Nissan: company history
corporate / international / 1933–2002
Nissan: company origins and the early Renault alliance
Jidosha Seizo and Nissan Motor are historical names of the same company. Nihon Sangyo + Tobata Imono → founded Jidosha Seizo (1933) → renamed Nissan Motor (1934). The alliance and shareholding observations below are historical events; their percentages do not describe current ownership.
The company’s foundation
Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd. was established on 26 December 1933 by Nihon Sangyo and Tobata Imono.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · corporate / international · 1933-12-26
PDF page 2, printed page 1, Corporate Data establishment footnote. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2002-07 (printed publication month; tables have their own observation dates).
A company name change
On 1 June 1934, Nihon Sangyo became sole owner and the company was renamed Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · corporate / international · 1934-06-01
PDF page 2, printed page 1, Corporate Data establishment footnote. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2002-07 (printed publication month; tables have their own observation dates).
The alliance agreement
Nissan and Renault agreed a global alliance, including equity participation, in March 1999.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · corporate / international · 1999-03
PDF page 18, printed page 32, Major Events; March 1999 row. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2002-07 (printed publication month; tables have their own observation dates).
A historical shareholding
Renault raised its Nissan stake to 44.4% in February 2002.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · corporate / international · 2002-02 historical observation
PDF page 18, printed page 32, February 2002 row. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2002-07 (printed publication month; tables have their own observation dates).
Nissan’s initial stake
Nissan acquired 13.5% of Renault’s share capital in March 2002.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · corporate / international · 2002-03 historical observation
PDF page 18, printed page 32, March 2002 row. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2002-07 (printed publication month; tables have their own observation dates).
The subsequent increase
Nissan increased its Renault stake to 15% in May 2002.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · corporate / international · 2002-05 historical observation
PDF page 18, printed page 32, May 2002 row. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2002-07 (printed publication month; tables have their own observation dates).
Dated connections
Each connection states its relationship and evidence date.
1999-03Renault
2002-02Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
2002-03Renault
2002-05Renault
1933-12-26Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
1933-12-26Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
The same connections are stated in the source evidence above. Month-only dates retain month precision. Historical shareholding observations do not establish a continuous ownership interval.
See these events on the timeline → · Open Garage comparison →