datsun

A brief history about datsun: Datsun’s origins reach back to 1931, when DAT Motorcar Co. launched a small car under the name Datson, signifying “the son of DAT.” The name reflected the company’s evolution from building larger vehicles to compact cars suitable for Japan’s growing urban centers. However, when Nissan took control of the company in 1934, the name was changed from “Datson” to Datsun because the Japanese word “son” sounded similar to “loss.” The new name also carried patriotic symbolism, referencing the rising sun on Japan’s national flag.

Under Nissan’s ownership, Datsun grew rapidly and became the company’s main export brand. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Datsun cars gained popularity across Asia and the Middle East for their affordability and reliability. By the 1970s, Datsun had successfully entered Western markets, particularly the United States, where models like the Datsun 240Z and 510 became icons of performance and practicality. The 240Z, in particular, redefined the sports car formula by offering sleek design and thrilling performance at an accessible price, earning Datsun a loyal following among enthusiasts.

In the early 1980s, Nissan Motor Co. decided to unify its global branding under the Nissan name, gradually phasing out the Datsun identity. Despite this, many models originally developed under the Datsun badge continued to shape Nissan’s reputation for decades. Cars such as the Nissan Z-series and Sunny line carried the Datsun legacy of balance between affordability, reliability, and innovation. Even after its retirement, the Datsun name retained nostalgic value, remembered fondly by drivers who saw it as the car that brought Japanese engineering to the global stage.

In 2013, Nissan revived Datsun as a dedicated budget brand for emerging markets. The new Datsun aimed to provide simple, durable, and affordable vehicles to regions such as India, Indonesia, Russia, and South Africa. The first new-generation model, the Datsun GO, launched in 2014 and was based on the Nissan Micra platform. The GO represented a no-frills approach to car design — minimal features, low running costs, and a price starting near €5,000, making it one of the most affordable cars in its class. The lineup later expanded with models like the GO+ MPV and redi-GO city car.

Despite its promising restart, Datsun faced challenges. Growing competition from regional manufacturers and evolving safety and emissions standards made it difficult for the brand to sustain profitability. Production slowed in several markets between 2020 and 2022 as Nissan shifted focus toward electrification and consolidation under its main brand. In 2022, Nissan confirmed the end of Datsun’s global production, marking the second retirement of the historic marque.

However, the Datsun legacy continues to influence Nissan’s current strategy for affordable mobility. Lessons learned from the GO program have contributed to the development of new entry-level electric models and low-cost mobility platforms. Rumors within the industry suggest that Nissan may reuse the Datsun name for a future generation of compact electric vehicles, potentially reviving the spirit of the original brand in a sustainable, modern form.

Datsun remains a symbol of Japan’s early automotive globalization — a brand that connected East and West through accessible engineering and timeless simplicity. From the groundbreaking 240Z to the utilitarian GO, its history reflects a consistent pursuit of mobility for all. Whether the name returns on an electric car or remains a cherished part of automotive history, Datsun’s story continues to represent innovation born from practicality and vision.

Current Models

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