65 Years of Legacy: The Nissan SUV Journey from Japan

Nissan's journey in the SUV domain has been a remarkable one, spanning over 65 years of inheritance and development. With a renowned legacy in the 4WD field, Nissan has played a significant role in shaping the SUV lineup. From the Jeep-inspired first-generation Patrol in the 1950s to the modern-day Murano, Juke, and X-trail, Nissan's SUV models have evolved with the changing times. Join us as we delve deeper into Nissan's SUV journey and uncover some fascinating insights below.

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Ignited by passion

65 years ago, at a small factory in Japan, Nissan birthed the 2-door drivetrain system in the iconic Patrol 4W60 prototype. Emerging in the post-World War II era, the 4W60 was crafted with inspiration from military vehicles’ distinctive features, resulting in a powerful car reminiscent of the American Willy Jeep.

Image of the 1951 Nissan Patrol 4W60

Merely four years later, Nissan advanced the technology, unleashing the 4W61 version – a vehicle boasting an array of groundbreaking capabilities. Distinguishing itself from the 4W60, the 4W61 featured a single-piece windshield, a higher hood, and a front row adorned with five horizontal grille-like bars (with the second and fourth bars chrome-plated), presenting an unmistakable design exuding confidence.

Leading the modern trend

In 1959, Nissan introduced the 4W65 Patrol, the next iteration in its illustrious product line. Equipped with a three-loop bumper guard, a flat front hood design, and five chrome-plated horizontal bars, this model represented a leap forward in terms of adopting a more contemporary aesthetic.

The Nissan 4W65 Patrol showcasing a more modern shape.

In the 1960s, the Patrol underwent a transformation, embracing a distinct personality that broke away from the Jeep-inspired design. Attached to the body, the three-loop bumper guard was complemented by a wider front design and a narrower rear, contributing to the Patrol’s imposing and robust image.

In the mid-1980s, Nissan breathed new life into the concept of SUVs with the introduction of the Terrano – a “sibling” of the Pathfinder. The Terrano offered increased interior space for passengers, courtesy of its spacious luggage compartment design, while its modern and stylish exterior catered perfectly to the growing demand for SUVs.

The 1980s Terrano, often regarded as the “sibling” of the Pathfinder.

Unsatisfied with their accomplishments, Nissan continued improving their GR Patrol version at the beginning of 1988, adding central locking, power windows, headlights, windshield wipers, and separate air conditioning for both front and rear seats, guaranteeing the utmost convenience for users. The full-time 2-wheel drive system enabled the car to conquer even the most rugged terrains. Ten years later, in 1998, Nissan placed a strong emphasis on safety features, which were prominently featured in the 98 Patrol, including an anti-lock braking system, front-rear balance, and airbags – features that were highly regarded among drivers at the time.

65 years – The heritage journey continues

“Innovation that excites” – This succinct yet profound slogan encapsulates Nissan’s steadfast commitment over the 65-year journey in the realm of SUVs and its more than 80-year history overall.

Nissan constantly endeavors to diversify your SUV experiences through “passionate ambassadors” such as Murano, X-Trail, Pathfinder, Rogue, Qashqai, and Juke. These vehicles not only represent technological achievements from the land of the rising sun but also serve as symbols imbuing their owners with individuality and style. With a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and sustainability, Nissan has garnered immense success, becoming the most popular Asian car brand in Europe, predominantly the demanding market comprising the UK (34%), Spain (18%), and Germany (11%).

In Vietnam, Nissan’s SUV lineup has garnered the trust of customers thanks to its robust chassis system, powerful engine, sleek yet contemporary design, and comfortable interior space featuring a host of top-tier features. Catering to diverse customer needs in terms of quality, requirements, and budget, Nissan aims to provide more choices to Vietnamese customers, with the launch of a new crossover model that excels in distinct features and details, boasting superiority in this segment and the automotive industry as a whole.

A masterpiece from Nissan’s 65-year heritage journey – a brand synonymous with the land of the rising sun – awaits us in anticipation!

Source: Automotive News Europe, July 2015

Duc Hai (Trithucthoidai)

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