Nissan's history is a successful history of mergers, acquisitions, acquisitions and collaborations that a small Japanese firm went through before growing to the largest auto concern with a worldwide reputation.
Today Nissan is one of the world's top 10 automakers, with mixed success fights with Honda for the second position (the first is the undisputed leader of Toyota) among Japanese car makers. The corporation has 43 car manufacturing plants built in Japan, the USA, Russia, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America (20 countries in total). In its structure, there are 11 research departments, 7 design studios. Representative offices of Nissan operate in more than 160 countries of the world. IN global system the giant employs over 180 thousand people.
Nissan plant in St. Petersburg
The birth of the company
The history of the creation of the Nissan company dates back to 1914, when one of the first Japanese cars was designed by Kwaishinsha. passenger cars - two-cylinder "DAT". Starting in the mid-1920s, American manufacturers began to develop the Japanese market. In 1926, the firm merged with Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., Ltd., which assembled cars with the help of the Americans using their assembly technology. The new company was named DAT Jidosha Seizo.
The DAT had a 10 hp two-cylinder engine. The name of the car has become meaningful - because in Japanese the word "DAT" means "agile, lively"
Five years later, industrial tycoon Yoshisuke Aikawa, who owns the Tobata Casting Steel Works, creates a large industrial group, Nihon Sangyo.
Yoshisuke Aikawa is the first president of Nissan
The holding included about 130 enterprises, including the DAT plant Jidosya Seizo. The enterprise started production of the Datsun passenger car (“sun” means “sun”, the Japanese national symbol).
Datsun 14 Model, 1938
By Aikawa's decision, on December 26, 1933, the firms and divisions of Nihon Sangyo related to the manufacture of automobiles were merged into one company - Jidosha Seizo Kabushiki Kaisha, with headquarters in Yokohama.
In May 1934, Aikawa, as president of the company, changes its name to Nissan motor Co., Ltd., by the first letters "Nihon Sangyo". This is how the Nissan story began.
The first decades
Nissan's homeland, Yokohama, becomes the site of the company's first plant to produce Datsun models. The plant installs presses that replace manual labor in the preparation of metal sheets. Productivity and quality of products noticeably grow and in 1937 the ten thousandth car leaves the walls of the plant.
During the war years, the plant carried out military orders from the Japanese government: it produced trucks for the army, aircraft engines.
Only in 1947, the enterprise that survived the bombing was able to re-produce cars... They are Datsun models, which in various modifications produced until 1983.
Datsun Deluxe Sedan DB2, 1950
1950s
In the 50s, characterized by the emergence and implementation of new technologies in the automotive industry, history nissan began a new stage. The first car from the family of all-wheel drive SUVs Patrol is produced, which has become legendary in the Nissan lineup. The model, which has gone through a large number of modifications, is still being produced. The manufacturer has constantly improved the vehicle's cross-country ability, its power and comfort in the cabin. The 2018 Patrol is already equipped with a 405 hp engine, has a huge ground clearance (275 mm) and all the comfortable conditions for the driver and passengers.
1968 Nissan Patrol
In 1958, the first Datsuns began to be sold in America, factories were opened abroad. Under the leadership of the new president, Murayama, the company manages to bypass the main competitor in Japan, Toyota.
1960s
In the 60s, the company is gaining momentum. The construction of new factories continues: 7 enterprises were commissioned over the decade, two of them abroad.
Confidently occupying the second line in the list of the best automakers in Japan, Nissan is among the leaders in export to the United States, actively advancing to the European and African markets.
During this period, the history of the brand was replenished with the release of popular models: the small bestseller Sunny, the landmark Skyline and mass machine sports class Datsun 240Z.
1966 Nissan Sunny 1000 Deluxe
1969 Skyline 2000GT-R
1972 Datsun 240Z
1970..80th
The attention that Nissan engineers have always placed on the economy and safety of their vehicles was rewarded in the 70s when the energy crisis hit consumers' wallets and the finances of automakers hard. The Nissan Sunny model was recognized in the United States as a leader in its environmental friendliness and gasoline costs, sales were successfully accompanied by the advertising slogan "Datsun keeps". The popularity of the car was overwhelming, which had a positive impact on the history of the Nissan brand.
