Nissan: A information to every thing you must know

Nissan is a well-established title within the Australian market, servicing quite a lot of automotive segments and providing sturdy alternate options to among the gross sales heavy-hitters like Toyota and Mitsubishi.

Although the model has had a presence in Australia for the reason that Nineteen Thirties it wasn’t till the Sixties that Nissan – and Datsun – gained a foothold within the native market with a neighborhood manufacturing program. Since then it’s change into a prime vendor, with a number of iconic nameplates serving the Australian market throughout a number of generations.

The Patrol particularly, a big four-wheel drive SUV, is an instance of what helped Nissan to its standing in the present day, whereas automobiles just like the Qashqai and X-Path stay sturdy choices within the trendy market.

It’s additionally managed to safe success in motorsports each in Australia and abroad, boosting its popularity and cementing the legendary standing of sports activities automobiles just like the Skyline GT-R and 240Z.

Nissan is at present concerned in a strategic alliance with Renault and Mitsubishi, working to develop electrical car (EV) tech and develop new variations of its present fashions just like the Navara ute.

In-house tech developments embody superior hybrid tech within the type of e-Energy, utilised in particular variations of the Qashqai and X-Path, alongside the EV tech it pioneered with the mass-market launch of the Leaf 14 years in the past.

Interested by the place the model got here from, what it sells, and why it was referred to as Datsun? Right here’s every thing you must learn about Nissan, considered one of Japan’s largest automakers.

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What’s Nissan?

Although it didn’t begin as Nissan, the corporate that kicked issues off was based as Kwaishinsha Motor Automotive Works in 1911 by mechanical engineer Masujiro Hashimoto in Tokyo, Japan.

The Kwaishinsha Motor Automotive Works firm started its automotive journey in 1914, when it launched its first automobile – the DAT 31. The title was taken from the initials of the surnames of the corporate’s three main traders.

In 1918, the Kwaishinsha firm commissioned a brand new manufacturing facility in Japan and formally turned the DAT Motor Car Firm. It then started producing DAT army vans, although business operations had been placed on maintain as the corporate contributed to Japan’s efforts within the First World Battle.

After producing mild automobiles and vans within the early Twenties, DAT Motors merged with one other Japanese firm and moved its base to Osaka in 1926. In 1931 it launched the Sort 11, which had the nickname ‘son of DAT’ and subsequently wore the Datson title.

The title was quickly adjusted to Datsun, because the phrase “son” may also imply “loss” in Japanese. The Datsun title was first used on the Datsun 10 in 1932.

Individually, Japanese entrepreneur Yoshisuke Aikawa based the holding firm Nihon Sangyo in 1928. It was from that firm the Nissan title emerged, derived from its ‘NiSan’ abbreviation used on the Tokyo Inventory Change.

The Nissan firm, a conglomerate that owned different firms like Hitachi, took management of DAT Motors in 1933, after which it was moved to town of Yokohama. The Nissan Motor Firm was established in the identical yr regardless of issues over a scarcity of demand for passenger automobiles in Japan.

In 1934, the primary Datsun (produced by Nissan) arrived in Australia within the type of the Sort 12, in any other case often called the Phaeton. It supplied a 750cc water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine mated with a three-speed handbook, providing a most energy output of 9kW.

The development of Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Yokohama was completed in 1935, with 44 Datsuns subsequently shipped to Asia, and Central and South America. The primary automobile carrying the Nissan title – the 70 – was launched in 1937, constructed with tools bought from the US which meant it had similarities with comparable Fords and Chevrolets.

Within the late Nineteen Thirties, Nissan constructed vans, planes, and engines for the Japanese Military, and in 1937 moved its headquarters to Xinjing in what’s now China. It once more supported the Japanese battle effort all through the Second World Battle, although its head workplace was moved again to Tokyo in 1944.

Manufacturing resumed following the battle, however not earlier than Nissan developed its Tama electrical automobile in response to world oil shortages in 1947. With an all-electric drivetrain, the Tama was stated to be able to travelling just below 100km on a cost.

