Nissan

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Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Native name
日産自動車株式会社
Nissan Jidōsha Kabushiki-gaisha
Company typePublic
TYO: 7201
OTC Pink: NSANY
IndustryAutomotive
Financial services
FoundedDecember 26, 1933; 90 years ago (1933-12-26)
FounderMasujiro Hashimoto
Kenjiro Den
Rokuro Aoyama
Meitaro Takeuchi
Yoshisuke Aikawa
HeadquartersNishi-ku, Yokohama, Japan (Officially registered in Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Carlos Ghosn (Chairman, President & CEO)[1]
Toshiyuki Shiga (Vice Chairman)[1][2]
Hiroto Saikawa (EVP)[3]
Andy Palmer (EVP)[3]
Trevor Mann (EVP)[3]
ProductsAutomobiles, luxury vehicles, commercial vehicles, outboard motors, forklift trucks
Production output
Increase 4,889,379 units (2012)[4]
RevenueIncrease ¥9.63 trillion (2012)[5]
Decrease ¥523.5 billion (2012)[5]
Increase ¥342.4 billion (2012)[5]
Total assetsIncrease ¥12.8 trillion (2012)[5]
Total equityIncrease ¥4.51 trillion (2012)[6]
OwnerRenault (43.4%)
Number of employees
160,530 (consolidated, June 2013)[7]
DivisionsNissan
Infiniti
NISMO
Datsun
Subsidiaries
List
Websitewww.nissan-global.com

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Japanese: 日産自動車株式会社, Hepburn: Nissan Jidōsha Kabushiki-gaisha), usually shortened to Nissan (/ˈniːsɑːn/ or UK: /ˈnɪsæn/; Japanese: [nisːaɴ]), is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Japan.

The company is in a close alliance with Renault. Carlos Ghosn serves at CEO of both; technology and production sites are being shared. Nissan is in alliances and joint ventures with other automakers around the world.

Nissan Motor Company sells its cars under the Nissan, Infiniti, Datsun, and NISMO brands.

Nissan was the sixth largest automaker in the world behind Toyota, General Motors, Volkswagen Group, Hyundai Motor Group, and Ford in 2012.[8] Taken together, the Renault–Nissan Alliance would be the world’s fourth largest automaker. Nissan is the leading Japanese brand in China, Russia and Mexico.[9]

History

Beginnings of Datsun name from 1914

Nissan Model 70 Phaeton, 1938
Nissan world headquarters in Nishi-ku, Yokohama

Masujiro Hashimoto founded the Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works in 1911. In 1914, the company produced its first car, called DAT.

The new car's name was an acronym of the company's investors' family names:

  • Kenjiro Den (田 健次郎, Den Kenjirō)
  • Rokuro Aoyama (青山 禄郎, Aoyama Rokurō)
  • Meitaro Takeuchi (竹内 明太郎, Takeuchi Meitarō)

It was renamed to Kwaishinsha Motorcar Co., Ltd. in 1918, and again to DAT Jidosha & Co., Ltd. (DAT Motorcar Co.) in 1925. DAT Motors built trucks in addition to the DAT and Datsun passenger cars. The vast majority of its output were trucks, due to an almost non- existent consumer market for passenger cars at the time. Beginning in 1918, the first DAT trucks were produced for the military market. At the same time, Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., Ltd. produced small trucks using parts, and materials imported from the United States.[10]

In 1926 the Tokyo-based DAT Motors merged with the Osaka-based Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., Ltd. (実用自 動車製造株式会社, Jitsuyō Jidōsha Seizō Kabushiki-Gaisha) a.k.a. Jitsuyo Jidosha Seizo (established 1919, as a Kubota subsidiary) to become DAT Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (ダット自動車製造株式会社, DAT Jidōsha Seizō Kabushiki-Gaisha) in Osaka until 1932. From 1923 to 1925, the company produced light cars and trucks under the name of Lila.[11]

In 1931, DAT came out with a new smaller car, the first "Datson", meaning "Son of DAT". Later in 1933 after Nissan took control of DAT Motors, the last syllable of Datson was changed to "sun", because "son" also means "loss" (損) in Japanese, hence the name "Datsun" (ダットサン, Dattosan).[12]

In 1933, the company name was Nipponized to Jidosha-Seizo Co., Ltd. (自動車製造株式会社, Jidōsha Seizō Kabushiki-Gaisha, "Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd.") and was moved to Yokohama.