In the mid-70s, the corporation became the world leader in the number of cars sold, and in 1977 the 20 millionth car manufactured by the corporation was sold.
In the next decade, the company continues to expand in the most important foreign markets: factories are opened in Australia and Europe. On the North American continent in the state of Tennessee, a large plant is being built with 8.8 thousand jobs.
Since 1983, the history of the brand takes on a new stage: the corporation begins to produce all its cars with the well-known Nissan logo today. The only exception was the pickup.
In 1987 and 1989, Nissan became the winner of the Car of the Year competition in Japan, and the export of cars of the corporation reaches 20 million copies.
21 century
In the early 2000s, the concern begins production of hybrid cars and electric vehicles. Moving to new, still underdeveloped markets, the company in 2009 creates its first plant in Russia.
Since 2010, the corporation has put into mass production an electric vehicle called the Leaf. To this day, it is the most realizable in this class.
2010 Nissan Leaf
In 2011, the firm's headquarters moved from Tokyo to Nissan's hometown of Yokohama.
Nissan headquarters in Yokohama
In 2014, after a slight decline, sales increased in the main markets of the US and China. They increased by 14% and 21%, respectively. The automaker has provided buyers with new models such as X-Trail, Qashqai - all on the platform common systems Module designed by the Renault-Nissan alliance.
Nissan x-trail 2014 model year
Nissan Qashqai ‘2014
Development of the Russian market
Implementation of Nissan models in Russia began in 1983. In 2009, the line was put into operation at its own plant, built near St. Petersburg. Investments amounted to over $ 300 million. The company manufactures Murano, Teana and X-Trail models. In 2012, it is recognized as the best in terms of product quality among all plants of the concern.
Nissan Murano '2012
In 2013, the company began to rebuild the IzhAvto plant. Then began production of the sedan Sentra, from March - hatchback Tiida... But due to low demand, the assembly of both models has stopped.
Since July 2014 at AvtoVAZ, the Renault-Nissan alliance has started serial production of the renewed datsun brand on the Kalina / Granta platform. The declared volume of investments was $ 23 million.
Datsun '2014
AvtoVAZ under the leadership of the concern produces updated sedan Almera on the Renault Logan platform. But production will stop in October. Nissan will focus all its attention on crossovers produced under St. Petersburg.
"Russified" Almera Classic
Affiliated companies
Japan is a small country, but the competition among automakers is very high here. In an effort to increase profits, they all try to advance in overseas markets. Nissan is no exception. The firm has factories, branches and subsidiaries located in 20 countries.
In the USA alone, the corporation has established 4 subsidiaries. Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corp., founded in 1980, is strategically important. This company began producing the popular Altima (Bluebird) in 1992.
1993 Nissan Altima
It was in the States that a subsidiary of the Infiniti Division was created in 1989 to produce a premium car.
Infiniti was officially unveiled in the US on November 8, 1989. However, work on the project has been carried out since 1985 by a specially created top-secret group. The name was carefully chosen, hinting at the word "Infinity" - "infinity" or "infinity". The Infiniti sign is designed as an oval with a triangular top inside, symbolizing the road to infinity.
Nissan wanted to move away from the image of a manufacturer capable of making only middle-class cars that no longer suited discerning American buyers. The new brand should be targeted at high net worth buyers.
This is how legendary model Q45: luxuriously trimmed with 4.5 engine and 280 hp. from. The car was received with a bang by American consumers. Over a million Infiniti premium cars have been sold to date.
2006 Infiniti Q45
Nowadays, the modern generations of Infiniti are already well known to customers not only in the USA, but also in the markets in Asia, the Middle East, and the CIS countries. The lineup of this brand includes both crossovers and SUVs, as well as electric vehicles.
Globalization strategy
Nissan's history is replete with examples of mutually beneficial mergers with other firms. Thus, in 1950, the company bought a stake in Minsei Diesel Motor Co., Ltd., which gave it the opportunity to enter foreign markets with its models. The collaboration led to the development of the Patrol SUV.
Nissan Patrol, 1960
The merger with Prince Motors and the purchase of the factory owned by its president, Murayama, brought to market in 1966 the Skyline model previously produced by Prince Motor under the name Horizon.
