Auto Brand Spotlight

Auto Brand Spotlight | 4 | AutosArkansas.com Nissan A lthough a relative newcomer to the average American — aer all, Nissan didn't start using that name until 1981 — this automobile manufacturer has enjoyed a long history that spans all the way back to 1933. e company initially restricted its focus to Japan. Aer World War II, though, it expanded its efforts worldwide using the Datsun name. A 1960s merger with Prince Motor Company spurred the company to shi its focus to luxury vehicles. e first car that it designed exclusively for the U.S. market, the Datsun 510 sedan, increased its overall popularity considerably. During the 1970s, the Datsun 240Z sports car became a favorite of car enthusiasts around the world. In 1981, though, the Datsun name was phased out and the Nissan name was put into exclusive use. Fun cars like the 300ZX, the Sentra and the Maxima helped give Nissan an edge over the competition, especially among sporty luxury vehicles. A slight slump during the late 1990s was more than made up for aer 2000, when Nissan unveiled the redesigned Altima and Sentra models — along with the Titan and the Armada — winning over new fans once more and proving yet again that it is a true force to be reckoned with in the world of slick, sleek cars that everyday people can enjoy. No matter what name it has, it's good to see Nissan continue its focus on affordable luxury and performance. TECHNOLOGY: Nissan's VQ engines, which are configured much like V6 engines, have routinely been placed near the top of the list in terms of performance and craftsmanship. HISTORY: Officially founded under the Nissan name in 1933, the company marketed its vehicles under the Datsun brand for several decades. FAMOUS MODELS: Altima, Sentra and Maxima. KNOWN FOR: Edgy, high- performance vehicles that span a broad array of categories. AT A GLANCE History of luxury, speed SPOTLIGHT ON 2021 VEHICLES TO WATCH Rouge The all-new Rogue has the most standard safety technologies in its class. Its new platform has better driving dynamics. Titan The 2021 Nissan Titan pickup continues to offer the most standard power, technology and safety features in its class. GT-R Enhancements to the Nissan GT-R include expanded availability of the Bayside Blue exterior color.

• Cover