Editing Nissan (section)

==History==

===Beginnings of Datsun brand name from 1914===
[[File:Datsun Model 11 Phaeton.JPG|thumb|right|[[Datsun Type 11]]]]

Masujiro Hashimoto ([[:ja:橋本増治郎|橋本増治郎]]) founded the {{nihongo|'''Kwaishinsha (Kaishinsha) Motor Car Works'''|快進社自働車工場|Kwaishinsha jidōsha kōjō|''A Good Company Automobile Manufacturer''}} on 1 July 1911 in [[Azabu|Azabu-Hiroo]] district of Tokyo. In 1914, the company produced its first car, called the [[Datsun|DAT]].<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto2"/>

The new car's model name was an [[acronym]] of the company's investors' [[surname]]s:
* {{nihongo|Kenjiro '''D'''en||''[[Den Kenjirō]]''}}
* {{nihongo|Rokuro '''A'''oyama||''Aoyama Rokurō''}}
* {{nihongo|Meitaro '''T'''akeuchi||''Takeuchi Meitarō''}}

It was renamed to '''Kaishinsha Motorcar Co., Ltd.''' in 1918, and again to '''DAT Jidosha & Co., Ltd.''' (DAT Motorcar Co.) in 1925. DAT Motors built trucks in addition to the DAT and Datsun passenger cars. The vast majority of its output were trucks, due to an almost non-existent consumer market for passenger cars at the time, and disaster recovery efforts as a result of the [[1923 Great Kantō earthquake]]. Beginning in 1918, the first DAT trucks were produced for the military market. At the same time, '''Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., Ltd.''' (jitsuyo means practical use or utility) produced small trucks using parts, and materials imported from the United States.<ref name="NISSANCORPORATEHISTORY">{{cite web |url=http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/COMPANY/PROFILE/HERITAGE/HISTORY/ |title=First half of the history of Nissan |publisher=Nissan-global.com |access-date=25 November 2011 |archive-date=6 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006171150/http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/COMPANY/PROFILE/HERITAGE/HISTORY/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{better source needed|date=April 2017}}

{{See also|Nissan Bluebird#Historic vehicles|label1=Historic vehicles}}

Commercial operations were placed on hold during [[Japan during World War I|Japan's participation in World War I]], and the company contributed to the war effort.

In 1926, the Tokyo-based DAT Motors merged with the [[Osaka]]-based {{nihongo|Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., Ltd|Jitsuyō Jidōsha Seizō Kabushiki-Gaisha}} a.k.a. '''Jitsuyo Jidosha Seizo''' (established 1919 as a [[Kubota Corporation|Kubota]] subsidiary) to become {{nihongo|'''DAT Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd.''' |ダット自動車製造株式会社| DAT Jidōsha Seizō Kabushiki-Gaisha}} in Osaka until 1932. From 1923 to 1925, the company produced light cars and trucks under the name of Lila.<ref>''The Complete Encyclopedia of Motorcars 1885 to the Present'' Edited by [[G. N. Georgano]]; 1968; E. P. Dutton and Company; New York, NY</ref> In 1929, DAT Automobile Manufacturing Inc. merged with a separated part of the manufacturing business of [[IHI Corporation]] to become Automobile Industries Co., Ltd.{{Clarify|reason=Confusing timeline and grammar/punctuation errors|date=December 2022}}

In 1931, DAT came out with a new smaller car, called the [[Datsun Type 11]], the first "Datson", meaning "Son of DAT". Later in 1933, after [[Nissan Group]] ''[[zaibatsu]]'' took control of DAT Motors, the last syllable of Datson was changed to "sun", because "son" also means "loss" in Japanese, hence the name {{nihongo|"[[Datsun]]"|ダットサン| Dattosan}}.<ref>Cusumano page 33</ref>

In 1933, the company name was [[Nipponized English terms|Nipponized]] to {{nihongo|'''Jidosha-Seizo Co., Ltd.'''||Jidōsha Seizō Kabushiki-Gaisha|"Automobile Manufacturing Share Company"}} and was moved to [[Yokohama]].

===Nissan name debut===
In 1928, [[Yoshisuke Aikawa]] (nickname: Gisuke/Guisuke Ayukawa) founded the [[holding company]] '''Nihon Sangyo''' (日本産業 Japan Industries or Nihon Industries). The name 'Nissan' originated during the 1930s as an abbreviation<ref>Cusumano pp 28</ref> used on the [[Tokyo Stock Exchange]] for '''Ni'''hon '''San'''gyo. This company was [[Nissan Group|Nissan]] "[[Zaibatsu]]" which included Tobata Casting and [[Hitachi, Ltd.|Hitachi]]. At this time Nissan controlled foundries and auto parts businesses, but Aikawa did not enter automobile manufacturing until 1933.<ref>Cusumano pp 28, 30, 33</ref>

The zaibatsu eventually grew to include 74 firms and became the fourth-largest in Japan during [[World War II]].<ref>Cusumano pp 28, 30</ref> In 1931, DAT Jidosha Seizo became affiliated with '''Tobata Casting''' and was merged into Tobata Casting in 1933. As Tobata Casting was a Nissan company, this was the beginning of Nissan's automobile manufacturing.<ref>Cusumano pp 30.</ref>

===Nissan Motor ===
In 1934, Aikawa separated the expanded automobile parts division of Tobata Casting and incorporated it as a new subsidiary, which he named {{nihongo|'''Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.'''|日産自動車|Nissan Jidōsha}}.<ref name="Odin, L.C. 1939">{{cite book |last=Odin |first=L.C. |title=World in Motion 1939, The whole of the year's automobile production |publisher=Belvedere Publishing |year=2015 |asin=B00ZLN91ZG}}</ref> The shareholders of the new company; however, were not enthusiastic about the prospects of the automobile in Japan, so Aikawa bought out all the Tobata Casting shareholders (using capital from Nihon Industries) in June 1934. At this time, Nissan Motor effectively became owned by [[Nissan Group|Nihon Sangyo and Hitachi]].<ref>Cusumano, page 37</ref>

In 1935, the construction of its Yokohama plant was completed. 44 Datsuns were shipped to Asia, Central and South America. In 1935, the first car manufactured by an [[Assembly line|integrated assembly system]] rolled off the line at the Yokohama plant.<ref name="NISSANCORPORATEHISTORY"/> Nissan built trucks, airplanes, and engines for the [[Imperial Japanese Army]]. In November 1937 Nissan moved its headquarters to [[Changchun|Xinjing]], the capital of [[Manchukuo]]. In December the company changed its name to [[Manchurian Industrial Development Company|Manchuria Heavy Industries Developing Co]] (MHID).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ebha-bhsj-paris.sciencesconf.org/6602|title=Manchurian Industrial Development: Companies and the Development of Manchuria under Occupation|publisher=EBHA-BHSJ Paris 2012|year=2012|access-date=15 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102024327/http://ebha-bhsj-paris.sciencesconf.org/6602|archive-date=2 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=Development and Management of Manchurian Economy under the Japan Empire |url=http://www.cirje.e.u-tokyo.ac.jp/research/dp/2013/2013cf899.pdf |first=Tetsuji |last=Okazaki |publisher=University of Tokyo |date=August 2013 |access-date=21 January 2017 |archive-date=2 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202002403/http://www.cirje.e.u-tokyo.ac.jp/research/dp/2013/2013cf899.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1940, the first knockdown kits were shipped to [[Dowa Automobile Company|Dowa Jidosha Kogyo (Dowa Automobile)]], one of MHID's companies, for assembly.<ref name="NISSANCORPORATEHISTORY"/> In 1944, the head office was moved to [[Nihonbashi|Nihonbashi, Tokyo]], and the company name was changed to Nissan Heavy Industries, Ltd., which the company kept through 1949.<ref name="NISSANCORPORATEHISTORY"/>

===American market and expansion===
[[File:Petersen Automotive Museum PA140052 (45229770615).jpg|thumb|The Graham-Paige based Nissan Model 70 sedan]]

DAT had inherited [[Kubota Corporation|Kubota]]'s chief designer, American engineer [[William Gorham (engineer)|William R. Gorham]]. This, along with Aikawa's 1908 visit to Detroit, was to greatly affect Nissan's future.<ref name="NISSANCORPORATEHISTORY"/><ref name="NISSANHISTORY">{{cite web |url=http://www.nissan-global.com/GCC/Japan/History/history/index-e.html |title=A Brief History of Nissan Motor Company |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509041413/http://www.nissan-global.com/GCC/Japan/History/history/index-e.html |archive-date=9 May 2017 |work=Nissan corporate website |access-date=29 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Although it had always been Aikawa's intention to use cutting-edge auto making technology from America, it was Gorham that carried out the plan. Most of the machinery and processes originally came from the United States. When Nissan started to assemble larger vehicles under the "Nissan" brand in 1937, much of the design plans and plant facilities were supplied by the [[Graham-Paige]] Company.<ref name="Odin, L.C. 1939"/> Nissan also had a Graham license under which passenger cars, buses, and trucks were made.<ref name="NISSANHISTORY"/>

In his 1986 book ''[[The Reckoning (1986 book)|The Reckoning]]'', [[David Halberstam]] states "In terms of technology, Gorham was the founder of the Nissan Motor Company" and that "young Nissan engineers who had never met him spoke of him as a god and could describe in detail his years at the company and his many inventions."<ref name=Halberstam>{{cite book|last1=Halberstam|first1=David|title=The Reckoning|url=https://archive.org/details/reckoning00halbrich|url-access=registration|date=1986|publisher=William Morrow & Co|isbn=0688048382|page=[https://archive.org/details/reckoning00halbrich/page/393 393]}}</ref>

===Austin Motor Company relations (1937–1960s)===
[[File:1938 Austin Seven Ruby Motor Centre, Gaydon.jpg|thumb|right|Austin Seven Ruby]]
[[File:1953 Nissan Labor Dispute.JPG|thumb|1953 Nissan labor dispute]]

From 1934, Datsun began to build [[Austin 7]]s under license. This operation became the greatest success of [[Austin Motor Company#1919–1939: Interwar success|Austin]]'s overseas licensing of its Seven and marked the beginning of Datsun's international success.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin History (1906-1952) |url=https://www.motor-car.net/austin/item/11908-austin-history-1906 |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=Motor Car History |language=en-gb}}</ref>

In 1952, Nissan entered into a legal agreement with Austin,<ref>Cususmano</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nissan-global.com/GCC/Japan/History/history/index-e.html |title=The Short History of Nissan Motor Company |publisher=Nissan-global.com |access-date=25 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130802090550/http://www.nissan-global.com/GCC/Japan/History/history/index-e.html |archive-date=2 August 2013 }}</ref> for Nissan to assemble 2,000 Austins from imported partially assembled sets and sell them in Japan under the Austin trademark. The agreement called for Nissan to make all Austin parts locally within three years, a goal Nissan met. Nissan produced and marketed Austins for seven years. The agreement also gave Nissan the rights to use Austin patents, which Nissan used in developing its own engines for its [[Datsun]] line of cars. In 1953, British-built Austins were assembled and sold, but by 1955, the [[Austin A50]] – completely built by Nissan and featuring a new 1489 cc engine — was on the market in Japan. Nissan produced 20,855 Austins from 1953 to 1959.<ref>Cusumano, pp 90–92</ref>

Nissan leveraged the Austin patents to further develop its own modern engine designs beyond what Austin's [[BMC A-Series engine|A-]] and [[BMC B-Series engine|B-family]] designs offered. The apex of the Austin-derived engines was the new design [[Nissan A engine|A series engine]] in 1966. In 1967, Nissan introduced its new highly advanced four-cylinder overhead cam (OHC) [[Nissan L engine]], which while similar to [[Mercedes-Benz]] OHC designs was a totally new engine designed by Nissan. This engine powered the new [[Datsun 510]], which gained Nissan respect in the worldwide [[sedan (car)|sedan]] market. Then, in 1969, Nissan introduced the [[Datsun 240Z]] sports car which used a six-cylinder variation of the [[Nissan L engine|L series]] engine, developed under Nissan Machinery (Nissan Koki Co., Ltd. [[:ja:日産工機|日産工機]]) in 1964, a former remnant of another auto manufacturer [[Tokyu Kogyo Kurogane|Kurogane]]. The [[Datsun 240Z|240Z]] was an immediate sensation and lifted Nissan to world-class status in the automobile market.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.motortrend.com/features/archive/112_9907_1970_datsun_240z/viewall.html |title=1970 Datsun 240Z – Motor Trend All Pages |date=July 1999 |publisher=Motortrend.com |access-date=25 February 2014 |archive-date=21 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221182053/http://www.motortrend.com/features/archive/112_9907_1970_datsun_240z/viewall.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During the [[Korean War]], Nissan was a major vehicle producer for the US Army.<ref name=MultinationMonitorOct1983>{{cite journal |journal=The Multinational Monitor |date=October 1983 |volume=4 |number=10 |title=Nissan: Portrait of a Global Giant, A first-hand account of Nissan's robot-dominated factory and the union that helped make Nissan the world's third-largest automaker |first=Tim |last=Shorrock |url=http://www.multinationalmonitor.org/hyper/issues/1983/10/nissan.html |access-date=20 July 2014 |archive-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802080519/https://www.multinationalmonitor.org/hyper/issues/1983/10/nissan.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After the Korean War ended, significant levels of anti-communist sentiment existed in Japan. The union that organized Nissan's workforce was strong and militant.<ref name=MultinationMonitorOct1983/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nissan-global.com/GCC/Japan/History/history/index-e.html |title=A brief history of Nissan Motor Company |publisher=Nissan |access-date=3 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111061851/http://www.nissan-global.com/GCC/Japan/History/history/index-e.html |archive-date=11 January 2015 }}</ref> Nissan was in financial difficulties, and when wage negotiations came, the company took a hard line. Workers were locked out, and several hundred were fired. The Japanese government and the US occupation forces arrested several union leaders.<ref name=MultinationMonitorOct1983/> The union ran out of strike funds and was defeated. A new labor union was formed,<ref>{{cite book |title=The Wages of Affluence: Labor and Management in Postwar Japan |first=Andrew |last=Gordon |page=84 |isbn=9780674007062 |year=2001|publisher=Harvard University Press }}</ref> with Shioji Ichiro one of its leaders. Ichiro had studied at [[Harvard University]] on a US government scholarship. He advanced an idea to trade wage cuts against saving 2,000 jobs.<ref name=Lohr>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/13/business/japanese-earned-labor-harmony.html?module=Search&mabReward=relbias%3Ar |title=Japanese Earned Labor Harmony |first=Steve |last=Lohr |newspaper=The New York Times |date=13 February 1982 |access-date=3 August 2014 |archive-date=17 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117014431/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/13/business/japanese-earned-labor-harmony.html?module=Search&mabReward=relbias:r |url-status=live }}</ref> Ichiro's idea was made part of a new union contract<ref name=Lohr/> that prioritized productivity. Between 1955 and 1973, Nissan "expanded rapidly on the basis of technical advances supported – and often suggested – by the union." Ichiro became president of the [[Confederation of Japan Automobile Workers' Unions]] and "the most influential figure in the right wing of the Japanese labor movement."<ref name=MultinationMonitorOct1983/>

===Merger with Prince Motor Company===
[[File:1966 Prince R380 01.jpg|thumb|right|210px|1966 [[Prince R380]] race car]]

In 1966, Nissan merged with the [[Prince Motor Company]], bringing more upmarket cars, including the [[Nissan Skyline|Skyline]] and [[Nissan Gloria|Gloria]], into its selection. The Prince name was eventually abandoned, and successive Skylines and Glorias bore the Nissan name. "Prince" was used at the Japanese Nissan dealership "[[Nissan Motor Company#Japan|Nissan Prince Shop]]" until 1999, when "Nissan Red Stage" replaced it. Nissan Red Stage itself has been replaced as of 2007. The Skyline lives on as the G Series of [[Infiniti]].

To capitalize on the renewed investment during [[1964 Summer Olympics]], Nissan established the gallery on the second and third floors of the San-ai building, located in [[Ginza, Tokyo]]. To attract visitors, Nissan started using beautiful female showroom attendants where Nissan held a competition to choose five candidates as the first class of Nissan Miss Fairladys, modeled after "Datsun Demonstrators" from the 1930s who introduced cars. The Fairlady name was used as a link to the popular Broadway play ''[[My Fair Lady]]'' of the era. Miss Fairladys became the marketers of the [[Datsun 1500, 1600, 2000 Roadster|Datsun Fairlady 1500]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/12/nissan-recalls-the-birth-of-miss-fairlady/ |title=Nissan recalls the birth of Miss Fairlady |website=Autoblog.com |date=12 August 2012 |access-date=10 August 2013 |archive-date=1 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701203843/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/12/nissan-recalls-the-birth-of-miss-fairlady/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vehiclepassion.com/2012/08/09/fair-lady-nissan%E2%80%99s-beautiful-showroom-models-video/ |title=Fair Lady: Nissan's beautiful showroom models |website=Vehiclepassion.com |date=9 August 2012 |access-date=10 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327034648/http://www.vehiclepassion.com/2012/08/09/fair-lady-nissan%e2%80%99s-beautiful-showroom-models-video/ |archive-date=27 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://reports.nissan-global.com/EN/?p=6299 |title=The Birth of Miss Fairlady |website=Reports.nissan-global.com |access-date=10 August 2013 |archive-date=3 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203143658/http://reports.nissan-global.com/EN/?p=6299 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In April 2008, 14 more Miss Fairlady candidates were added, for a total of 45 Nissan Miss Fairlady pageants (22 in Ginza, 8 in Sapporo, 7 in Nagoya, 7 in Fukuoka).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nissan-global.com/JP/NEWS/2008/_STORY/080530-01-j.html |title=2008年度日産ミスフェアレディ 新体制発表 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102095736/http://www.nissan-global.com/JP/NEWS/2008/_STORY/080530-01-j.html |archive-date=2 November 2013 |website=Nissan-global.com |date=30 May 2008 |access-date=10 August 2013 |language=ja |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In April 2012, 7 more Miss Fairlady candidates were added, for a total of 48 Nissan Miss Fairlady pageants (26 in Ginza, 8 in Sapporo, 7 in Nagoya, 7 in Fukuoka).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nissan-global.com/JP/NEWS/2012/_STORY/120521-01-j.html |title=2012年度日産ミスフェアレディ 新体制発表 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310204040/http://www.nissan-global.com/JP/NEWS/2012/_STORY/120521-01-j.html |archive-date=10 March 2013 |website=Nissan-global.com |date=21 May 2012 |access-date=10 August 2013 |language=ja |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In April 2013, 6 more Miss Fairlady candidates were added to Ginza showroom, for a total of 27 48th Ginza Nissan Miss Fairlady pageants.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nissan-global.com/JP/NEWS/2013/_STORY/130529-01-j.html |title=2013年度日産ミスフェアレディ 新体制発表 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102095740/http://www.nissan-global.com/JP/NEWS/2013/_STORY/130529-01-j.html |archive-date=2 November 2013 |website=Nissan-global.com |date=29 May 2013 |access-date=10 August 2013 |language=ja |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Expansion into foreign markets ===
[[File:1971 Datsun 240-Z coupe - green - fvl.jpg|thumb|1971 [[Datsun 240Z]] (US) in green metallic]]
[[File:1980 Datsun Pickup.jpg|thumb|right|1980 Datsun 720 2-door "King Cab" (US)]]

In the 1950s Nissan decided to expand into worldwide markets. Nissan management realized, that their Datsun small car line would fulfill an unmet need in markets such as Australia and the world's largest car market, the United States. Nissan first showcased the [[Datsun Bluebird#310/311/312 series|Datsun Bluebird]] at the 1958 [[Los Angeles Auto Show]].<ref name="NISSANCORPORATEHISTORY"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.datsunhistory.com/datsunhistory5.html |title=Datsun story 5 |publisher=Datsunhistory.com |access-date=25 February 2014 |archive-date=10 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410215915/http://www.datsunhistory.com/datsunhistory5.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Nissan had entered the Middle East market in 1957 when it sold its first car in Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nissan In The Middle East |url=http://www.nissan-me.com/en/web/header/header_7221.htm|publisher=Nissan Middle East |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223043459/http://www.nissan-me.com/en/web/header/header_7221.htm |archive-date= 23 Dec 2016 }}</ref> The company formed a US subsidiary, [[Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A.]], in Gardena, California<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/DOCUMENT/PDF/FF/2001/ff2001_04.pdf |title=Major Offices and Facilities <North America> |publisher=Nissan USA |date=31 March 2002 |access-date=30 October 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202005007/http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/DOCUMENT/PDF/FF/2001/ff2001_04.pdf |archive-date=2 February 2017 }}</ref> in 1960 headed by [[Yutaka Katayama]].<ref name="NISSANCORPORATEHISTORY" /> Nissan continued to improve the Sedan series with the latest technological advancements and chic Italianate styling for sporty cars such as the [[Datsun Fairlady]] roadsters, the race-winning [[Nissan Bluebird|411 series]], the [[Datsun 510]] and the [[Datsun 240Z]]. By 1970 Nissan had become one of the world's largest exporters of automobiles.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.autobild.es/coches/nissan/historia |title=Historia de la marca de coches Nissan |publisher=Autobild |date=24 May 2017 |language=Spanish |access-date=2021-12-12 |archive-date=23 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123111136/https://www.autobild.es/coches/nissan/historia |url-status=live }}</ref>  In 1970 Teocar was established, which was a Greek assembly plant created in cooperation with Theoharakis.<ref name="ΤΕΟΚΑΡ ΑΒΕΕ">{{cite web | url = http://news247.gr/eidiseis/weekend-edition/teokar_otan_oi_iapwnes_ypoklinotan_sthn_ellada.2863142.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190123030308/https://www.news247.gr/weekend-edition/teokar-otan-oi-iapones-ypoklinotan-stin-ellada.6278052.html | title = ΤΕΟΚΑΡ: Όταν οι Ιάπωνες "υποκλίνονταν" στην Ελλάδα | trans-title = TEOKAR: When the Japanese "kowtowed" to Greece | language = el | last = Donas | first = Dimitris | publisher = news247.gr | archive-date = 2019-01-23 | date = 2014-07-28 | access-date = 9 November 2014 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

