Nissan SUV – Tracing the Legendary Legacy of the First SUV in a Remarkable 65-Year History

The fascinating history of SUVs

SUV, short for sport utility vehicle, is a versatile vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive. Since its inception, this type of vehicle has gained immense 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 undergone continuous improvements up to the present day. However, the exact history and the first SUV ever produced in the world still remain a mystery.

According to The New York Times, the title of the first SUV goes to the Travelall – a four-wheel-drive SUV manufactured 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, around the same time as the vehicle considered to be the first SUV in the world.

The legend meets transformation

While the Travelall was only in production for 22 years and was officially discontinued in 1975, the Nissan Patrol continued to be well-received in many markets and achieved ongoing success.

In 1951, when the Patrol 4W60 was introduced, Japan was facing economic challenges after World War II, and it was a difficult time for the automobile industry due to limited raw materials. Introducing a completely new vehicle with a four-wheel drive system was a major breakthrough in the history of the Japanese automotive industry. The Nissan Patrol 4W60 took inspiration from military vehicles, focusing on power and strength rather than exterior details, featuring crossbars instead of traditional grilles.

Despite the challenging period, the Patrol received tremendous support from the Japanese people, leading to the introduction of subsequent generations.

Alongside Japan’s rapid economic recovery and significant advancements in both design and technology, the Patrol has evolved into a legendary vehicle, not only in Japan but also in the international market. After six generations of development, the Nissan Patrol embodies a sporty, powerful, and superior SUV. The Nissan Patrol is now fully equipped with features that enable easy maneuverability across any terrain: from asphalt and rocky roads to sand and snow. It incorporates leading-edge technologies such as hill start assist and hill descent control, active chassis control, anti-lock braking system, front and rear stabilizers, and much more.

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

65 years of inheritance and development

Building on the success and experience gained from the legendary Patrol, Nissan has continually developed new SUV models with the goal of providing consumers with a wider range of high-quality options featuring advanced technologies. After 65 years of development, the renowned Japanese brand has added several iconic SUVs to its lineup. These models have become household names and top choices among SUV enthusiasts in Vietnam.

The third-generation upgraded Murano – Winner of the “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; recipient of the “Most Reliable SUV” award from ADAC for three consecutive years; “Best Small SUV in the UK” for three consecutive years by Autocar; recipient of the “5-star safety certification” from ASEAN NCAP; voted as the “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; voted as the “Most popular car of 2015” by Edmunds.com.

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

In Vietnam, customers are already 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, excellent sound insulation, durable engines, and versatile performance across all terrains. According to credible sources, to meet the diverse needs of customers, Nissan Vietnam plans to officially introduce its renowned crossover model in the second half of 2016. Vietnamese consumers have every reason to anticipate a 65-year automotive masterpiece that showcases Nissan’s SUV development secrets, promising to invigorate the car market in Vietnam.

Ð?c H?i (Trithucthoidai)