Nissan name first used in 1930s

In 1928, Yoshisuke Aikawa founded the holding company Nihon Sangyo (Japan Industries or Nihon Industries). The name 'Nissan' originated during the 1930s as an abbreviation[13] used on the Tokyo stock market for Nihon Sangyo. This company was the famous Nissan "Zaibatsu" (combine) which included Tobata Casting and Hitachi. At this time Nissan controlled foundries and auto parts businesses, but Aikawa did not enter automobile manufacturing until 1933.[14]

Nissan eventually grew to include 74 firms, and became the fourth-largest combine in Japan during World War II.[15]

In 1931, DAT Jidosha Seizo became affiliated with Tobata Casting, and was merged into Tobata Casting in 1933. As Tobata Casting was a Nissan company, this was the beginning of Nissan's automobile manufacturing.[16]

Nissan Motor founded in 1934

In 1934, Aikawa separated the expanded automobile parts division of Tobata Casting and incorporated it as a new subsidiary, which he named Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (日産自動車, Nissan Jidōsha). The shareholders of the new company however were not enthusiastic about the prospects of the automobile in Japan, so Aikawa bought out all the Tobata Casting shareholders (using capital from Nihon Industries) in June 1934. At this time, Nissan Motor effectively became owned by Nihon Sangyo and Hitachi.[17]

In 1935, construction of its Yokohama plant was completed. 44 Datsuns were shipped to Asia, Central and South America. In 1935, the first car manufactured by an integrated assembly system rolled off the line at the Yokohama plant.[10] Nissan built trucks, airplanes, and engines for the Japanese military. In 1937, the company's main plant was moved to the occupied Manchuria, and named Manchuria Heavy Industries Developing Co.[18]

In 1940, first knockdown kits were shipped to Dowa Jidosha Kogyo (Dowa Automobile), one of MHID’s companies, for assembly.[10] In 1944, the head office was moved to Nihonbashi, Tokyo, and the company name was changed to Nissan Heavy Industries, Ltd., which the company kept through 1949.[10]

Nissan's early American connection

DAT had inherited Kubota's chief designer, American engineer William R. Gorham. This, along with Aikawa's 1908 visit to Detroit, was to greatly affect Nissan's future.[10][19] Although it had always been Aikawa's intention to use cutting-edge auto making technology from America, it was Gorham that carried out the plan. Most of the machinery and processes originally came from the United States. When Nissan started to assemble larger vehicles under the “Nissan” brand in 1937, much of the design plans and plant facilities were supplied by the Graham-Paige Company. Nissan also had a Graham license under which passenger cars, buses and trucks were made.[19]

Austin Motor Company

1937 Datsun model 16
Austin Seven Ruby

From 1934 Datsun began to build Austin Sevens under licence. This operation became the greatest success of Austin's overseas licensing of its Seven and marked the beginning of Datsun's international success.[20]

In 1952, Nissan Motor Company of Japan entered into a legal agreement with Austin,[21][22] for Nissan to assemble 2,000 Austins from imported partially assembled sets and sell them in Japan under the Austin trademark. The agreement called for Nissan to make all Austin parts locally within three years, a goal Nissan met. Nissan produced and marketed Austins for seven years. The agreement also gave Nissan rights to use Austin patents, which Nissan used in developing its own engines for its Datsun line of cars. In 1953, British-built Austins were assembled and sold, but by 1955, the Austin A50 – completely built by Nissan and featuring a new 1489 cc engine—was on the market in Japan. Nissan produced 20,855 Austins from 1953 to 1959.[23]

Nissan leveraged the Austin patents to further develop their own modern engine designs past what the Austin's A- and B-family designs offered. The apex of the Austin-derived engines was the new design A series engine in 1966. In 1967, Nissan introduced its new highly advanced four cylinder overhead cam (OHC) Nissan L engine, which while similar to Mercedes-Benz OHC designs was a totally new engine designed by Nissan. This engine powered the new Datsun 510, which gained Nissan respect in the worldwide sedan market. Then, in 1969 Nissan introduced the Datsun 240Z sports car which used a six-cylinder variation of the L series engine. The 240Z was an immediate sensation and lifted Nissan to world class status in the automobile market.[24]

Merger with Prince Motor Company

1966 Prince R380 Racecar

In 1966, Nissan merged with the Prince Motor Company, bringing more upmarket cars, including the Skyline and Gloria, into its selection. The Prince name was eventually abandoned, and successive Skylines and Glorias bore the Nissan name. "Prince," was used at the Japanese Nissan dealership "Nissan Prince Shop" until 1999, when "Nissan Red Stage" replaced it. Nissan Red Stage itself has been replaced as of 2007. The Skyline lives on as the G Series of Infiniti.

