Nissan is a well-established identify within the Australian market, servicing a wide range of automotive segments and providing sturdy options to among the gross sales heavy-hitters like Toyota and Mitsubishi.
Although the model has had a presence in Australia because the Nineteen Thirties it wasn’t till the Nineteen Sixties that Nissan – and Datsun – gained a foothold within the native market with an area manufacturing program. Since then it’s turn out to be a prime vendor, with a number of iconic nameplates serving the Australian market throughout a number of generations.
The Patrol specifically, a big four-wheel drive SUV, is an instance of what helped Nissan to its standing in the present day, whereas vehicles just like the Qashqai and X-Path stay sturdy choices within the fashionable market.
It’s additionally managed to safe success in motorsports each in Australia and abroad, boosting its repute and cementing the legendary standing of sports activities vehicles just like the Skyline GT-R and 240Z.
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Datsun 240Z
Nissan is at the moment concerned in a strategic alliance with Renault and Mitsubishi, working to develop electrical car (EV) tech and develop new variations of its present fashions just like the Navara ute.
In-house tech developments embody superior hybrid tech within the type of e-Energy, utilised in particular variations of the Qashqai and X-Path, alongside the EV tech it pioneered with the mass-market launch of the Leaf 14 years in the past.
Interested in the place the model got here from, what it sells, and why it was once known as Datsun? Right here’s every little thing you want to find out about Nissan, one among Japan’s largest automakers.
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What’s Nissan?
Although it didn’t begin as Nissan, the corporate that kicked issues off was based as Kwaishinsha Motor Automotive Works in 1911 by mechanical engineer Masujiro Hashimoto in Tokyo, Japan.
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X-Path, Nissan’s best-selling Australian automotive
The Kwaishinsha Motor Automotive Works firm started its automotive journey in 1914, when it launched its first automotive – the DAT 31. The identify was taken from the initials of the surnames of the corporate’s three main buyers.
In 1918, the Kwaishinsha firm commissioned a brand new manufacturing facility in Japan and formally grew to become the DAT Motor Car Firm. It then started producing DAT army vans, although business operations had been placed on maintain as the corporate contributed to Japan’s efforts within the First World Battle.
After producing gentle vehicles and vans within the early Twenties, DAT Motors merged with one other Japanese firm and moved its base to Osaka in 1926. In 1931 it launched the Sort 11, which had the nickname ‘son of DAT’ and subsequently wore the Datson identify.
The identify was quickly adjusted to Datsun, because the phrase “son” may imply “loss” in Japanese. The Datsun identify was first used on the Datsun 10 in 1932.
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One of many first DAT fashions
Individually, Japanese entrepreneur Yoshisuke Aikawa based the holding firm Nihon Sangyo in 1928. It was from that firm the Nissan identify emerged, derived from its ‘NiSan’ abbreviation used on the Tokyo Inventory Trade.
The Nissan firm, a conglomerate that owned different corporations like Hitachi, took management of DAT Motors in 1933, after which it was moved to town of Yokohama. The Nissan Motor Firm was established in the identical 12 months regardless of considerations over a scarcity of demand for passenger vehicles in Japan.
In 1934, the primary Datsun (produced by Nissan) arrived in Australia within the type of the Sort 12, in any other case generally known as the Phaeton. It supplied a 750cc water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine mated with a three-speed guide, providing a most energy output of 9kW.
The development of Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Yokohama was completed in 1935, with 44 Datsuns subsequently shipped to Asia, and Central and South America. The primary automotive sporting the Nissan identify – the 70 – was launched in 1937, constructed with tools bought from the USA which meant it had similarities with comparable Fords and Chevrolets.
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Datsun Sort 12 Phaeton -
Nissan 70
Within the late Nineteen Thirties, Nissan constructed vans, planes, and engines for the Japanese Military, and in 1937 moved its headquarters to Xinjing in what’s now China. It once more supported the Japanese battle effort all through the Second World Battle, although its head workplace was moved again to Tokyo in 1944.
Manufacturing resumed following the battle, however not earlier than Nissan developed its Tama electrical automotive in response to world oil shortages in 1947. With an all-electric drivetrain, the Tama was stated to be able to travelling slightly below 100km on a cost.
The Yokohama plant started producing vehicles once more in 1952, manufacturing a model of the Austin A40. Nissan entered a authorized settlement with Austin in 1952, beneath which it produced greater than 20,000 Austins for the Japanese market till 1959.