In the late 90s, Nissan accumulated a lot of debt - almost $ 40 billion. The corporation was forced to enter into an alliance with french Renault... In 1999, the French bought 40% of Nissan shares. The Renault-Nissan Alliance immediately raised the sales of both companies. Already in 1999, about 4 million cars were produced.
In 2000, the alliance announces the formation of an international global corporation - Global Nissan.
Two years later, Nissan increased its stake in Renault to 15%, and the French firm in Nissan to 44.4%.
Both auto giants have benefited from the merger: the Nissan-Renault alliance has now reached the third place in terms of sales in the world.
The positions of the alliance were even stronger after the acquisition by Nissan in 2016 of 34% of the corporation's shares Mitsubishi Motors, which became the third full member of the transnational automobile union.
Development prospects
Today the lineup Nissan Motor has over 60 different car models. In the entire history of the company, over 100 models have been produced.
In 2016, Nissan alone sold 5.6 million cars. Number of sales renault-Nissan alliance amounted to 8.51 million cars, which brought it to the 3rd place in the world (after Volkswagen and Toyota).
Nissan is among the top three manufacturers ecological cars... The brainchild of Nissan, the LEAF electric car is the world leader in this class. Since the beginning of the release, 283 thousand copies have been sold.
Plans and presentations
Introduced September 2017 of the year Nissan electric car Leaf new generation is equipped with modern ProPilot technology, which can control the car, as well as the ProPilot Park system, which can park a car on its own. With the new battery, the car will move without recharging for almost 380 km.
Nissan Leaf '2017
The second generation Infiniti QX50 crossover at the beginning of 2018 is equipped with a number of improvements, the main of which is a high-tech engine. Its capacity is 268 liters. with., which is noticeably more than its predecessor (222 hp), with less gasoline consumption by a third.
Infiniti QX50 '2018
At the 2018 International Exhibition, Nissan presented B2V technology developed by its scientific centers and allows you to control the machine with the power of thought. It is the first system in the world capable of interpreting signals from the brain of drivers.
Nissan continues to develop autonomous driving technologies that allow the driver to stay away from the steering wheel and keep their eyes off the road. The firm has already tested more vehicles with this system than any other manufacturer.
So the slogan "Nissan. Innovation that delights. " - fully meets the company's activities.
Company's mission
The company strives for the perfection of its products, and by improving, making them the best in the world. The purpose of Nissan's mission is to satisfy the interests of those people who want to stand out, appreciate and love original design and style, technological excellence and quality.
For Russia, Nissan Qashqai 2017 is one of the most popular cars, it has established itself as high quality, affordable price... A manufacturer who wants to conquer the market and make their machines more affordable always strives to organize production in the territory of the country that is actively purchasing goods. Nissan is no exception. So where are the 2017 cars made?
Plant creation history
Until 2008, Nissan was not produced in Russia, cars were brought from abroad, but in 2009 their own production appeared - Nissan Manufacturing Rus. The plant is located near St. Petersburg.
Production is under strict control of the Japanese concern: the quality is monitored, new batches of machines are regularly tested.
However, on the territory of Russia, Qashqai with the Russian assembly is not a monopoly. You can buy a car assembled in another place: this variety is explained by the fact that the capacity of the St. Petersburg plant is not enough, demand exceeds supply. If you wish, you can find a car assembled in Japan, but its cost will be much higher, since you have to pay customs duty upon import.
Countries where Nissan is produced
The question of where Nissan Qashqai is assembled interests many buyers, since it is believed that the quality of the car directly depends on this. However, it is worth noting that the models produced in Russia are in no way inferior in quality to Japanese ones.
Nissan made in the Russian Federation make up only 35% of the total number of cars of this model sold in the Russian markets. Production is established in the following countries: Japan, England, Russia. In addition to the company plant, Qashqai is assembled at the AvtoVAZ factories.
Two modifications are available for the Russian market, both have gas engine, the volume of one is 1.6 liters, the second is 2.0 liters. You can choose a version with the usual mechanical box gears or a modern variator. The CVT model appeared in 2016.
Is there a difference in quality?
