10 Facts About Nissan: The Story Behind The Vehicles
Nissan is one of the best-known names in the automotive world. From its early beginnings in Japan to its strong presence in the UK market, Nissan has consistently delivered vehicles that impress drivers and critics alike.
Nissan is a name synonymous with innovation, reliability, and cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry, but how much do you know about the popular Japanese manufacturer? Here are 10 fun facts about Nissan that many people - including drivers who own Nissan cars - may not know about the popular brand.
1 - Nearly a century of success
The company that is now known as Nissan was founded in 1933. It originates from Yokohama, the second largest city in Japan, where it began mass producing vehicles in 1935. Today, the plant produces approximately 470,000 vehicles per year.
2 - Nissan wasn’t always the name
Nissan was initially founded under the name Jidosha-Seizo Co. It was only one year after being founded, in 1934, that the name was changed to Nissan Motor Co - the name that is now seen on roads all over the world.
3 - A global presence
Nissan has a strong global presence, with manufacturing facilities in over 20 countries and Nissan dealerships in more than 160 countries. This includes a large manufacturing plant in the United Kingdom, which is situated in Sunderland.
4 - Millions manufactured in the UK
The Nissan manufacturing plant in Sunderland opened in 1986 and is one of the most productive car plants in Europe. It has produced over 10 million vehicles to date, including popular models like the best-selling Nissan Qashqai, Nissan Juke, and all-electric Nissan LEAF.
5 - Last year, Nissan invested even more in UK manufacturing
In November 2023, Nissan announced a £2 billion plan to increase its UK manufacturing capacities for its electric vehicles. The plan included construction of a new major battery plant known as a gigafactory.
6 - Leading in electric
The Nissan Leaf, launched in 2010, was one of the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicles. It has sold over 500,000 units globally and remains one of the best-selling electric cars, making zero-emissions driving accessible to many.
7 - Pioneering the Crossover
It’s not just in the EV market that Nissan has made a name for itself. The Nissan Qashqai, launched in 2007, is credited as a pioneer of the crossover SUV segment. Combining the practicality of an SUV with the efficiency of a hatchback, it quickly became a bestseller and remains one of the UK’s favourite vehicles.
8 - Eco-friendly objectives
As well as being one of the manufacturers to bring all-electric vehicles to a mass audience, the brand has even bigger plans when it comes to sustainability. Nissan is dedicated to providing a more eco-friendly future, aiming for carbon neutrality across its operations and the lifecycle of its products by 2050. This commitment is reflected in its extensive range of electric vehicles and eco-friendly technologies.
9 - Innovative behind the scenes
It’s not only in its vehicles that Nissan uses top-of-the-line technology. The brand’s innovative nature extends to its manufacturing plants, where it employs innovative manufacturing techniques and uses cutting-edge robotics and AI to improve efficiency and quality in production.
10 - A car of culture
Nissan has made significant cultural contributions, appearing in numerous films, television shows, and video games. Iconic models like the GT-R and the 350Z have featured prominently in the "Fast and Furious" franchise, cementing their status as cultural icons.