1970s
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 | ▪ | |
April | ▪ |
Bluebird marked victory in the 18th Safari Rally |
May | ▪ |
Datsun Sunny Model B110 Datsun Sunny Model B110 |
August | ▪ |
Cabstar Model A321 |
October | ▪ |
Junior Model 140 Cherry Model E10 |
1971
February | ▪ |
Cedric/Gloria Model 230 Datsun Sunny Truck Model B120 Gloria Model 230 |
March | ▪ |
Construction of the Tochigi Plant is completed. (Partial operations begin in October 1968.) |
April | ▪ | |
August | ▪ |
Datsun Bluebird U 610 Datsun Bluebird U 610 |
September | ▪ |
Civilian Model GC240 |
1972
January | ▪ | |
February | ▪ |
Datsun Truck Model 620 |
April | ▪ |
Laurel Model C130 |
August | ▪ |
Homer Model T20 |
September | ▪ |
Skyline Model C110 |
1973
January | ▪ |
Skyline 2000GT-R Model C110 |
February | ▪ | |
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 |
October | ▪ |
Construction of the Sagamihara Parts Center is completed. (Partial operations began in April 1972.) |
1974
April | ▪ | |
September | ▪ |
Cherry FII Model F10 |
1975
June | ▪ | |
October | ▪ |
Silvia Model S10 |
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 |
1977
January | ▪ |
Laurel Model C230 |
June | ▪ |
Construction of the Kyushu Plant is completed. (Partial operations begin in April 1975.) |
July | ▪ |
Cumulative production surpasses 20 million units. |
August | ▪ |
Skyline Model C210 |
October | ▪ |
Datsun Sunny Model B310 |
1978
May | ▪ |
Pulsar Model N10 |
August | ▪ |
Fairlady Z Model S130 |
November | ▪ |
Sunny Vanette Model C120 Cherry Vanette Model C120 |
1979
March | ▪ |
Silvia/Gazelle Model S110 |
April | ▪ | |
June | ▪ |
Gloria Model 430 |
October | ▪ |
Datsun Truck Model 720 |
November | ▪ |
Datsun Bluebird Model 910 |