Miss Fairlady

To capitalize the renewed investment during 1964 Summer Olympics, Nissan established the gallery on the second and third floors of the San-ai building. To attract visitors, Nissan started using beautiful female showroom attendants where Nissan held a competition to choose five candidates as the first class of Nissan Miss Fairladys, modeled after "Datsun Demonstrators" from the 1930s who introduced cars. The Fairlady name was used as a link to the popular Broadway play of the era. Miss Fairladys became the marketers of Datsun Fair Lady 1500.[25][26][27]

In April 2008, 14 more Miss Fairlady candidates were added, for a total of 45 Nissan Miss Fairlady pageants (22 in Ginza, 8 in Sapporo, 7 in Nagoya, 7 in Fukuoka).[28]

In April 2012, 7 more Miss Fairlady candidates were added, for a total of 48 Nissan Miss Fairlady pageants (26 in Ginza, 8 in Sapporo, 7 in Nagoya, 7 in Fukuoka).[29]

In April 2013, 6 more Miss Fairlady candidates were added to Ginza showroom, for a total of 27 48th Ginza Nissan Miss Fairlady pageants.[30]

Foreign expansion

1971 Datsun 240Z (U.S. Model) in Green Metallic

In the 1950s, Nissan decided to expand into worldwide markets. Nissan management realized their Datsun small car line would fill an unmet need in markets such as Australia and the world's largest car market, the United States. They first showed cars at the 1958 Los Angeles Auto Show and sold a few that year in the United States.[10][31] The company formed a U.S. subsidiary, Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A., in 1960, headed by Yutaka Katayama.[10] Nissan continued to improve their sedans with the latest technological advancements and chic Italianate styling in sporty cars such as the Datsun Fairlady roadsters, the race-winning 411 series, the Datsun 510 and the world-class Datsun 240Z. By 1970, Nissan had become one of the world's largest exporters of automobiles.

2010 Nissan Maxima SV Sport

In the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, consumers worldwide (especially in the lucrative U.S. market) began turning to high-quality small economy cars. To meet the growing demand, the company built new factories in Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and South Africa. The "Chicken Tax" of 1964 placed a 25% tax on commercial vans imported to the United States.[32] In response, Nissan, Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. began building plants in the U.S. in the early 80s.[32] Nissan's initial assembly plant, in Smyrna, Tennessee, at first built only trucks such as the 720 and Hardbody, but has since expanded to produce several car and SUV lines, including the Altima, Maxima, Xterra, Pathfinder and LEAF. The addition of mass-market automobiles was in response to the 1981 Voluntary Export Restraints imposed by the U.S. Government. An engine plant in Decherd, Tennessee followed, most recently a second assembly plant was established in Canton, Mississippi. In order to overcome export tariffs and delivery costs to its European customers, Nissan contemplated establishing a plant in Europe. After an extensive review, Sunderland in the north east of England was chosen for its skilled workforce and its location near major ports. The plant was completed in 1986 as the subsidiary Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. By 2007, it was producing 400,000 vehicles per year, landing it the title of the most productive plant in Europe.

Nissan GT-R

In 2001, Nissan established a manufacturing plant in Brazil. In 2005, Nissan added operations in India, through its subsidiary Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd.[33] With its global alliance partner, Renault, Nissan invested $990 million to set up a manufacturing facility in Chennai, catering to the Indian market as well as a base for exports of small cars to Europe.[34][35] Nissan entered the Middle East market in 1957 when it sold its first car in Saudi Arabia.[36] Nissan sold nearly 520,000 new vehicles in China in 2009 in a joint venture with Dongfeng Motor. To meet increased production targets, Dongfeng-Nissan expanded its production base in Guangzhou, which would become Nissan's largest factory around the globe in terms of production capacity.[37]

In 2014, Nissan cars will be produced by Renault-Samsung in South Korea. This production will start with 80000 Nissan Rogue/X-Trail produced by Renault-Samsung Busan factory in South Korea, instead of being produced by Nissan in Japan.

