1970s

1970's

Fairlady Z / Datsun Z S30

As automobiles went mainstream, accidents, traffic jams and air pollution became serious social problems. 1970 saw the highest number of traffic fatalities ever recorded in Japan — 16,765 — leading people to dub the situation the "traffic war."

Meanwhile, the U.S. began implementing new emission regulations to reduce air pollution. Demand also grew for more fuel-efficient cars as gasoline prices soared in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis. Sales soared for fuel-efficient, clean-burning Japanese compact cars.

During this period, Nissan promoted the development of new models while improving its safety and environmental technologies. It also expanded production bases to meet growing demand for automobiles, completing the Tochigi Plant in 1971 and the Kyushu Plant in 1977. Nissan’s cumulative production surpassed 20 million units in 1977.

1970

February ▪

Lambda 4S-5 successfully launches Japan's first satellite, OHSUMI. (Nissan developed and manufactured the rocket engine and launch vehicle.)

March ▪

Nissan moves into the marine engine field.

April ▪

Bluebird marked victory in the 18th Safari Rally

May ▪

Datsun Sunny Model B110

Datsun Sunny Model B110

Datsun Sunny Model B110

August ▪

Cabstar Model A321

October ▪

Cherry Model E10

Junior Model 140

Cherry Model E10

Cherry Model E10

1971

February ▪

Cedric/Gloria Model 230

Datsun Sunny Truck Model B120

Gloria Model 230

Gloria Model 230

March ▪

Construction of the Tochigi Plant is completed. (Partial operations begin in October 1968.)

April ▪

Datsun 240-Z's top two in E. Africa Safari

August ▪

Datsun Bluebird U 610

Datsun Bluebird U 610

Datsun Bluebird U 610

September ▪

Civilian Model GC240

1972

January ▪

Datsun 240Z finishes 3rd in Monte Carlo Rally

February ▪

Datsun Truck Model 620

April ▪
Laurel Model C130

Laurel Model C130

August ▪

Homer Model T20

September ▪

1973

January ▪

Skyline 2000GT-R Model C110

Clipper Model T40

Light Coach Model T40

Violet

Skyline 2000GT-R Model C110

Skyline 2000GT-R Model C110

February ▪

Caravan Model E20

March ▪

Datsun wins 21st East African Safari Rally; also wins team title and three class titles

May ▪

Datsun Sunny Model B210

August ▪
President Model 250

President Model 250

October ▪

Construction of the Sagamihara Parts Center is completed. (Partial operations began in April 1972.)

1974

1975

1976

January ▪

Cabstar/Homer Model F20

March ▪

Nissan Motor Manufacturing Co. (Australia) Ltd. is established and full-scale operation begins.

May ▪

Caball/Clipper Model C340

Civilian Model GC340

July ▪
Datsun Bluebird Model 810

Datsun Bluebird Model 810

1977

January ▪
Laurel Model C230

Laurel Model C230

June ▪

Construction of the Kyushu Plant is completed. (Partial operations begin in April 1975.)

Construction of the Kyushu Plant is completed.
July ▪

Cumulative production surpasses 20 million units.

August ▪

Skyline Model C210

October ▪

1978

May ▪
Pulsar Model N10

Pulsar Model N10

August ▪
Fairlady Z Model S130

Fairlady Z Model S130

November ▪

Sunny Vanette Model C120

Cherry Vanette Model C120

1979

March ▪

Silvia/Gazelle Model S110

April ▪
June ▪
Gloria Model 430

Gloria Model 430

October ▪

Datsun Truck Model 720

November ▪
Datsun Bluebird Model 910

Datsun Bluebird Model 910