The Yokohama plant started producing automobiles once more in 1952, manufacturing a model of the Austin A40. Nissan entered a authorized settlement with Austin in 1952, underneath which it produced greater than 20,000 Austins for the Japanese market till 1959.

Nissan benefitted from the settlement and leveraged a number of engine designs from Austin, which had been utilised in Datsun fashions within the Sixties. Most notable was the 240Z sports activities automobile, which was launched in 1969 and shortly boosted Nissan’s popularity with its fascinating standing.

1966 additionally noticed Nissan’s merger with the Japanese Prince Motor Firm, which introduced with it extra upmarket automobiles just like the Skyline and Gloria.

Within the early Sixties, Australian industrialist Lawrence Hartnett turned conscious of the model and was impressed by the Datsun Bluebird P310. That then prompted him to safe Australian distribution rights for the mannequin, which led to the meeting of 20,000 Bluebirds yearly for the Australian market from 1966.

These fashions had been produced at a manufacturing facility in Sydney from 1966, the identical yr Nissan Motor Firm Australia was established. Such developments adopted the arrival of the four-wheel drive Patrol, which went on sale in Australia in 1960.

Nissan opened its Australian headquarters in Dandenong, Victoria in 1977. Manufacturing started in Clayton in the identical yr with the Datsun 200B, adopted by Nissan’s choice to part out the Datsun title worldwide in 1983.

Subsequent Australian-produced fashions bearing the Nissan title included the Gazelle (a rebadged Silvia) and Pulsar, adopted by the Skyline and Pintara in 1986. Nissan’s Australian manufacturing resulted in 1992 after figures had fallen from greater than 50,000 to lower than 36,000.

Nissan’s motorsports pedigree in Australia had been rising since 1958 with the Datsun 210’s class win within the 16,000km Australian Mobilgas Trial endurance race, although it correctly stamped its title within the historical past books in 1991.

The R32 Skyline GT-R, colloquially often called Godzilla, turned the primary Japanese automobile to win the Bathurst 1000 in 1991 by the hands of Jim Richards and Mark Skaife, a feat it repeated in 1992.

Nissan additionally received the Australian Touring Automotive Championship in each years, and stays the one a number of winner at Bathurst apart from Holden and Ford.

The model returned to the V8 Supercars sequence in 2013, following adjustments to eligibility guidelines permitting Kelly Racing to enter automobiles primarily based on the Nissan Altima. The workforce was in a position to rating a podium on the 2014 Bathurst 1000 and three race wins earlier than the Altima was retired on the finish of 2019.

That very same yr was the fiftieth anniversary of the GT-R, commemorated with a particular version of the long-lasting GT-R R35. Nissan can be a outstanding competitor within the FIA Formulation E sequence, which it joined within the 2018/19 season.

In 1999, Nissan entered a partnership with Renault amidst monetary difficulties. Mitsubishi joined the settlement in 2016 as Nissan acquired a 34 per cent controlling stake within the firm, whereas Nissan, Mitsubishi and Honda are at present in a partnership to develop electrical autos (EVs).

The 2000s had been a decade of change for Nissan. It launched a few of its present best-sellers just like the X-Path and Qashqai in 2001 and 2007 respectively, whereas the long-standing Silvia sports activities coupe met its finish in 2002.

It launched its 350Z sports activities automobile in 2003, adopted by the 370Z in 2009. The R35 GT-R, which is now reaching the tip of its life, additionally broke cowl in 2007.

Nissan is dedicated to growing electrical expertise, kicked off in 2010 by the world’s first mass-market EV; the Leaf.

It has a sequence of latest autos on the best way, particularly the next-generation Patrol and Navara, the latter of which will likely be developed at the side of the Mitsubishi Triton.

In 2023, Nissan was ranked the eighth largest producer globally with 3,374,271 models produced. It at present operates amenities in 5 continents, together with Japan, China, Malaysia, the USA, South Africa, and Spain.

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Which manufacturers is Nissan competing towards?

