Nissan Lovers 

The Origins: DAT and Datsun

• 1911: Masujiro Hashimoto starts Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works in Tokyo.

• 1914: The company introduces the DAT car, named after the initials of its primary investors' surnames (Den, Aoyama, and Takeuchi).

• 1931: Tobata Casting acquires the business and introduces a smaller car named Datson ("son of DAT"), which is later changed to Datsun.

• 1933: Entrepreneur Yoshisuke Aikawa merges operations under Wikipedia's early corporate umbrella, formally establishing Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. 

Global Expansion and the Datsun Era

• 1958: Nissan enters the U.S. market, showcasing vehicles like the Datsun 1200 sedan and compact trucks.

• 1960s–1970s: The brand gains massive global traction with iconic affordable cars and sports models, including the legendary Datsun 510 and the 240Z sports car. 

• 1981: Nissan makes the strategic decision to phase out the Datsun name globally, unifying all vehicles under the Nissan brand name to strengthen corporate identity. 

• 1983: Production officially begins in North America with a manufacturing plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. 

Modern Era and Electric Innovation

• 1999: Facing heavy financial struggles, Nissan forms a powerful alliance with French automaker Renault, led by turnaround architect Carlos Ghosn. 

• 2010: Nissan pioneers modern mass-market electric mobility by launching the all-electric Nissan LEAF. 

• Present Day: The brand expands its electrified footprint with modern crossovers, SUVs like the Ariya, and advanced driver-assist technologies.