Nissan

Nissan Motors, formerly Datsun, is a multinational car manufacturer based in Japan. Nissan owns the luxury brand Infiniti.

Fast Facts

1. Based: Tokyo, Japan
2. Founded: 1934¹
3. Founder: Yoshisuke Aikawa¹
4. Current CEO: Carlos Ghosn
5. In alliance with Renault²
6. Third largest automaker in Japan³
7. Net revenue: 10.824 trillion yen in 2007⁴

History

The name Nissan was first used in the 1930s, originating from an abbreviation used in Tokyo's stock exchange.¹ Initially the company depended on American technology, imported to Japan by Mitsubishi. Starting from the 1950s, Nissan began expanding into foreign markets, establishing plants in Mexico, Australia, Taiwan, South Africa and the United States.¹ The company continues to develop engines and models with other Japanese car companies, including Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki and Isuzu.³

Alliances

Nissan has cooperated and continues to cooperate with other automakers. In the 1950s it partnered with Austin Motor Company, and manufactured and marketed Austin vehicles for seven years.¹ In 1966 it united with Prince Motor Company, eventually abolishing the Prince marque.¹ From 1993 to 2002 the company conjoined with Ford to produce a minivan, the Mercury Villager and the Nissan Quest.² In 1999, due to financial difficulties, Nissan allied with the French Renault.²

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