Nissan is competing with a variety of manufacturers on account of its diversified lineup, with key rivals being established manufacturers like Toyota, Mitsubishi, Mazda, and Volkswagen.

Toyota is the best-aligned rival Nissan has, with a good portion of every lineup competing straight.

The C-HR and Corolla Cross go up towards the Juke and Qashqai respectively, although the C-HR is dearer than the Juke. The C-HR outsold the Juke by greater than 4000 models in 2023, whereas round 1000 extra Corolla Cross models had been offered over the Qashqai.

Mid-sized SUVs just like the RAV4 and X-Path are additionally sturdy opponents, whereas the LandCruiser and Patrol are long-standing rivals with loads of similarities. Toyota has the higher hand in gross sales by a major margin for each fashions.

Toyota’s HiLux ute additionally dominates the Navara in gross sales, whereas the pair even have sports activities automobiles that may go toe-to-toe within the type of the Supra and Z respectively.

Mitsubishi can examine the X-Path with the Outlander given they share their underpinnings, whereas additionally competing with the Navara with its Triton – although the latter pair will share a platform for his or her subsequent technology.

Mazda’s smaller SUVs just like the CX-3 and CX-30 are well-aligned with the Juke and Qashqai, although Mazda proved to be a stronger vendor than Nissan in that class final yr.

The German model’s Amarok is just like the Navara too, even when Nissan’s providing is outdated by comparability.

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What are you able to at present purchase from Nissan?

Nissan’s vary isn’t the most important of the producers in Australia, however it covers quite a lot of automobiles from smaller EVs, totally different SUVs, utes, and even a high-performance sports activities automobile.

Nissan’s Australian line-up is as follows:

All costs are earlier than on-road prices. Click on on the automobile’s title to be taken to its touchdown web page on our web site.

All fashions besides the Leaf are nonetheless in manufacturing, because it’s set to get replaced by the electrical Ariya SUV in Australia. An arrival date for that automobile isn’t but recognized, however you’ll be able to nonetheless get your arms on a Leaf till inventory runs out.

You additionally haven’t been in a position to purchase a brand new GT-R right here since 2021, as adjustments to the Australian Design Guidelines (ADRs) introduced stricter facet influence requirements the legendary sports activities automobile couldn’t meet.

There’s nonetheless loads of selection when you’re available in the market for a brand new Nissan.

The smallest automobile in Nissan’s lineup is the Juke, which is powered by a 1.0-litre turbo four-cylinder mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automated.

Different automobiles within the lineup utilising solely a petroleum engine embody the Pathfinder (3.5-litre V6), Patrol (5.6-litre V8), and Z (3.0-litre twin-turbo V6). The Qashqai and X-Path have the choice of four-cylinder petrol engines, although you’ll be able to go for Nissan’s e-Energy hybrid system as nicely.

The one diesel powertrain at present out there is discovered within the Navara, which is obtainable with a pair of two.3-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines. The bottom mannequin has a single-turbo with 120kW and 403Nm, different variants have a twin-turbo setup with 140kW and 450Nm.

The Patrol and Navara additionally provide harder Warrior variants, that are modified by Australian firm Premcar for the Australian market solely.

There’s a new Patrol coming that was just lately revealed, and we detailed the adjustments right here.

Equally, there’s a new Navara on the best way for Australia in 2026, which is doubtlessly set to tackle plug-in hybrid variations of the Ford Ranger and the hybrid BYD Shark by utilizing Mitsubishi tech.

All in favour of a Nissan? CarExpert’s specialists can assist you discover a deal.

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How common is Nissan in Australia?

Nissan delivered 39,376 models in 2023, rating it twelfth on the Australian VFACTS gross sales charts.

It ranks behind the likes of Isuzu (45,341), Mitsubishi (63,511), Subaru (46,116), and Volkswagen (43,821), whereas additionally nicely behind Mazda and Toyota which delivered greater than 100,000 and 200,000 models in 2023 respectively.

