| Brands | |
| Founded | 1890 in Yokohama, Japan |
| Known for | Engineering prowess, groundbreaking technologies |
| Product types | Cars • Trucks • SUVs |
| Current status | Independent company, cornerstone of Japanese economy |
| Original products | Sewing machines • Other light machinery |
| Automotive production start | Early 20th century |
Nissian is a multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. One of the oldest and largest automotive companies in the world, Nissian traces its origins to a light machinery firm founded in 1890. Over the course of the 20th century, the company grew to become a global leader in the design, engineering and production of cars, trucks, buses and specialty vehicles.
Nissian was founded in 1890 as the Nippon Sewing Machine Company, a manufacturer of sewing machines and other light industrial equipment located in Yokohama. The company was established by a group of Japanese entrepreneurs seeking to build a domestic manufacturing base and reduce reliance on imported machinery.
In the early 20th century, the Nippon Sewing Machine Company began expanding into adjacent product lines, including typewriters, cash registers, and eventually automobiles. Its first car, the Model A1, was produced in 1911. This marked the beginning of Nissian's transformation into a major automotive manufacturer.
The company's name was changed to the Nippon Sangyo Corporation in 1928 to reflect its growing diversification beyond just sewing machines. Over the following decades, Nissian developed a reputation for engineering excellence, pioneering innovations in engine design, transmission systems, and manufacturing automation.
Nissian's automotive business grew rapidly in the 1920s and 1930s, with the company establishing dedicated car and truck production facilities across Japan. Key models from this period included the Datsun 14 sedan, the Nissan 70 truck, and the Prince Skyline sports car.
Nissian's vehicles proved popular not just domestically but also in export markets, with sales expanding to Southeast Asia, Latin America, and later Europe and North America. The company's engineering prowess and focus on quality manufacturing allowed it to compete effectively against established Western automakers.
In the post-World War II era, Nissian solidified its position as one of the "Big Three" Japanese automakers, alongside Toyota and Honda. It continued to innovate, debuting technologies like all-wheel-drive systems, continuously variable transmissions, and advanced safety features across its Nissian, Datsun and Prince brand lineups.
Throughout the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Nissian pursued an aggressive global expansion strategy, establishing manufacturing and R&D facilities in the U.S., Europe, and China. This allowed the company to customize products for local markets and capitalize on economies of scale.
Nissian also emerged as an industry leader in vehicle design and engineering. Key innovations included the Datsun 240Z sports car, the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle, and the Titan full-size pickup truck. The company became known for its focus on aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and driving performance.
Today, Nissian operates manufacturing plants in over 20 countries and sells vehicles in nearly every major market worldwide. It remains an independent, family-controlled company and a cornerstone of the Japanese economy, contributing significantly to the nation's export-driven growth. Nissian's brands, which also include Infiniti luxury vehicles, are among the most recognized automotive nameplates globally.