Nissan benefitted from the settlement and leveraged a number of engine designs from Austin, which had been utilised in Datsun fashions within the Nineteen Sixties. Most notable was the 240Z sports activities automotive, which was launched in 1969 and shortly boosted Nissan’s repute with its fascinating standing.
1966 additionally noticed Nissan’s merger with the Japanese Prince Motor Firm, which introduced with it extra upmarket vehicles just like the Skyline and Gloria.
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Nissan Patrol -
Datsun Bluebird P310
Within the early Nineteen Sixties, Australian industrialist Lawrence Hartnett grew to become conscious of the model and was impressed by the Datsun Bluebird P310. That then prompted him to safe Australian distribution rights for the mannequin, which led to the meeting of 20,000 Bluebirds yearly for the Australian market from 1966.
These fashions had been produced at a manufacturing facility in Sydney from 1966, the identical 12 months Nissan Motor Firm Australia was established. Such developments adopted the arrival of the four-wheel drive Patrol, which went on sale in Australia in 1960.
Nissan opened its Australian headquarters in Dandenong, Victoria in 1977. Manufacturing started in Clayton in the identical 12 months with the Datsun 200B, adopted by Nissan’s determination to part out the Datsun identify worldwide in 1983.
Subsequent Australian-produced fashions bearing the Nissan identify included the Gazelle (a rebadged Silvia) and Pulsar, adopted by the Skyline and Pintara in 1986. Nissan’s Australian manufacturing led to 1992 after figures had fallen from greater than 50,000 to lower than 36,000.
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Nissan Skyline GT-R R32
Nissan’s motorsports pedigree in Australia had been rising since 1958 with the Datsun 210’s class win within the 16,000km Australian Mobilgas Trial endurance race, although it correctly stamped its identify within the historical past books in 1991.
The R32 Skyline GT-R, colloquially generally known as Godzilla, grew to become the primary Japanese automotive to win the Bathurst 1000 in 1991 by the hands of Jim Richards and Mark Skaife, a feat it repeated in 1992.
Nissan additionally gained the Australian Touring Automotive Championship in each years, and stays the one a number of winner at Bathurst in addition to Holden and Ford.
The model returned to the V8 Supercars collection in 2013, following modifications to eligibility guidelines permitting Kelly Racing to enter vehicles based mostly on the Nissan Altima. The group was in a position to rating a podium on the 2014 Bathurst 1000 and three race wins earlier than the Altima was retired on the finish of 2019.
That very same 12 months was the fiftieth anniversary of the GT-R, commemorated with a particular version of the enduring GT-R R35. Nissan can be a outstanding competitor within the FIA Method E collection, which it joined within the 2018/19 season.
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Makoto Uchida (Nissan CEO) and Toshihiro Mibe (Honda CEO)
In 1999, Nissan entered a partnership with Renault amidst monetary difficulties. Mitsubishi joined the settlement in 2016 as Nissan acquired a 34 per cent controlling stake within the firm, whereas Nissan, Mitsubishi and Honda are at the moment in a partnership to develop electrical automobiles (EVs).
The 2000s had been a decade of change for Nissan. It launched a few of its present best-sellers just like the X-Path and Qashqai in 2001 and 2007 respectively, whereas the long-standing Silvia sports activities coupe met its finish in 2002.
It launched its 350Z sports activities automotive in 2003, adopted by the 370Z in 2009. The R35 GT-R, which is now reaching the tip of its life, additionally broke cowl in 2007.
Nissan is dedicated to growing electrical expertise, kicked off in 2010 by the world’s first mass-market EV; the Leaf.
It has a collection of recent automobiles on the best way, particularly the next-generation Patrol and Navara, the latter of which shall be developed along side the Mitsubishi Triton.
In 2023, Nissan was ranked the eighth largest producer globally with 3,374,271 models produced. It at the moment operates services in 5 continents, together with Japan, China, Malaysia, the USA, South Africa, and Spain.
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Which manufacturers is Nissan competing towards?
Nissan is competing with a variety of manufacturers on account of its diversified lineup, with key rivals being established manufacturers like Toyota, Mitsubishi, Mazda, and Volkswagen.
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Nissan Patrol -
Toyota LandCruiser
Toyota is the best-aligned rival Nissan has, with a good portion of every lineup competing straight.