Relationships with other car companies

Nissan Motor New Headquarters under construction in April 2008
  • Ford
Main article: Mercury Villager

From 1993 to 2002, Nissan partnered with Ford to market the Mercury Villager and the Nissan Quest. The two minivans were virtually identical aside from cosmetic differences. In 2002, Nissan and Ford announced the discontinuation of the arrangement.[38]

  • Volkswagen
Main article: Volkswagen Santana

Nissan licensed the Volkswagen Santana. Production began 1984, at Nissan's Zama, Kanagawa.[39][40] Production ended in May 1990.[41]

  • Alfa Romeo
Main article: Alfa Romeo Arna

From 1983 to 1987, Nissan cooperated with Alfa Romeo to build the Arna.[42] The goal was for Alfa to compete in the family hatchback market segment, and for Nissan to establish a foothold in the European market.[43] After Alfa Romeo's takeover by Fiat, car and cooperation were discontinued.

Alliance with Renault

Main article: Renault–Nissan Alliance
Current CEO Carlos Ghosn has been credited with reviving Nissan

In 1999, with Nissan facing severe financial difficulties, Nissan entered an alliance with Renault S.A. of France.[44]

Signed on 27 March 1999, the Renault-Nissan Alliance was the first of its kind involving a Japanese and French car manufacturer, each with its own distinct corporate culture and brand identity. In June 2001, Carlos Ghosn was named Chief Executive Officer of Nissan. In May 2005, Ghosn was named President of Renault. He was appointed President and CEO of Renault on 6 May 2009.[45] Nissan's management is a trans-cultural, diverse team.[46]

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has evolved over years to Renault holding 43.4% of Nissan shares, while Nissan holds 15% of Renault shares. The alliance itself is incorporated as the Renault-Nissan B.V., founded on 28 March 2002 under Dutch law. Renault-Nissan B.V. is equally owned by Renault and Nissan.[47]

Under CEO Ghosn's "Nissan Revival Plan" (NRP), the company has rebounded in what many leading economists consider to be one of the most spectacular corporate turnarounds in history,[48] catapulting Nissan to record profits and a dramatic revitalization of both its Nissan and Infiniti model line-ups. Ghosn has been recognized in Japan for the company's turnaround in the midst of an ailing Japanese economy. Ghosn and the Nissan turnaround were featured in Japanese manga and popular culture. His achievements in revitalizing Nissan were noted by the Japanese Government, which awarded him the Japan Medal with Blue Ribbon in 2004.[49]

On 7 April 2010, Daimler AG exchanged a 3.9% share of its holdings for 3.9% from both Nissan and Renault. This triple alliance allows for the increased sharing of technology and development costs, encouraging global cooperation and mutual development.[50]

On 12 December 2012, the Renault–Nissan Alliance formed a joint venture with Russian Technologies (Alliance Rostec Auto BV) with the aim of becoming the long-term controlling shareholder of AvtoVAZ, Russia’s largest car company and owner of the country's biggest selling brand, Lada.[51] Carlos Ghosn was appointed Chairman of the Board of AvtoVAZ on 27 June 2013.[52]

Alliance 2013 sales
Renault 2,628,208
Nissan 5,102,979
Avtovaz 534,911
Total 8,266,098

[53][54]

Taken together, the Renault–Nissan Alliance sells one in ten cars worldwide, and would be the world's fourth largest automaker with 2013 sales of 8,266,098 units.[55][55]

Other alliances and joint ventures

  • In 2003, Nissan and Dongfeng Motor Corporation formed a 50:50 joint venture with the name Dongfeng Motor Co. Ltd (DFL). The company calls itself “China's first automotive joint venture enterprise with a complete series of trucks, buses, light commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles,” and “the largest joint-venture project of its scale.”[56]
  • On 7 April 2010, Daimler AG exchanged a 3.9% share of its holdings for 3.9% from both Nissan and Renault. This triple alliance allows for the increased sharing of technology and development costs, encouraging global cooperation and mutual development.[50]
  • On 12 December 2012, the Renault–Nissan Alliance formed a joint venture with Russian Technologies (Alliance Rostec Auto BV) with the aim of becoming the long-term controlling shareholder of AvtoVAZ, Russia’s largest car company and owner of the country's biggest selling brand, Lada.[51] Carlos Ghosn was appointed Chairman of the Board of AvtoVAZ on 27 June 2013.[57]
  • Nissan is in an alliance with Ashok Leyland in India, producing light commercial vehicles.[9]
  • Together with Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan develops mini cars which are produced at Mitsubishi’s Mizushima plant in Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan.[58][9]

