Innovation that excites. Since 1914.

Though the first Nissan – actually a Datsun – was produced  in 1914, the name Nissan itself didn’t truly debut until 1933 when founder Yoshisuke Aikawa listed the Nihon Sangyo Company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under the ticker name: NISSAN. In the 91 years since, the Nissan name has grown to be known in almost every corner of the Globe.

Nissan brought its first Datsun models (a 1000 cc car and truck) to the U.S. at the 1959 Los Angeles Auto Show. Over the years to keep up with growing global demand, Nissan started production in Mexico in 1966. Production in Australia and Taiwan followed, with the first American factory opening in Smyrna, Tennessee, in 1983.

In 1971, annual sales eclipsed 250,000 in the United States for the first time. also established itself on the track, as the now-legendary Datsun Nissan 510 and 240Z dominated racing on two continents. In 1973, the 1-Millionth Vehicle is sold in America. In 1979, Nissan Design America (NDA) was established in La Jolla, California, with a mandate to bring American style and concepts to Nissan vehicles. Over the years, NDA has brought us the original Altima®, the original Pathfinder®, the modular Pulsar NX, Xterra®

Learn More About Our History