Nissan SUV – From the First Legendary SUV and the 65-Year Journey of History

A brief history of SUVs

SUV, known as a sport utility vehicle, is a versatile vehicle equipped with a four-wheel drive system. Since its introduction, this type of vehicle has gained popularity among users and has become one of the most sought-after choices due to its practicality and excellent off-roading capabilities.

SUVs reached their peak in the 1990s and have been continuously improved up to the present day. However, the exact history and the first SUV ever produced in the world are still a mystery.

According to The New York Times, the title of the first SUV belongs to the Travelall – a four-wheel-drive SUV made by International Harvester in the 1950s.

Looking at the Asian market, Nissan – a well-known Japanese brand, also introduced its first four-wheel-drive SUV very early on. The legendary Nissan Patrol 4W60 was born in 1951, almost around the same time as the vehicle considered to be the first SUV in the world.

The legend and transformation

While Travelall only existed for 22 years and was officially discontinued in 1975, the Nissan Patrol continued to be welcomed in many markets and achieved success to this day.

In 1951, when the Patrol 4W60 was introduced, Japan was facing economic challenges after World War II, and it was a challenging time for the automobile industry when raw materials became scarce. At that time, the introduction of a completely new vehicle with a four-wheel drive system was a major breakthrough in the history of the Japanese auto industry. The Nissan Patrol 4W60 was inspired by military vehicles, focusing on power and strength rather than exterior details, with crossbars used instead of grilles.

Despite the difficult period, with its outstanding advantages, the Patrol has received great support from the Japanese people and continued to introduce new generations.

Along with the rapid recovery of Japan’s economy and significant improvements in both design and technology, the Patrol has become a legendary vehicle not only in Japan but also in the international market. After six generations of development, the Nissan Patrol represents a sporty, powerful, and superior SUV. The Nissan Patrol is now fully integrated with features that allow easy movement on any terrain: from asphalt and rocky roads to sand and snow. It also incorporates leading features such as hill start assist and hill descent control, active chassis control, anti-lock braking system, front and rear stabilizers, and more.

Nissan Patrol Desert Edition – The sixth generation at the 2015 Dubai Motor Show

65 years, inheritance, and development

With the success and experience from the legendary Patrol, Nissan has continuously developed new SUV models with the goal of providing more choices for consumers with high quality and advanced technology. After 65 years of development, the famous Japanese brand has added several iconic SUVs to its collection. These are familiar names and top imported choices for SUV enthusiasts in Vietnam.

The third-generation improved Murano – Winner of “Best Two-Row SUV” for two consecutive years by Automotive News & World Report; “Best SUV” awarded by AutoPacific, “IIHS Top Safety+” rating, “Top 10 SUVs with Best Interiors” by WardsAuto.

Nissan Qashqai – The best-selling SUV in Europe since 2010; Top 3 “Most Reliable SUV” awards from ADAC, three consecutive years “Best Small SUV in the UK” by Autocar, “5-star safety certification” by ASEAN NCAP, “Favorite car of the year” at the Indonesian Motorshow…

Nissan Pathfinder – “Top 10 SUVs with Best Interiors” according to WardsAuto, “Top 16 Best Family SUVs of 2016” by Kelley Blue Book – the leading car advisory firm in the US; “Most popular car of 2015” voted by Edmunds.com.

Nissan X-Trail – “Best-selling SUV in Japan in 2013”; “Best SUV” rated by JD Power appeal 2014, US; “5-star safety certification” awarded by Euro NCAP; “Favorite car of the year” in Indonesia Motorshow”…

In Vietnam, customers are quite familiar with Nissan SUV models such as the compact Juke (distributed by the official dealer) or the crossover models Qashqai, X-Trail, and Pathfinder (imported). Nissan SUVs are highly regarded by Vietnamese customers for their sturdy chassis, good sound insulation, durable engines, and flexible performance on all terrains. To meet the diverse needs of customers, according to some sources, Nissan Vietnam will officially introduce its reputable crossover model in the second half of 2016. Vietnamese consumers have every reason to look forward to a 65-year accumulated masterpiece with the secrets of Nissan’s SUV development, promising to stir up the car market in Vietnam.

Đức Hải (Trithucthoidai)