Made in three countries, does the assembly differ in quality depending on where the production is located? The concern closely monitors its subsidiaries and factories where assembly is carried out. The Japanese regularly test each batch, check for defects.
Nissan, whose image is well known all over the world, is demanding about quality, so you can buy any car. Russian ones will be cheaper, since you don't have to clear them through customs.
Among Russian car enthusiasts, cars of the Nissan concern are among the most popular and favorite. Significant influence on potential buyers rendered high Japanese quality and affordable cost for vehicles. Russia is the leader in sales of Nissan cars. The most demanded and purchased models from us are: Almera, Zhuk, X-Trail and Qashqai. But, among all these vehicles, most of all people prefer the latest crossover. Therefore, true fans of this model are interested in where Nissan Qashqai is assembled for the domestic market. Good news for our compatriots will be the fact that this model is assembled in our homeland.
In 2009, the Japanese opened the Nissan Manufacturing Rus plant near St. Petersburg. Only 35% of the products are produced here, the rest of the cars are brought to our market from abroad. Our company produces roomy, four-wheel drive and comfortable crossovers that are perfect for both family vacations and off-road trips. According to Euro NCAP tests, this "Japanese" got a fairly high score. This was another reason for the popularity of the car. The Japanese have done everything possible to keep this car model in the lead.
What other countries are producing "Japanese"?
In the domestic market, Nissan Qashqai is sold not only of Russian assembly. Buyers can buy a "purebred" crossover, of course, it will cost many times more due to customs margins. But this fact does not stop buyers, and they are ready to pay big money for a car that is ideal for use in our conditions. So, where else is Nissan Qashqai produced, let's figure it out.
Earlier we said that the St. Petersburg enterprise produces only 35% of this model of cars, the remaining 65% are delivered to us from other countries:
- Great Britain (city of Sunderland)
- Japan.
In addition to the Nissan Manufacturing Rus plant, there is another enterprise in the Russian Federation that is engaged in the production of the Qashqai crossover - this is AvtoVAZ. Here, cars are assembled after the merger of Nissan with the French concern Renault. Apparently, Russian fans japanese brand a large selection of cars is offered. Everyone will be able to buy a Nissan Qashqai of Russian, Japanese and English assembly. True, buyers can only purchase a crossover with a gasoline power unit... It can be a car with a 1.6-liter or 2.0-liter engine. Power point works with a pair, both with a manual gearbox and a variator.
Build quality
The most important plus of Nissan Qashqai is its high and competent build quality. The owners claim that this car meets all the necessary Japanese production standards. Although the manufacturer used plastic for finishing the car, the material turned out to be of sufficient quality. Even after a long time after operation, drivers will not hear extraneous sounds and unpleasant squeaks. It doesn't matter where Nissan Qashqai is produced, each car is reliable and comfortable. The owners are very satisfied with the car with a variator, which they produce japanese company CVT. A car with this type of gearbox is easy enough to drive and during long-term operation the transmission does not fail.
The only thing that you can pick on is the inconvenient location of such interior parts as: the glove compartment, power window buttons and seat heating buttons. But, for some, this is not a disadvantage, it is rather a subjective disadvantage, and not a general one. Crossover Nissan Qashqai went through a lot, but despite all this, he overcame all the obstacles and retained the status of a leader in his class. Still the highest quality assembly is English. Since 2007, more than two million British-made crossovers have been purchased worldwide. After restyling, this car model has become much lighter. This has been achieved through the use of practical parts and materials. We are supplied to the market with a car only with a gasoline engine, and in the European market they sell hybrid and diesel crossovers Nissan Qashqai.
In 2001, a new excellent representative of the crossover segment appeared on our market. It was then that the Japanese concern Nissan launched mass production of the compact SUV Nissan X-Trail. Subsequently, the car was restyled twice - in 2007 and 2010. Now our customers are provided with a model with a large grille, LED head optics and wide bumpers. In the cabin you will find only modern gadgets, comfortable seating and cosiness throughout the trip.
Buy this crossover usually self-sufficient people who like to travel on vacation with their family or a large company. And what is the main thing for such a person? Naturally, security. This factor is directly affected by the build quality. Therefore, let's look at where the Nissan X-Trail is assembled for our market and for other countries of the world.
