23]Nissan issues dealer notices for Rogue recallkygl.com
Reported: 2022-01-27
Nissan dealer notices went out on January 25 for a recall affecting 2014–2016 Nissan Rogue vehicles. The reported wiring-harness corrosion could cause electrical problems and, in the worst case, a fire; consumer notices were expected in March. Nissan said it was studying the issue and expected to have a dealer solution soon.
Unconfirmed
Nissan launches the Patrol Legends platform[36]日产推出Patrol Legends平台citizen.co.za
Reported: 2021-12-30
Nissan launched the Patrol Legends platform as part of celebrations for the Nissan Patrol's 70th anniversary. The platform features stories from Patrol drivers, a driving training package, and crowdsourced images for an anniversary collage.

Showing the 10 most recent.

Sources232 sources

Showing 173 of 232 sources. Full list: JSON

Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/nissan · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled