Nissan
has produced an extensive range of mainstream
cars and trucks, initially for domestic
consumption but exported around the world
since the 1950s. There was a major strike
in 1953.
It also produced several
memorable sports cars, including the Datsun
Fairlady 1500, 1600 and 2000 Roadsters,
the Z-car, an affordable sports car originally
introduced in 1969; and the Skyline GT-R,
a powerful all-wheel-drive sports coupe.
In 1985, Nissan created
a tuning division, NISMO, for competition
and performance development of such cars.
Until 1982, Nissan automobiles
in most export markets were sold under the
Datsun brand. Since 1989, Nissan has sold
its luxury models in North America under
the Infiniti brand.
Nissan also sells a small
range of keicars, mainly as a joint venture
with other Japanese manufacturers like Suzuki
or Mitsubishi. Nissan does not develop these
cars. Nissan also has shared model development
of Japan domestic cars with other manufacturers,
particularly Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki and Isuzu.
In China, Nissan produces
cars in association with the Dongfeng Motor
Group including the 2006 Nissan Livina Geniss.
This is the first in the range of a new
worldwide family of medium sized cars and
is to make its world debut at the Guangzhou
International Motor Show.
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