The C-HR and Corolla Cross go up towards the Juke and Qashqai respectively, although the C-HR is dearer than the Juke. The C-HR outsold the Juke by greater than 4000 models in 2023, whereas round 1000 extra Corolla Cross models had been bought over the Qashqai.
Mid-sized SUVs just like the RAV4 and X-Path are additionally sturdy opponents, whereas the LandCruiser and Patrol are long-standing rivals with loads of similarities. Toyota has the higher hand in gross sales by a big margin for each fashions.
Toyota’s HiLux ute additionally dominates the Navara in gross sales, whereas the pair even have sports activities vehicles that may go toe-to-toe within the type of the Supra and Z respectively.
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Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi can examine the X-Path with the Outlander given they share their underpinnings, whereas additionally competing with the Navara with its Triton – although the latter pair will share a platform for his or her subsequent technology.
Mazda’s smaller SUVs just like the CX-3 and CX-30 are well-aligned with the Juke and Qashqai, although Mazda proved to be a stronger vendor than Nissan in that class final 12 months.
The German model’s Amarok is just like the Navara too, even when Nissan’s providing is outdated by comparability.
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What are you able to at the moment purchase from Nissan?
Nissan’s vary isn’t the most important of the producers in Australia, but it surely covers a wide range of vehicles from smaller EVs, completely different SUVs, utes, and even a high-performance sports activities automotive.
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Z Nismo
Nissan’s Australian line-up is as follows:
Mannequin | Section | Worth vary | 2023 gross sales |
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Nissan Leaf | Small EV | $50,990-$61,490 | 484 |
Nissan Juke | SUV gentle | $28,890-$37,390 | 1256 |
Nissan Qashqai | SUV small | $34,390-$52,090 | 6614 |
Nissan X-Path | SUV medium | $37,750-$58,190 | 12,861 |
Nissan Pathfinder | SUV massive | $59,670-$82,490 | 1401 |
Nissan Patrol | SUV higher massive | $88,900-$105,160 | 7812 |
Nissan Navara | Ute 4×2, 4×4 | $33,550-$71,265 | 8499 |
Nissan Z | Sports activities | $75,800-$94,000 | 449 |
All costs are earlier than on-road prices. Click on on the automotive’s identify to be taken to its touchdown web page on our web site.
All fashions besides the Leaf are nonetheless in manufacturing, because it’s set to get replaced by the electrical Ariya SUV in Australia. An arrival date for that automotive shouldn’t be but recognized, however you may nonetheless get your fingers on a Leaf till inventory runs out.
You additionally haven’t been in a position to purchase a brand new GT-R right here since 2021, as modifications to the Australian Design Guidelines (ADRs) introduced stricter aspect affect requirements the legendary sports activities automotive couldn’t meet.
There’s nonetheless loads of selection should you’re available in the market for a brand new Nissan.
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Juke facelift
The smallest automotive in Nissan’s lineup is the Juke, which is powered by a 1.0-litre turbo four-cylinder mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automated.
Different vehicles within the lineup utilising solely a petroleum engine embody the Pathfinder (3.5-litre V6), Patrol (5.6-litre V8), and Z (3.0-litre twin-turbo V6). The Qashqai and X-Path have the choice of four-cylinder petrol engines, although you may go for Nissan’s e-Energy hybrid system as effectively.
The one diesel powertrain at the moment accessible is discovered within the Navara, which is obtainable with a pair of two.3-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines. The bottom mannequin has a single-turbo with 120kW and 403Nm, different variants have a twin-turbo setup with 140kW and 450Nm.
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Navara Professional-4X Warrior
The Patrol and Navara additionally supply harder Warrior variants, that are modified by Australian firm Premcar for the Australian market completely.
There’s a new Patrol coming that was lately revealed, and we detailed the modifications right here.
Equally, there’s a brand new Navara on the best way for Australia in 2026, which is doubtlessly set to tackle plug-in hybrid variations of the Ford Ranger and the hybrid BYD Shark by utilizing Mitsubishi tech.
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How common is Nissan in Australia?
Nissan delivered 39,376 models in 2023, rating it twelfth on the Australian VFACTS gross sales charts.
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X-Path
It ranks behind the likes of Isuzu (45,341), Mitsubishi (63,511), Subaru (46,116), and Volkswagen (43,821), whereas additionally effectively behind Mazda and Toyota which delivered greater than 100,000 and 200,000 models in 2023 respectively.
