1950s

1950's

Datsun Sedan A110

The 1949 termination of restrictions on automobile production by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers at General Headquarters triggered a comeback for Japan's automobile industry. Suffering from wartime-induced technological stagnation, many Japanese companies in the first half of the '50s acquired cutting-edge automobile technology through the knockdown production of Western cars.

In 1952, Nissan entered into a technological cooperation agreement with the United Kingdom's Austin Motor Co., Ltd. Incorporating feedback from this technology, in 1955 Nissan rolled out the Datsun Sedan (110) — the first all-new postwar passenger car.

It evolved into the Datsun 1000 Sedan in 1957 and featured an OHV engine. The following year, a Datsun 210 with this new powerplant took first place in Class A of the 6th Australia Mobilgas Trial — a tough 16,000 km rally around Australia.

Nissan also began exporting passenger cars to the United States. In 1959, the Datsun Bluebird — a more sophisticated international product — made its debut as the successor to the 1000 Sedan and firmly establishing Datsun cars in the segment.

The Prince Skyline was launched in 1957 by Fuji Precision Machinery, the predecessor of Prince Motors. In 1959, the company came out with the Prince Gloria, a luxury passenger car.

1950

January

Datsun Truck Model 4146

May

Nissan acquires an equity interest in Minsei Diesel Motor Co., Ltd. (now called Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.)

September

Datsun Passenger car Model DS

Datsun Passenger car Model DS

Datsun Passenger car Model DS

1951

January

Datsun Truck Model 5147

Datsun Truck Model 5147

Datsun Truck Model 5147

December

Nissan Patrol Model 4W60

1952

January

Datsun Sports Model DC3
Nissan Truck Model 380

Datsun Sports Model DC3

Datsun Sports Model DC3

February

Nissan Bus Model 390

March

Prince Sedan Model AISH
Prince Truck Model AFTF

Prince Sedan Model AISH

Prince Sedan Model AISH

December

Nissan enters into a technological cooperation agreement with Austin Motor Co., Ltd. of the United Kingdom.

Nissan enters into a technological cooperation agreement with Austin Motor Co., Ltd. of the United Kingdom.

1953

January

Datsun Truck Model 6147

Datsun Truck Model 6147

Datsun Truck Model 6147

February

Nissan Bus Model 490

April

R&D on rocket motors commences.

May

Nissan Truck Model 480

August

The All Nissan Motors Workers' Union (a new labor union) is established

1954

May

Prince Cabovertruck Model AJVC

1955

January

Datsun Passenger car Model 110
Datsun Truck Model 120

Datsun Passenger car Model 110

Datsun Passenger car Model 110

April

Prince Cabovertruck Model AKTG

May

Nissan Bus Model 590

December

Nissan Truck Model 580

1956

August

Junior Model B40

1957

April

Prince Skyline Model ALSI

Prince Skyline Model ALSI

Prince Skyline Model ALSI

August

Forklift production starts.

September

Prince Miller Model AOTH

October

Datsun 1000 Sedan Model 210

Datsun 1000 Sedan Model 210

Datsun 1000 Sedan Model 210

November

Datsun 1000 Truck Model 220

December

Caball Model C40

1958

June

Export of passenger cars to the United States begins.

August

Datsun Cablight Model A20

September

Datsuns are entered in the 6th Australia Mobilgas Trial, with one taking first place for the first time.

Datsuns are entered in the 6th Australia Mobilgas Trial, with one taking first place for the first time.
October

Prince Clipper Model AQTI

1959

February

Prince Gloria Model BLSI

March

Nissan Truck Model 680

Production commences at Yulon Motor Co., Ltd. in Taiwan, the Company's first overseas KD factory.

Nissan Truck Model 680

Nissan Truck Model 680

June

Datsun Sports Model S211

August

Datsun Bluebird Model 310

Datsun Bluebird Model 310

Datsun Bluebird Model 310

September

Nissan Bus Model 690