Nissan’s highest-selling mannequin is the X-Path, of which 12,861 models had been delivered. It’s adopted by the Navara, Patrol, and Qashqai, all of which ranked within the 5000- to 10,000-unit bracket.

Its lowest-selling SUV is at present the Juke, which had 1256 models delivered in 2023. The Z, as a dearer two-seat efficiency automobile, offered 449 models.

Nissan’s Pathfinder, considered one of its largest automobiles, solely had 1401 deliveries in 2023, nicely behind the Patrol.

Right here’s a breakdown of how Nissan ranked on gross sales in 2023:

Nissan has to this point delivered 31,593 models in 2024, up 32.1 per cent on the identical time final yr. In August the model delivered 3376 models; a 20.2 per cent lower on August 2023.

As compared, Mitsubishi has loved sturdy gross sales to this point this yr and has shifted 50,868 models as of the tip of August. Its numbers are up on the identical time final yr, although the identical can’t be stated for Mazda.

Whereas it’s nonetheless nicely away from Nissan’s figures, Mazda has to this point delivered 65,286 models in a 2.8 per cent lower on the identical time final yr. Its month-to-month determine for August can be down 2.3 per cent, although it nonetheless ranks extremely on the VFACTS charts.

None are matching Toyota although, because the model has delivered 165,496 models to the tip of August this yr. That’s up 23.7 per cent on the identical time final yr, although its August month-to-month determine is down by 3.7 per cent.

Nissan admitted in 2023 an Australian market share “beneath 4 [per cent]” isn’t the place it needed to be.

It outlined a purpose to seize a six per cent share of the market, however as of August 2024 it sits at 3.8 per cent.

Manufacturers with a share better than six per cent embody Mitsubishi, Kia, Mazda, Ford, and Toyota, the latter of which holds a 19.2 per cent share.

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What’s subsequent for Nissan?

Nissan isn’t one of many manufacturers planning an EV onslaught in Australia, however there are just a few fashions anticipated to make their approach right here in early 2026.

The model has beforehand confirmed a one-tonne pickup will arrive right here by fiscal yr 2026, which ends on March 31, 2026. It’s additionally been confirmed the subsequent Navara will likely be in-built collaboration with Mitsubishi, and will likely be out there with electrical or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) energy abroad.

Nissan will produce the next-gen mannequin in Mexico, and provide it with PHEV energy in North America. That might make the Navara a world ute, as the present D23 mannequin isn’t supplied in North America.

The Y63 Patrol was additionally unveiled within the Center East earlier this month. It’s aimed squarely on the Toyota LandCruiser, and is predicted to be out there to order in Australia in late 2026 forward of deliveries in 2027.

Variations from the present Patrol are headlined by the elimination of a V8 instead of a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6.

When it confirmed its new one-tonne ute, Nissan additionally stated a brand new “C crossover EV” could be becoming a member of the lineup in early 2026.

It’s unclear whether or not that automobile could be the Ariya EV SUV or an electrical successor to the Qashqai, as each are known as C-segment crossovers abroad.

The Ariya was revealed in manufacturing guise in 2020. Whereas it’s been confirmed for Australia, it’s unclear when it’ll arrive.

It’s supplied abroad with a selection of 63kWh and 87kWh batteries and single-motor front-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive, whereas a hotter Nismo model was revealed earlier this yr.

Nissan can be persevering with work on its “Nissan Clever Mobility” program, which includes clever driver help tech that will likely be rolled out in its latest fashions.

Driver help tech in this system consists of further-developed variations of emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, shifting object detection forward and behind a car, and clever cruise management.

It additionally consists of an “Clever Energy” facet, which is utilised in Nissan’s EVs to spice up “driving pleasure by way of energy that can be clear and environment friendly”. It covers programs together with one-pedal driving, as seen within the e-Pedal operate on the present Leaf.

Nissan’s e-Energy hybrid system additionally falls underneath the clever mobility umbrella.

All in favour of a Nissan? CarExpert’s specialists can assist you discover a deal.

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