Nissan’s highest-selling mannequin is the X-Path, of which 12,861 models had been delivered. It’s adopted by the Navara, Patrol, and Qashqai, all of which ranked within the 5000- to 10,000-unit bracket.
Its lowest-selling SUV is at the moment the Juke, which had 1256 models delivered in 2023. The Z, as a dearer two-seat efficiency automotive, bought 449 models.
Nissan’s Pathfinder, one among its largest vehicles, solely had 1401 deliveries in 2023, effectively behind the Patrol.
Right here’s a breakdown of how Nissan ranked on gross sales in 2023:
Model | 2023 gross sales |
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Toyota | 215,240 |
Mazda | 100,008 |
Ford | 87,800 |
Kia | 76,120 |
Hyundai | 75,183 |
Mitsubishi | 63,511 |
MG | 58,346 |
Tesla | 46,116 |
Subaru | 46,114 |
Isuzu Ute | 45,341 |
Volkswagen | 43,821 |
Nissan | 39,376 |
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Pathfinder
Nissan has thus far delivered 31,593 models in 2024, up 32.1 per cent on the identical time final 12 months. In August the model delivered 3376 models; a 20.2 per cent lower on August 2023.
As compared, Mitsubishi has loved sturdy gross sales thus far this 12 months and has shifted 50,868 models as of the tip of August. Its numbers are up on the identical time final 12 months, although the identical can’t be stated for Mazda.
Whereas it’s nonetheless effectively away from Nissan’s figures, Mazda has thus far delivered 65,286 models in a 2.8 per cent lower on the identical time final 12 months. Its month-to-month determine for August can be down 2.3 per cent, although it nonetheless ranks extremely on the VFACTS charts.
None are matching Toyota although, because the model has delivered 165,496 models to the tip of August this 12 months. That’s up 23.7 per cent on the identical time final 12 months, although its August month-to-month determine is down by 3.7 per cent.
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Patrol
Nissan admitted in 2023 an Australian market share “under 4 [per cent]” shouldn’t be the place it wished to be.
It outlined a aim to seize a six per cent share of the market, however as of August 2024 it sits at 3.8 per cent.
Manufacturers with a share larger than six per cent embody Mitsubishi, Kia, Mazda, Ford, and Toyota, the latter of which holds a 19.2 per cent share.
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What’s subsequent for Nissan?
Nissan isn’t one of many manufacturers planning an EV onslaught in Australia, however there are a couple of fashions anticipated to make their method right here in early 2026.
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Up to date Navara in Thailand
The model has beforehand confirmed a one-tonne pickup will arrive right here by fiscal 12 months 2026, which ends on March 31, 2026. It’s additionally been confirmed the following Navara shall be inbuilt collaboration with Mitsubishi, and shall be accessible with electrical or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) energy abroad.
Nissan will produce the next-gen mannequin in Mexico, and supply it with PHEV energy in North America. That may make the Navara a world ute, as the present D23 mannequin isn’t supplied in North America.
The Y63 Patrol was additionally unveiled within the Center East earlier this month. It’s aimed squarely on the Toyota LandCruiser, and is anticipated to be accessible to order in Australia in late 2026 forward of deliveries in 2027.
Variations from the present Patrol are headlined by the removing of a V8 instead of a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6.
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Y63 Patrol
When it confirmed its new one-tonne ute, Nissan additionally stated a brand new “C crossover EV” can be becoming a member of the lineup in early 2026.
It’s unclear whether or not that automotive can be the Ariya EV SUV or an electrical successor to the Qashqai, as each are known as C-segment crossovers abroad.
The Ariya was revealed in manufacturing guise in 2020. Whereas it’s been confirmed for Australia, it’s unclear when it’ll arrive.
It’s supplied abroad with a alternative of 63kWh and 87kWh batteries and single-motor front-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive, whereas a warmer Nismo model was revealed earlier this 12 months.
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Ariya
Nissan can be persevering with work on its “Nissan Clever Mobility” program, which contains clever driver help tech that shall be rolled out in its latest fashions.
Driver help tech in this system consists of further-developed variations of emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, shifting object detection forward and behind a car, and clever cruise management.
It additionally consists of an “Clever Energy” facet, which is utilised in Nissan’s EVs to spice up “driving pleasure by energy that can be clear and environment friendly”. It covers techniques together with one-pedal driving, as seen within the e-Pedal perform on the present Leaf.
Nissan’s e-Energy hybrid system additionally falls beneath the clever mobility umbrella.
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