Nissan's lineage involves two primary names that predate its official establishment as "Nissan" on the stock exchange: Nihon Sangyo Company and Datsun.
The Corporate Entity: Nihon Sangyo Company
The corporate name "Nissan" formally came into existence in 1933. This occurred when founder Yoshisuke Aikawa listed his Nihon Sangyo Company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, adopting "NISSAN" as the ticker symbol. This marked the public debut of the Nissan name in a corporate context.
The Early Vehicle Brand: Datsun
Before the formal corporate naming of Nissan, the company was already involved in vehicle manufacturing under a different brand. The very first vehicle associated with the company that would evolve into Nissan was a Datsun, produced in 1914. The Datsun brand continued to be a significant part of the company's automotive offerings for many years, even after the establishment of the "Nissan" corporate identity.
Here's a quick overview of the key names and their historical significance:
| Name Associated with Nissan | Type of Association | Year of Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Datsun | Early Vehicle Brand | 1914 (First Production) |
| Nihon Sangyo Company | Corporate Predecessor | 1933 (Listed as NISSAN) |
