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Find out who controls Nissan, one of the largest automakers in the world, and discover where its vehicles are produced to serve the global market.
Although less popular than Toyota, Nissan remains one of the 10 largest car manufacturers in the world. Its iconic models have won over fans all over the world, while its history is intertwined with constant innovations and challenges.
Nissan's origins date back to 1911, with the founding of Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works, in Tokyo. Three years later, the company launched the DAT, a car named after the initials of its founders: Kenjiro Den, Rokuro Aoyama and Aketaro Takeuchi.
In 1934, after being acquired by Nihon Sangyo Co., the automaker was renamed as Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., but the vehicles continued to be known by the brand Datsun, which would last until the 1970s. In 1937, the Nissan brand also began to appear on its models.
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In the following decades, Nissan expanded its operations into international markets. In the 1980s, it experienced significant growth, culminating in 1985, when it surpassed Toyota and Honda in sales in the United States, with about 830 thousand units traded.
In 1999, the automaker joined the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, strengthening its global position.
Who owns Nissan?
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese multinational automobile corporation. Nissan's ownership structure is diversified, but the majority of its shares are held by large institutional investors and the Renault Group, which is its strategic partner in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
Renault currently holds about 43,4% of Nissan's shares, while Nissan holds a 15% non-voting stake in Renault. This partnership was established in 1999 and continues to be one of the leading alliances in the global automotive industry.
Nissan's CEO, who is ultimately responsible for the company's operations, can change over time. As of my last update, the Nissan CEO position was held by Makoto Uchida. I recommend checking the latest information for updates on the company's leadership.
Global production and main markets
Nissan has consolidated operations in four main markets: Japan, China, Europe and North America. In China and the US, models such as the Sylphy, Rogue and Altima dominate sales.
In the United States, the automaker operates factories in Canton, Mississippi, and Smyrna, Tennessee, as well as a dedicated engine facility in Decherd, Tennessee.
The Canton plant produces models such as the Murano, Frontier, Titan and NV, while the Smyrna plant builds the Maxima, Rogue, Pathfinder and Leaf. The Altima is assembled at both plants.
Sports models such as the GT-R and 370Z are produced at the Tochigi plant in Japan, while SUVs such as the Armada are built in Kyushu. Popular models such as the Versa and Sentra are produced at the Aguascalientes plant in Mexico.
Global production includes factories in 11 countries, including the UK, Spain, Russia, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil and South Africa. Parts are manufactured in seven other countries, including France, Taiwan and Nigeria, which demonstrates the scale of the company's infrastructure.
Financial results and recent challenges
Despite revenue of $118 billion in 2024 and an increase in global sales to 4,2 million units (compared to 3,44 million in 2023), Nissan faces challenges.
Current sales are still far from the peak of 2017, when the company sold 5,77 million vehicles.
The automaker's financial situation is delicate. In November 2024, a senior official revealed to Financial Times that Nissan is at risk of collapse after massive cuts of 7.000 jobs due to a restructuring prompted by an 85% drop in quarterly profits.
Competition with Chinese brands has impacted harshly its sales in Japan and the USA.
In addition, historic partner Renault has begun gradually selling its stakes in Nissan, signaling a possible breakup of the three-way alliance. Mitsubishi, the third member of the collaboration, also faces uncertainty.
A possible merger on the horizon
Amid the crisis, Nissan found a possible respite through negotiations with Honda for a strategic merger.
Mitsubishi is also taking part in the discussions, indicating that the three Japanese automakers could join forces.
Negotiations were confirmed in December 2024, with a final decision expected to be announced in the next six months.
A union between Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi has the potential to transform the global automotive industry, creating a partnership that could rival the giants of the sector.
For now, the market is watching closely, awaiting the Japanese automaker's next steps.
Nissan continues to be one of the most influential brands in the automotive sector, with a presence in more than 18 countries and a history marked by innovation and resilience.
Even in the face of uncertainty, the company has demonstrated its ability to adapt, and the outcome of negotiations with Honda and Mitsubishi could define the course of its future in the global industry.
