Nissan
Japanese automaker, part of Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance since 1999.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. It sells vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands, and formerly the Datsun brand, with in-house performance tuning products under Nismo and Autech. The company traces back to the early 20th century with the Nissan zaibatsu. Since 1999, Nissan has been part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance, and as of November 2023, Renault holds a 15% voting stake in Nissan, while Nissan holds a 15% stake in Renault. In 2017, Nissan was the sixth largest automaker in the world, and in 2022 it was the ninth largest by revenue.
- field
- Automobile manufacturing
- nationality
- Japanese
- headquarters
- Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- known_for
- Nissan, Infiniti, Datsun brands; part of Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance
- key_historical_figure
- Yoshisuke Aikawa
Lore & Background
American engineer William R. Gorham, who had worked for Kubota, became chief designer and greatly influenced Nissan's technology, with machinery and processes originally from the United States.
Reader's Guide
Nissan's significance lies in its evolution from a small Tokyo carmaker into a global automotive powerhouse, shaped by early American engineering influence and later by strategic alliances. The company's early adoption of licensed Austin technology allowed it to develop competitive engines, culminating in the Datsun 240Z, which established Nissan as a serious player in the world market. Its participation in the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance since 1999 has been a defining feature of its modern era, though the alliance has seen shifts in ownership stakes, including Nissan reducing its stake in Mitsubishi Motors from 34% to 24% in November 2024. The company's history reflects broader trends in Japanese industrialization and global automotive competition.
Did You Know?
- The name 'Datsun' originally was 'Datson' (son of DAT), but was changed because 'son' means 'loss' in Japanese.
- American engineer William R. Gorham, who designed for Kubota, became chief designer at DAT and was called 'the founder of the Nissan Motor Company' by David Halberstam.
- In November 2024, Nissan reduced its controlling stake in Mitsubishi Motors from 34% to 24%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nissan?
Nissan is a Japanese multinational carmaker that builds vehicles under the Nissan, Infiniti, and formerly Datsun names. Its corporate headquarters sits in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
What is the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance?
It is a cross-shareholding partnership created in 1999 that ties Nissan, Renault, and Mitsubishi together as strategic partners. As of November 2023, Renault owns a 15% voting stake in Nissan while Nissan holds a matching 15% in Renault.
What in-house performance tuning arms does Nissan operate?
Nissan runs two internal tuning divisions: Nismo, which focuses on track-ready performance parts, and Autech, which leans toward refined, luxury-oriented upgrades.
How large is Nissan on the global stage?
In 2017 Nissan ranked as the sixth-largest automaker in the world by volume. It continues to compete globally through its multi-brand lineup and its position within the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance.
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