Leadership

File:Nissan Logo.jpg
Older Style Nissan Logo (1983–2002)
Older Nissan corporate wordmark
File:Nissan-logo.svg
Nissan Marque Logo

Presidents and chief executive Officers of Nissan:

Branding and corporate identity

Nissan Company corporate logo as of May 2013
Carlos Ghosn in front of new CI at the 2013 earnings press conference in Yokohama

Brands

Nissan: Nissan's volume models are sold worldwide under the Nissan brand.

Datsun: Until 1983, Nissan automobiles in most export markets were sold under the Datsun brand. In 1984 the Datsun brand was phased out and the Nissan brand was phased in. All cars in 1984 had both the Datsun and Nissan branding on them and in 1985 the Datsun name was completely dropped. In July 2013, Nissan announced the relaunch of Datsun as a brand targeted at emerging markets.[59][60]

Infiniti: Since 1989, Nissan has sold its luxury models under the Infiniti brand. 2012 Infiniti changed its headquarters to Hong Kong, where it is incorporated as Infiniti Global Limited. President is former Audi of America chief Johan de Nysschen. From 2014 on, Infiniti cars are being sold also in Japan.[61]

NISMO: Nissan's in-house tuning shop is NISMO, short for "Nissan Motorsport International Limited." NISMO is being re-positioned as Nissan's performance brand.[62][63]

Corporate identity

For many years, Nissan used a red wordmark for the company, and car "badges" for the "Nissan" and "Infiniti" brands.[64]

At Nissan's 2013 earnings press conference in Yokohama, Nissan unveiled "a new steel-blue logo that spells out—literally—the distinction between Nissan the company and Nissan the brand."[65] Using a blue-gray color scheme, the new corporate logo did read NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY. Underneath were the "badge" logos for the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands.

Products

At the NISMO shop, in Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Japan

Automotive products

Main articles: List of Nissan vehicles and List of Nissan engines.

Nissan has produced an extensive range of mainstream cars and trucks, initially for domestic consumption but exported around the world since the 1950s.

It also produced several memorable sports cars, including the Datsun Fairlady 1500, 1600 and 2000 Roadsters, the Z-car, an affordable sports car originally introduced in 1969; and the GT-R, a powerful all-wheel-drive sports coupe.

In 1985, Nissan created a tuning division, Nismo, for competition and performance development of such cars. One of Nismo's latest models is the 370Z Nismo.

2013 Nissan Altima 3.5SL

Nissan also sells a range of kei cars, mainly as a joint venture with other Japanese manufacturers like Suzuki or Mitsubishi. Until 2013, Nissan rebadged kei cars built by other manufacturers. Beginning in 2013, Nissan and Mitsubishi shared the development of the Nissan DAYZ / Mitsubishi eK Wagon series.[58] Nissan also has shared model development of Japanese domestic cars with other manufacturers, particularly Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki and Isuzu.

In China, Nissan produces cars in association with the Dongfeng Motor Group including the 2006 Nissan Livina Geniss, the first in a range of a new worldwide family of medium sized car.

Nissan launched the Qashqai SUV in South Africa, along with their new motorsport Qashqai Car Games.[when?]

In 2010, Nissan created another tuning division,IPL, this time for their premium/luxury brand Infiniti.

In 2011, after Nissan released the Nissan NV-Series in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Nissan created a commercial sub brand called Nissan Commercial Vehicles which focuses on commercial vans, pickup trucks, and fleet vehicles for the US, Canadian, and Mexican Markets.[66]

Japan

A Nissan dealership in Nagano
Nissan Red and Blue Stage dealership Nagano (2009)

As of 2007 in Japan, Nissan sells its products with internationally recognized "Nissan" signage, using a chrome circle with "Nissan" across the front.

