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