Nissan

Nissan, originally known as Datsun, was founded in 1933. Datsuns were the first mass-produced Japanese vehicles (the first Datsun was built in 1914), and their unique, automotive style had a major impact on the U.S. market when Datsun sedans and compact pickups are first imported in the late '50s.

The first Datsun arrived in the U.S. in 1958, and the first compact pickup was sold in 1959. Nissan Motor Corp. was established in California in 1960. In 1968, the Datsun 510 was launched, the first car made by Nissan specifically styled for the U.S. market.  Worldwide marketing using the name Nissan begins in 1983 and the name Datsun begins to be phased out.

Nissan established a fleet department in 1972.

In 1978, Datsun reported selling more than 30,000 units in the fleet business in 1977.

Taking a leap forward in green technology in 1991, Nissan lends its alternative fuel vehicle to a California testing program,a nd unveils the Future Electric Vehicle concept car.  That same year, Nissan receives its first enviormental award from the EPA.

First Sentra rolled off the assembly line in the Tennessee plant in 1992.

In 2011, Nissan announced the LEAF, the first mass-produced, 100% electric, no gas, no tailpipe vehicle.