Previously, Nissan used two dealership names called "Nissan Blue Stage" (ja:日産・ブルーステージ), "Nissan Red Stage" (ja:日産・レッドステージ), and "Nissan Red and Blue Stage" (ja:日産・レッド&ブルーステージ), established in 1999. Before that, Nissan Red Stage was the result of combining an older sales channel of dealerships under the names "Nissan Prince Store" (ja:日産・プリンス店), established in 1966 after the merger of Prince Motors by Nissan, which sold the Nissan Skyline, "Nissan Satio Store" (日産・サティオ店), which sold cars developed from the Nissan Sunny at its introduction in 1966, and "Nissan Cherry Store" (日産・チェリー店), cars associated with the Nissan Cherry and established in 1970.

Nissan Blue Stage was the result of combining older sales channels, called "Nissan Store" (ja:日産店), then renamed "Nissan Bluebird Store" in 1959, selling cars associated with the Nissan Bluebird, and "Nissan Motor Store" (日産・モーター店), for cars associated with the Nissan Laurel starting in 1968. In 1970, Nissan also set up a separate sales chain which sold used cars including auctions, called Nissan U-Cars (ja:日産ユーズドカーセンター), which they still maintain.

In the early days of Nissan's dealership network, Japanese consumers were directed towards specific Nissan stores for cars that were of a specific size and pricepoint. Over time as sales progressed and the Japanese automotive industry became more prolific, vehicles that were dedicated to particular stores were badge engineered, given different names, and shared within the existing networks thereby selling the same platforms at different locations.

Starting in 1960, another sales distribution channel was established that sold diesel products for commercial use, called Nissan Diesel until the diesel division was sold in 2007 to Volvo AB. To encourage retail sales, Nissan passenger vehicles that were installed with diesel engines, like the Cedric, were available at Nissan Diesel locations.

All cars sold at Nissan Blue Stage (1999–2005):

Fairlady Z, Serena, Cedric, Liberty, Cefiro, Laurel, President, Bluebird, Presage, Presea, Terrano, Leopard, Avenir, Nissan Truck, Hypermini, Caravan, Murano

All cars sold at Nissan Bluebird Shop (later Nissan Shop, Nissan Exhibition), Nissan Motor Shop, (1959–1999):

Liberta Villa, Violet, Bluebird, Datsun Truck, Leopard, Maxima, Fairlady Z, Gazelle, Terrano, Avenir, Cefiro, Laurel, Laurel Spirit, Prairie, Cedric, President

All cars sold at Nissan Red Stage (1999–2005):

X-Trail. Teana, Cima, Sylphy, Crew, Skyline, Civilian, Silvia, Tino, Gloria, Pulsar, Sunny, R'nessa, Rasheen, Bassara, Primera, Mistral, Stagea, ADvan, Cube, Largo, Vanette, Clipper, Homy, Elgrand, Safari, Wingroad, Atlas, Murano

All cars sold at Nissan Prince Shop, Nissan Satio Shop, Nissan Cherry Shop (1966–1999):

Cima, Gloria, Skyline, Primera, Auster, Stanza, Pulsar, Pulsar EXA, NX, Langley, Volkswagen Santana, Volkswagen Passat, 180SX, Safari, Mistral, Elgrand, Homy, Bassara, Largo, Serena, Stagea, Wingroad, Expert, AD van, Vanette, Clipper, Atlas, Homer (cab over truck), Cherry, Sunny, Cherry Vanette, Be-1, Pao, Figaro, S-Cargo

Nissan has classified several vehicles as "premium" and select dealerships offer the "Nissan Premium Factory" catalog. Vehicles in this category are:

Skyline, Fuga, Cima, Fairlady Z, Murano, and the Elgrand.[67]

Trucks

Main article: Nissan Titan
2006 Nissan Titan King Cab

The Nissan Titan was introduced in 2004, as a full-size pickup truck produced for the North American market, the truck shares the stretched Nissan F-Alpha platform with the Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56 SUVs. It was listed by Edmunds.com as the best full-size truck.[68][69]

Electric vehicles

Main articles: Nissan electric vehicles and Nissan Leaf

Nissan introduced its first battery electric vehicle, the Nissan Altra at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on 29 December 1997.[70] Unveiled in 2009, the EV-11 prototype electric car was based on the Nissan Tiida (Versa in North America), with the conventional gasoline engine replaced with an all-electric drivetrain.[71] In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF as the first mass-market, all-electric vehicle launched globally.[72] As of March 2014, the Nissan Leaf is the world's best selling highway-capable all-electric car ever.[73][74] Global sales totaled 100,000 Leafs by mid January 2014, representing a 45% market share of worldwide pure electric vehicles sold since 2010.[73]

Autonomous cars

Nissan autonomous car prototype technology was fitted on a Nissan Leaf all-electric car.