Nissan Mexicana was established in the early-1960s and commenced manufacturing in 1966 at the [[Civac|Cuernavaca assembly facility]], making it Nissan's first North American assembly plant. In the wake of the [[1973 oil crisis]], consumers worldwide, especially in the lucrative US market, began turning to high-quality small economy cars. To meet the growing demand the new [[Nissan Sunny]], the company built new factories in Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, United States, and South Africa. The "[[Chicken Tax]]" of 1964 placed a 25 percent tax on commercial vans imported to the United States. Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corporation USA was established in 1980.<ref name="wsjtransit">{{cite news | title = To Outfox the Chicken Tax, Ford Strips Its Own Vans | newspaper = The Wall Street Journal | first = Matthew | last = Dolan | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB125357990638429655 | date = 23 September 2009 | access-date = 12 August 2017 | archive-date = 10 March 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220310044857/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB125357990638429655 | url-status = live }}</ref> Nissan, [[Toyota Motor Corp.]], and [[Honda|Honda Motor Co.]] began establishing manufacturing plants in the US in the early-1980s.<ref name="wsjtransit"/> Nissan's initial assembly plant [[Nissan Smyrna Assembly Plant|Smyrna assembly plant]] broke ground in 1980 and at first only built trucks such as the [[Datsun 720]] and the [[Nissan Hardbody Truck]], but has since expanded to produce several car and SUV lines, including the [[Nissan Altima]], the [[Nissan Maxima]], as well as the Rogue, Pathfinder, Infiniti QX60, and the [[Nissan Leaf]] [[all-electric car]]. The addition of mass-market automobiles was in response to the 1981 Voluntary Export Restraints imposed by the US Government. An engine plant in [[Decherd, Tennessee]] followed. Most recently a second assembly plant was established in [[Canton, Mississippi]].<ref name="ΤΕΟΚΑΡ ΑΒΕΕ"/>

[[File:1985 Nissan Cherry Europe 1.2 Front.jpg|thumb|(Alfa-Romeo built) 1985 Nissan Cherry Europe]]

By the early-1980s, Nissan Datsun had long been the best selling Japanese brand in Europe.<ref name=nouv>{{cite journal |journal=Le Moniteur de l'Automobile |page=28 |title=Lotus, R-R & Co |last=Fisher |first=Brian |location=Brussels, Belgium |language=fr |volume=34 |number=764 |date=10 March 1983 |ref=mon764 |publisher=Editions Auto-Magazine}}</ref> The Greek manufacturing plant itself was closed. A joint venture with Italy's then state-owned [[Alfa Romeo]] was also entered in 1980, leading to Italian production of the [[Nissan Cherry]] and an Alfa-badged and motorized version, the [[Alfa Romeo Arna]].<ref name=Arna>{{cite news |title=Alfa Venture |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SOdUAAAAIBAJ&pg=3673,3250718 |page=17 |publisher=The Age |date=22 September 1980 |access-date=19 August 2012 |archive-date=9 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809022908/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SOdUAAAAIBAJ&pg=3673,3250718 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2001 Nissan established a manufacturing plant in Brazil. In 2005 Nissan added operations in India, through its subsidiary [[Nissan Motor India Private Limited]].<ref name=nmipl-corp>{{cite web |url=http://www.nissan.in/en/web/header/header_4385.htm |title=Nissan – Corporate Information |publisher=Nissan.in |access-date=4 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829005503/http://www.nissan.in/en/web/header/header_4385.htm |archive-date=29 August 2012 }}</ref> With its global alliance partner [[Renault]], Nissan invested $990 million to set up a manufacturing facility in [[Chennai]], catering to the Indian market as well as a base for exports of small cars to Europe.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2010/_STORY/100317-01-e.html |title=The Renault-Nissan Alliance Inaugurates Plant in Chennai, India |publisher=Nissan |date=17 March 2010 |access-date=25 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102095645/http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2010/_STORY/100317-01-e.html |archive-date=2 November 2013 }}</ref><ref name=et-launch>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5019205.cms |title=Nissan launches 2 new cars in India |publisher=The Economic Times |date=16 September 2009 |access-date=4 December 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901144654/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5019205.cms |archive-date= 1 Sep 2010 }}</ref>