There are only three factories where Nissan X-Trail is made worldwide. One of them is located in the UK in the city of Sunderland. They produce models for the markets of the old world. To us in car showrooms such specimens practically do not get, which is regrettable. After all, the British are distinguished by their scrupulousness and hard work.
Further, the Nissan X-Trail is assembled directly in Japan. There are several factories located in different provinces of the country. Until 2009, only crossovers of this assembly fell into our market. There were practically no complaints about them. The craftsmen did excellent undercarriage, great body and comfortable salon... Although, the driver's ears suffered a little, because it is impossible to call a Japanese-assembled car quiet.
The third person who assembles the Nissan X-Trail is a plant in Russia.
As already mentioned, copies of the Nissan X-Trail of Russian and Japanese assembly... We have already talked about the Japanese production in detail, therefore, we will proceed to the Russian one.
Since 2009, a Nissan plant has been built in St. Petersburg. Since then, more than 35% of all nissan models X-Trail entering our market. The crossover of our production has not lost its popularity after our masters began to make it.
This can be judged by the fact that from the huge rating of paretniks provided to our consumer, Nissan X-Trail has been occupying not the last places for many years. Russian craftsmen continued the trend of producing the 4 by 4. The model practically did not lose either in assembly quality, or in its beauty and practicality. It is worth mentioning that our craftsmen make the interior of the car more refined and improved than the Japanese.
Our consumers only benefited from the fact that the crossover was assembled in Russia. After all, the car has become more affordable. Thanks to the Russian assembly, the model has been replenished with a number of smart technologies and touches that will make the driver's life much easier.
Unfortunately, after the first copies came out russian Nissan X-Trail, a crossover has lost some of its customers. They very, very unreasonably believe that our assembly is worse than the Japanese one. In general, we told you where the Nissan X-Trail is assembled, and it is up to you to choose the work of domestic masters or Japanese thoroughbreds.
The Nissan Corporation has an extremely respectful attitude to the Russian market, which is read in practically unchanged prices for the main model range in conditions of inflation and the growth of the foreign exchange rate in the country. Today, one of the most popular budget sedans is the Nissan Almera, a car that was recently developed specifically for Russia. We remember the past generations of Almera, but they were completely different. Today, a completely different car is available to a buyer in Russia, which is based on new simple technologies, efficient design features. The car looks quite adequately as a family or work sedan for different tasks... The car can perform the tasks of both a simple budget transport and a representative of the middle class for difficult long-distance trips.
The new generation Nissan Almera has ceased to be a simple budget car. We are talking about quite progressive technologies under the hood and the good quality of the car. The question of where the Nissan Almera is collected is more and more worried russian buyer... This question can be removed if we remember that in such a form as in Russia, Almera is sold only in some CIS countries. From this we can conclude that Almera new generation was produced not only for Russia, but also directly in Russia. However, the build quality of the car in our country turned out to be quite high, this car will not cause any criticism in terms of the layout. In addition, all major units are supplied from Japan, and only assembly is performed in our factory.
Distribution of Nissan factories and Almera assembly site
Today the corporation is actively working to expand its geography. We are talking about the creation of units with a full-fledged production of cars. The company is especially interested in areas not too occupied by other Japanese manufacturers. In terms of profit and turnover, the corporation takes second place in Japan, huge dividends are given to the company by placing factories in those countries where there is no high wages. However, the company monitors the quality of car assembly, performing this task quite efficiently. Among the main divisions of the corporation are factories in Japan, Great Britain, the USA, Mexico, South Africa and Russia. These are the main concerns. As for the features of the Russian assembly of Almera, the following features can be distinguished:
- production of the model was launched in Togliatti, AvtoVAZ together with Nissan prepared a new line for assembling the car;
- the quality of the plastic suffered greatly for the sake of the low cost of the car; the car received not too expensive interior finishing materials;
- interior noise insulation also received no signs expensive car, when driving to Almera, you can hear everything that happens with the wheels and the engine;
- the car received good quality seats, very interesting design dashboard, fairly high-quality body metal;
- welding and painting of the body are also carried out with high quality, the buyer has no complaints about these processes;
- almera's special design for Russia was created specifically in the Teana style of the previous generation, the car personifies high cost and chic.
