Foundation: 1911
Headquarters: Yokohama
CEO: Makoto Uchida
Executive Summary: Nissan Motor Company is one of Japan’s premier automotive manufacturers and is part of an international alliance that includes Renault of France and Mitsubishi Motors of Japan. Nissan has been at the forefront of electric vehicle development.
Founded in 1911 by Masujiro Hashimoto as Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works, Nissan’s first car, the DAT, was produced in 1914. The company was renamed DAT Jidosha & Co., Ltd. in 1925, focusing primarily on truck production due to low car demand. In 1926, it merged with Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., Ltd. to form DAT Jidosha Seizo Co., which then merged with Tobata Casting Co., established by Yoshisuke Aikawa under Nihon Sangyo, in 1933 to become Nissan Motor Corporation. During World War II, Nissan contributed significantly to the war effort by manufacturing vehicles, engines, and aircraft for the military.
After the war, Nissan began collaborating with various international carmakers like Austin Motor Company. During the Korean War, Nissan supplied vehicles to the U.S. military but faced domestic labor issues due to anti-communist sentiment, leading to strikes and worker lockouts. Eventually, a compromise was reached with wage cuts to preserve jobs, and with the support of its workforce, Nissan expanded.
Nissan made its mark in the U.S. market by showcasing cars at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 1958 and establishing a U.S. subsidiary in 1960. In 1966, Nissan absorbed Prince Motor Company, adding luxury vehicles to its portfolio. The following year, they introduced the Nissan L engine, gaining international recognition.
Global expansion continued with a plant in England by 1986, which by 2007 was producing over 400,000 vehicles annually. From 1992 to 2002, Nissan partnered with Ford to produce the Mercury Villager and Nissan Quest minivans. After this partnership, Nissan independently released a new Quest in 2004.
Facing financial challenges in 1999, Nissan formed an alliance with Renault, which now holds a 44.3% stake in Nissan, while Nissan owns 15% of Renault. In 2016, Mitsubishi Motors joined this alliance, sharing technology and development costs. Nissan is renowned for its advancements in safety, fuel efficiency, and alternative powertrains, particularly with the Nissan Leaf, an electric vehicle. Its annual revenue is in the range of US$110 billion.