Nissan sold nearly 520,000 new vehicles in China in 2009 in a joint venture with [[Dongfeng Motor]]. To meet increased production targets, Dongfeng-Nissan expanded its production base in [[Guangzhou]], which would become Nissan's largest factory around the globe in terms of production capacity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chinaautoweb.com/2010/05/nissans-second-guangzhou-factory-breaks-ground/ |title=Nissan's Second Guangzhou Factory Breaks Ground |publisher=ChinaAutoWeb.com |access-date=21 May 2010 |archive-date=22 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722041233/http://chinaautoweb.com/2010/05/nissans-second-guangzhou-factory-breaks-ground/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nissan also has moved and expanded its Nissan Americas Inc. headquarters, moving from Los Angeles to Franklin, Tennessee in the Nashville area.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nissanusa.com/about/corporate-info |title=Nissan Corporate Info |publisher=Nissan USA |access-date=10 April 2016 |archive-date=29 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729205419/https://www.nissanusa.com/about/corporate-info |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the United States, Nissan has been increasing its reliance on sales to daily-rental companies like [[Enterprise Rent-A-Car]] or [[The Hertz Corporation|Hertz]]. In 2016, Nissan's rental sales jumped 37% and in 2017 Nissan became the only major automaker to boost rental sales when the [[Detroit Three]] cut back less profitable deliveries to daily-rental companies, which traditionally are the biggest customers of domestic automakers.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Colias|first1=Mike|last2=Roberts|first2=Adrienne|title=U.S. Auto Sales Fall as Fewer Vehicles Go to Rental Chains|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/us-auto-sales-fall-as-fewer-vehicles-go-to-rental-chains/ar-BBDFq8G|access-date=5 July 2017|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=3 July 2017|archive-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707103014/http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/us-auto-sales-fall-as-fewer-vehicles-go-to-rental-chains/ar-BBDFq8G|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Project 901 ===
Project 901 was an initiative in the mid-1980s, and it represented a desire for Nissan to offer technologically advanced cars by 1990. Known by various names such as P901 Activity, 901 Activity, 901 Plan, 901 Operation, and Project 901, the project began under the leadership of Nissan President Yutaka Kume (1985–1992).

Project 901 was initiated in early 1985 in response to the growing demand for new, technically advanced cars from all Japanese manufacturers. With a market share of around 25% then, Nissan saw a decline to less than 20%, prompting the company to address its shortcomings. Under the banner of 'Aiming to be the world's best in technology by the 1990s,' the plan focused on the technological development of chassis, engines, suspensions, handling, design, and quality improvements for all car models to be introduced before 1990.<ref name="Project901">{{cite web |last1=Hagiwara |first1=Fumihiro |title=Glory once again! The current location of famous cars born in the Nissan 901 movement |url=https://bestcarweb.jp/usedcar/256595 |website=Best Car Web |date=7 March 2021 |publisher=KODANSHA BC Ltd. |access-date=16 May 2024 |archive-date=16 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516213521/https://bestcarweb.jp/usedcar/256595 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Nissan History">{{cite web |title=Manufacturing has given birth to many stories |url=https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/HERITAGE/STORIES/ |website=Nissan Motor Corporation |access-date=16 May 2024 |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526171748/https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/HERITAGE/STORIES/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Alliance with Renault===
{{further|Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance}}In 1999, facing severe financial difficulties, Nissan entered an alliance with [[Renault]] of France.<ref name=":0" /> In June 2001, Renault executive [[Carlos Ghosn]] was named chief executive officer of Nissan. In May 2005, Ghosn was named president of Nissan's partner company Renault. He was appointed president and CEO of Renault on 6 May 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/management-et-gouvernance/comite-de-direction/pages/carlos-ghosn.aspx|title=Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and Chief Executive Office|publisher=Renault|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-date=21 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121070655/http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/management-et-gouvernance/comite-de-direction/pages/carlos-ghosn.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

Under CEO Ghosn's "Nissan Revival Plan" (NRP), the company has rebounded in what many leading economists consider to be one of the most spectacular corporate turnarounds in history, catapulting Nissan to record profits and a dramatic revitalization of both its Nissan and [[Infiniti]] model line-ups.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Magee|first=David|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Sh4EpoQO1dcC&q=Nissan+Revival+Plan|title=Turnaround: How Carlos Ghosn Rescued Nissan|date=2003-01-07|publisher=Harper Collins|isbn=978-0-06-051485-3|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Inoue|first=Takashi|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bshUDwAAQBAJ&dq=Nissan+Revival+Plan+turnaround&pg=PT255|title=Public Relations in Hyper-globalization: Essential Relationship Management - A Japan Perspective|date=2018-04-09|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-351-67962-6|language=en}}</ref> Ghosn has been recognized in Japan for the company's turnaround in the midst of an [[Lost Decade (Japan)|ailing Japanese economy]]. Ghosn and the Nissan turnaround were featured in Japanese [[manga]] and popular culture. His achievements in revitalizing Nissan were noted by the Japanese government, which awarded him the [[Medals of Honour (Japan)|Japan Medal with Blue Ribbon]] in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|title=平成16年春の褒章受章者名簿|url=http://www.meti.go.jp/kohosys/press/0005190/0/040428hosho.pdf|website=[[Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry|METI]]|language=ja}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