It should be noted that the company made a lot of investments for the construction of a new production line, received many problems to legalize this activity, but went through all the difficulties quite boldly, having implemented the Russian assembly Nissan almera... Many professional driverswho have been to a test drive of the car, say that russian assembly here it has not been felt for a long time. The car is completely reliable, of high quality and has excellent opportunities for a successful trip on any road.
Almera Specifications and Performance
Great car on 15- and 16-inch wheels, quite a comfortable ride and good design of all elements. This is what the person who first sat behind the wheel of the Almera will say, if before that he drove old domestic cars... But once you get behind the wheel of a Nissan with new ToyotaLet's say the feel and nature of your feedback changes dramatically. Hard plastics, uncertain position on the road, a lot of factory defects, which are already visible on the first trip. As you can see, the Nissan Almera can be versatile. The machine does have a number of problems, but its advantages outweigh the disadvantages:
- a large enough cabin can accommodate five passengers without any difficulties;
- engines of 1.5 and 2 liters produce 109 and 133 horses, which is quite enough for a dynamic trip;
- conventional 5-speed mechanics and a new generation CVT are quite adequate options for boxes;
- the car got a lot important advantages in the details of the suspension, as well as the implementation of the brake system;
- no the latest technologies there is no Nissan Almera on board, but there is enough traditional Japanese technology;
- technically, there can be no claims to the car at all, especially with an eye to the cost in the showrooms.
Interestingly, in reviews and on test drives, the car is undergoing a real reformation. First, the driver finds himself in a budget environment that looks too gray and uninteresting, and at the end of the test drive he begins to admire the convenience and thoughtfulness of the car. The fact is that it is wrong to talk about the development of a new generation Nissan Almera specifically for Russia. In Japan, since 2007, Sunny has been produced in exactly the same form and with a similar technique. Having updated Sunny for Japan, the corporation transferred the old development to AvtoVAZ for the assembly of a domestic budget car with the image of a foreign car. However, this project expected quite predictable success.
Complete set prices and other subtleties of sales Nissan Almera
Cars with great potential can become real leaders in their class, but for the Nissan Almera, this goal is almost unattainable. The car became popular, but surpass all representatives budget segment just impossible. Let's start with the fact that the sedan can hardly be called compact, it is more likely to enter the transition from B to C segment and cannot fully compete with this Hyundai solaris... However, there is no need for competition for this car. The main advantages of the machine on the market can be described as follows:
- the presence of a large number of technical variations of the car for each wallet and each individual case;
- several available configurations to help you right choice for the price and features of the equipment;
- fully justified base price in the region of 450,000 rubles, a very good value option for competition in the class;
- beautiful appearance that recalls the traditional design options of the Nissan Corporation;
- very high-quality performance of the main elements, despite some shortcomings in materials and their quality;
- quite acceptable ride comfort, reliability of the car at a fairly high level, as for the budget segment.
There are many benefits to be praised for a vehicle. Of course, you can find negative aspects for which the car should be scolded. But I don't want to look for them at all. That is why, in most situations, it is better to use the personal feeling of the trip in order to get more information about the car and confidence in buying it. Take a test drive in one of the Nissan salons and get the necessary emotions and experience of being behind the wheel of a car. Only then will you be able to tell whether the car matches your aspirations and wishes. We offer to watch a small test drive new Almera on video:
Summing up
A great budget car did not become the most popular in its segment due to some features that the manufacturer donated. Nevertheless, today the Nissan Almera is one of the most promising offerings on the low-cost sedan market. The car is quite ready to prove its superiority in all respects, it can surprise with its high quality and rather pleasant characteristics. Today this vehicle offers great options configurations that will make the trip by car surprisingly pleasant for everyone.
There are many competitors to the Nissan Almera that offer a more sophisticated and modern appearance, adequate technology, high quality assembly. But in all respects, no model can boast of bypassing this development. The Japanese manufacturer has figured out how to promote the car on russian market and did everything as clearly and correctly as possible. That is why the car received many important advantages and became one of the best-selling cars in its narrow segment. How do you feel about the development of the new generation Nissan Almera?