In August 2013 Nissan announced its plans to launch several driverless cars by 2020. The company is building in Japan a dedicated autonomous driving proving ground, to be completed in 2014. Nissan installed its autonomous car technology in a Nissan Leaf all-electric car for demonstration purposes. The car was demonstrated at Nissan 360 test drive event held in California in August 2013.[75][76] In September 2013, the Leaf fitted the prototype Advanced Driver Assistance System was granted a license plate that allows to drive it on Japanese public roads. The testing car will be used by Nissan engineers to evaluate how its in-house autonomous driving software performs in the real world. Time spent on public roads will help refine the car’s software for fully automated driving.[77] The autonomous Leaf was demonstrated on public roads for the first time at a media event held in Japan in November 2013. The Leaf drove on the Sagami Expressway in Kanagawa prefecture, near Tokyo. Nissan vice chairman Toshiyuki Shiga and the prefecture’s Governor, Yuji Kuroiwa, rode in the car during the test.[78][79]

Non-automotive products

Nissan has also had a number of ventures outside the automotive industry, most notably the Tu–Ka mobile phone service (est. 1994), which was sold to DDI and Japan Telecom (both now merged into KDDI Corporation) in 1999. Nissan offers a subscription-based telematics service in select vehicles to drivers in Japan, called CarWings. Nissan also owns Nissan Marine, a joint venture with Tohatsu Corp that produces motors for smaller boats and other maritime equipment.

Global sales figures

Calendar Year Global Sales
1998 2,555,962
1999 2,629,044
2000 2,632,876
2001 2,580,757
2002 2,735,932
2003 2,968,357
2004 3,295,830
2005 3,597,851
2006 3,477,837
2007 3,675,574
2008 3,708,074
2009 3,358,413
2010 4,080,588
2011 4,669,981
2012 4,940,181[80]
2013 5,102,979[80]

Manufacturing locations

Data extracted from Nissan's international corporate website.[81]

World locations of Nissan Motor factories as of 2013

See also

Notes and references

  1. ^ a b "Executive Bios". Nissan. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  2. ^ "Nissan announces management makeover, COO Shiga to become vice chairman". Reuters. 1 November 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  3. ^ a b c "Nissan Reshuffles Top Leadership After Underwhelming Q2 Results". WardsAuto. 1 November 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  4. ^ "Nissan Production, Sales and Export Results for December and Calendar Year 2012". Nissan. 28 January 2013. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
  5. ^ a b c d "2012 Results Summary" (PDF). Nissan. Retrieved 16 May 2013.
  6. ^ "2012 Financial Results" (PDF). Nissan. Retrieved 16 May 2013.
  7. ^ "Outline of company". June 2013. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  8. ^ "World Motor Vehicle Production – OICA correspondents survey – World Ranking of Manufacturers – Year 2012" (PDF). OICA. 2013. Retrieved 15 September 2013.
  9. ^ a b c "Message from CEO". Nissan. Retrieved 29 January 2014. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  10. ^ a b c d e f g "NISSAN | CORPORATE INFORMATION | Outline of Company|Company Development, Heritage | First half of the history of Nissan". Nissan-global.com. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  11. ^ The Complete Encyclopedia of Motorcars 1885 to the Present Edited by G.N. Georgano; 1968; E.P. Dutton and Company; New York, NY
  12. ^ Cusumano page 33
  13. ^ Cusumano pp 28
  14. ^ Cusumano pp 28, 30, 33
  15. ^ Cusumano pp 28, 30
  16. ^ Cusumano pp 30.
  17. ^ Cusumano, page 37
  18. ^ "Manchurian Industrial Development: Companies and the Development of Manchuria under Occupation". EBHA-BHSJ Paris 20012. 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2013.
  19. ^ a b "A Brief History of Nissan Motor Company", Nissan corporate website.
  20. ^ Sheepish start for the lion of Longbridge. Lord Montagu of Beaulieu. The Times, Saturday, 26 August 1995; pg. 3[S1]; Issue 65356.
  21. ^ Cususmano
  22. ^ "The Short History of Nissan Moter Company". Nissan-global.com. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  23. ^ Cusumano, pp 90–92
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