On 1 April 2017, Ghosn stepped down as CEO of Nissan, while remaining chairman of the company. He was replaced as CEO by his then-deputy [[Hiroto Saikawa]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/22/business/nissan-executive-carlos-ghosn.html |title=Carlos Ghosn, Executive Who Revived Nissan, Will Step Aside |work=The New York Times |date=22 February 2017 |access-date=13 March 2017 |archive-date=14 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314200557/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/22/business/nissan-executive-carlos-ghosn.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 19 November 2018, Ghosn was fired as chairman following his arrest for the alleged under-reporting of his income to Japanese financial authorities.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidkiley5/2018/11/19/legendary-ceo-carlos-ghosn-arrested/#5147bfd51130|title=Legendary CEO Carlos Ghosn Arrested, Forced Out Of Nissan|last=Kiley|first=David|work=Forbes|access-date=2018-11-19|language=en|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119184942/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidkiley5/2018/11/19/legendary-ceo-carlos-ghosn-arrested/#5147bfd51130|url-status=live}}</ref> After 108 days in detention, Ghosn was released on bail, but after 29 days he was again detained on new charges (4 April 2019). He had been due to hold a news conference, but instead, his lawyers released a video of Ghosn alleging this 2018-19 Nissan scandal is itself evidence of value destruction and Nissan corporate mismanagement.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqmL8UV5dE4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/BqmL8UV5dE4| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Carlos Ghosn's Video Message|work=Nikkei Asian Review|access-date=12 April 2019|language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-19|title=A year after his shocking arrest, Carlos Ghosn is out to prove Nissan conspiracy|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2019-11-19/carlos-ghosn-nissan-conspiracy|access-date=2020-09-15|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107074834/https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2019-11-19/carlos-ghosn-nissan-conspiracy|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2019, Saikawa resigned as CEO, following allegations of improper payments received by him.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dooley|first=Ben|date=2019-09-09|title=Nissan Takes Another Hit as C.E.O. Hiroto Saikawa Leaves|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/09/business/nissan-ceo-hiroto-saikawa.html|access-date=2020-09-15|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930222432/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/09/business/nissan-ceo-hiroto-saikawa.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Yasuhiro Yamauchi was appointed as acting CEO.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190909/p2g/00m/0bu/082000c|title=Nissan CEO Saikawa to quit Sept. 16 in face of overpaid compensation|work=The Mainichi|date=9 September 2019|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=8 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008234849/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190909/p2g/00m/0bu/082000c|url-status=dead}}</ref> In October 2019, the company appointed Makoto Uchida as its next CEO.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/release-559fc70b5698d6bfc3e1aeda3705d6d1-191008-02-e|title=Nissan appoints new top leadership|publisher=Nissan|date=8 October 2019|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=8 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008233347/https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/release-559fc70b5698d6bfc3e1aeda3705d6d1-191008-02-e|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 December 2019, Uchida became CEO.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.autonews.com/executives/nissans-new-ceo-rolling-his-sleeves-us-market |title=Nissan's new CEO is rolling up his sleeves on U.S. market |work=Automotive News |location=US |date=6 January 2020 |access-date=31 May 2020 |archive-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804170324/https://www.autonews.com/executives/nissans-new-ceo-rolling-his-sleeves-us-market |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2023, Renault said it intended to transfer almost 30% of its controlling stake in Nissan to a French trust (pending approval by both companies), reducing its shares with voting rights to a minority 15% and, in doing so, matching Nissan shares in Renault to gain equal voting rights. The shareholding and voting ratio of both companies is set to be fixed in the future. The agreement also included Nissan investing in Ampere (a proposed Renault subsidiary for electric cars) and projects in various markets.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nissan, Renault move toward alliance rejig, to make statement -sources |url= https://www.euronews.com/next/2023/01/30/nissan-renault |date=30 January 2023 |access-date=30 January 2023 |work=Euronews}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Statement |url=https://media.alliancernm.com/statement//?lang=eng |access-date=31 January 2023 |date=30 January 2023 |publisher=Alliance |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130111254/https://media.alliancernm.com/statement//?lang=eng |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2023, both companies approved the going-ahead for the shareholding changes. Final details and regulatory clearances for the transaction were set to be completed by the first quarter of 2023 and it would be done by the fourth quarter. The companies also approved joint projects and Nissan's Ampere investment.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance open a new chapter for their partnership |url=https://media.renaultgroup.com/renault-nissan-mitsubishi-alliance-open-a-new-chapter-for-their-partnership/?lang=eng |access-date=6 February 2023 |date=6 February 2023 |publisher=Renault |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206122128/https://media.renaultgroup.com/renault-nissan-mitsubishi-alliance-open-a-new-chapter-for-their-partnership/?lang=eng |url-status=live }}</ref> The share transfer was completed in November 2023.<ref name=share/>

