Known by many names, this major Asian conglomerate has been making cars since 1914. Today, Nissan is the third largest automaker in Japan. The Nissan Motor Company took over the Datsun company in 1933 and in 1934 it would take on the name we all know today.
The first Datsun passenger car came off the assembly line in 1935 and pretty soon Nissan started exporting to Australia. In 1937 the Datsun Type 15 becomes the first mass-produced vehicle in Japan, which also comes in mini-pickup and delivery van form.
Ever expanding the production, Nissan decides to expand into the United States. This move from 1958 was made due to the American influence Nissan had thanks to its designer, William R. Gorham. The models exported to the US were 1200 Sedans with a 48 hp engine, a compact pickup with 37 hp which later became a top seller during the 50s.
By the time the 60s rolled in Nissan had already made a name for itself on both sides of the Pacific. Now, the company moves into another part of the market, starting to sell sport cars. At first, it would be the SPL 210, a narrow, high roadster had a folding soft top and a 48hp engine, soon upgraded to a 85hp version.
In 2002, the Z concept is resurrected with the 350Z, a sporty car that quickly wins over car enthusiasts but specialists as well. The ewly-formed SUV market will also be represented in the Nissan line-up with the Murano. Now, the boys over at Nissan seem to have a real hard point to make as they've released the GTR, a super-sporty car, the crowning jewel of Nissan motoring and engineering. |