=== Financial difficulties ===

Starting in late-July 2019, Nissan laid off 12,500 employees over three years, citing a 95% year on year net income fall. Hiroto Saikawa, CEO at the time, confirmed the majority of those cuts would be plant workers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Timothy B. |title=Nissan plans 12,500 layoffs after operating profits fall 98% |url=https://arstechnica.com/cars/2019/07/nissan-plans-12500-layoffs-after-operating-profits-fall-98-percent/ |website=ars Technica |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=25 July 2019 |archive-date=31 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731181414/https://arstechnica.com/cars/2019/07/nissan-plans-12500-layoffs-after-operating-profits-fall-98-percent/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In May 2020, Nissan cut production capacity by 20% due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. In mid-2020, the company shut down factories in Indonesia and Spain, and exited the South Korean car market.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Banerji|first=Sumant|date=2020-05-28|title=Nissan shuts down factories in Indonesia and Barcelona; India under scrutiny|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/auto/nissan-shuts-down-factories-in-indonesia-and-barcelona-india-under-scrutiny/story/405255.html|access-date=2020-05-29|website=www.businesstoday.in|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605044353/https://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/auto/nissan-shuts-down-factories-in-indonesia-and-barcelona-india-under-scrutiny/story/405255.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Pham|first=Sherisse|date=2020-05-28|title=Nissan to cut production capacity by 20% after suffering worst year since 2009|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/28/business/nissan-earnings-covid-intl-hnk/index.html|access-date=2020-05-29|website=CNN|archive-date=29 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529054331/https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/28/business/nissan-earnings-covid-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Nissan pulled out of South Korea by December due to worsening business environment amidst the pandemic and the [[2019 boycott of Japanese products in South Korea]].<ref>{{cite news|date=2020-05-29|title=Nissan, Infiniti pulling out of Korea|work=The Korea Times|location=Korea|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2020/09/419_290335.html|access-date=1 August 2020|archive-date=11 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011105450/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2020/09/419_290335.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Service centers were managed to provide after-sales services such as vehicle quality assurance and parts management for eight years.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=46627 |title=Nissan to Withdraw from Korean Market after 16 Years of Operation |first=Michael |last=Herh |work=Business Korea |location=Korea |date=2020-05-29 |access-date=2022-04-13 |archive-date=13 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613214458/http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=46627 |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2020, Nissan reported a $421 million loss in the last quarter due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the scandal concerning Ghosn.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kageyama|first=Yuri|date=2020-11-12|title=Nissan posts loss amid pandemic and financial scandal|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-40080734.html|access-date=2020-11-12|website=Irish Examiner|language=en|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112184042/https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-40080734.html|url-status=live}}</ref> According to a spokesperson of Nissan North America, the company had suffered from a strategy of "volume at any cost", which has been attributed by analysts to Ghosn.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Boudette|first=Neal E.|title=The roots of Nissan's rapid decline|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/autos/sns-nyt-nissan-rapid-decline-20200115-mmiqicy3r5ag3i6sesxdjhmqea-story.html|access-date=2021-08-04|website=chicagotribune.com|date=15 January 2020|archive-date=4 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804122736/https://www.chicagotribune.com/autos/sns-nyt-nissan-rapid-decline-20200115-mmiqicy3r5ag3i6sesxdjhmqea-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2024, Nissan created an emergency turnaround plan which saw it cut its annual operating profit forecast by 70% to 150 billion yen ($975 million), marking its second downward revision after a 17% cut earlier in the year.<ref name="Inagaki">{{Cite news |last1=Inagaki |first1=Kana |last2=Dempsey |first2=Harry |date=2024-11-07 |title=Nissan cuts 9,000 jobs and halves CEO's pay as it sinks to a loss |url=https://www.ft.com/content/dad04e10-c634-4d1e-9d4d-fb44ce7cf46b |access-date=2024-11-07 |work=Financial Times}}</ref> Nissan also planned to cut 9,000 jobs and cut global production capacity by 20%.<ref name="Inagaki"/> Around this time, a Nissan executive told the Financial Times that, unless there is a major turnaround, Nissan will cease to exist in "12 to 14 months".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Inagaki |first=Kana |last2=Dempsey |first2=Harry |last3=White |first3=Sarah |last4=Keohane |first4=David |date=2024-11-26 |title=Nissan seeks anchor investor to help it through make-or-break 12 months |url=https://www.ft.com/content/970897c4-6d61-44f8-ae39-327c7c64e2c9 |access-date=2025-04-25 |work=Financial Times}}</ref>

===Attempted merger with Honda===
On 23 December 2024, Nissan officially announced an MOU had been entered to merge with fellow Japanese automaker [[Honda]] to become the 3rd largest auto company by sales. [[Mitsubishi Motors]], in which Nissan has 24% ownership, also agreed to join the talks of integration.<ref>{{Cite web | date=2024-12-23 |title=Honda and Nissan officially begin merger talks to create world's third-largest automaker |work=CNBC |language=en |url=https://cnbc.com/2024/12/23/honda-and-nissan-merger-talks.html |access-date=2024-12-23 |archive-date=2024-12-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223105115/https://cnbc.com/2024/12/23/honda-and-nissan-merger-talks.html/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nissan and Honda Begin Merger Talks for 2025 |first=Mason |last=Brooks |website=Dashscroll |url=https://dashscroll.com/nissan-and-honda-begin-merger-talks/ |date=2024-12-18 |access-date=2025-01-06 |location=Romania}}</ref>

In February 2025, Honda and Nissan announced that their boards had voted to end talks to merge. Nissan reportedly backed out of the talks with larger rival Honda after negotiations were complicated by growing differences, including Honda’s proposal that Nissan become a subsidiary.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honda, Nissan end merger talks, scuttling $60bn deal |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/13/honda-nissan-end-merger-talks-scuttling-60bn-deal |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>

In March 2025, Nissan announced that Chief Planning Officer Ivan Espinosa would take over as chief executive officer from 1 April 2025, and Uchida would be stepping down amid mounting pressure due to the company’s declining earnings and the collapse of merger talks with Honda.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reid |first=Lim Hui Jie,Jenni |date=2025-03-11 |title=Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida to step down on April 1, planning officer Espinosa named successor |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/11/nissan-ceo-makoto-uchida-to-step-down-on-april-1.html |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release|date=2025-03-11 |title=Nissan appoints new leadership: CEO and senior management changes announced|url=https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/250311-00-e|access-date=2025-03-14|publisher=nissannews|location=Yokohama, Japan}}</ref>