Japanese car history: reading dates in context
Dates tell different stories.
A selected timeline linking announcements, sales events and production periods to their own source evidence. A year or month is kept at the precision the source supports.
1933-12-26 · corporate / international
Company foundation: Jidosha Seizo
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).
1934-06-01 · corporate / international
Nissan Motor company name
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).
1936–1937 · JP
Toyota naming and company founding
A logo competition in 1936 selected the Toyota spelling. Toyota Motor Company was founded on 28 August 1937.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · 1936–1937
Toyota mark chosen by public contest; paragraphs on September 25 selection and April 1937 trademark. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2012 (archive copyright year; exact publication day unknown).
1974-03-29 · DE / global production
Golf series production starts at Wolfsburg
Volkswagen dates the start of Golf series production at Wolfsburg to 29 March 1974. This is a factory production event in Germany, and does not establish a Japan launch or Japan production date.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · DE / global production · Golf I Wolfsburg start
retained text line 428, first sentence. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2024-03-29 (release header).
1987-09 · JP
Bluebird U12 introduction
Nissan’s Japan model-change chart places Bluebird U12 at September 1987. Skyline appears on a separate model row.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · chart observed 2002-07-31; introduction month September 1987
PDF page 13, printed pages 22–23, Model Changes in Japan; Bluebird and Skyline rows. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2002-07 (printed publication month; tables have their own observation dates).
1988-05 · JP
Silvia S13 introduction
Nissan dates the fifth-generation Silvia S13’s Japan introduction to May 1988.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · S13 introduction
retained text line 33, opening sentence. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: not stated (document date not stated).
1989 · US
Lexus launch models
The Lexus timeline records the LS 400 and ES 250 at the marque’s 1989 launch.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · US · 1989
The History of Lexus, table row headed 1989. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: not stated (living timeline; publication date not established).
1989-05 · JP
Skyline R32 introduction
Nissan’s Heritage Collection dates the debut of the eighth-generation Skyline R32 to May 1989.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · R32 introduction
retained text line 42, first sentence. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: not stated (document date not stated).
1989-08 (derived) · JP
GT-R returns three months later
The same account places the GT-R return three months after May 1989. August 1989 is a derived month; the text supplies no exact day.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · GT-R derivative introduction
retained text line 42, May debut followed by three months later. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: not stated (document date not stated).
1991-09 · JP
Bluebird U13 introduction
Nissan’s Japan model-change chart places Bluebird U13 at September 1991. Skyline appears on a separate model row.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · chart observed 2002-07-31; introduction month September 1991
PDF page 13, printed pages 22–23, Model Changes in Japan; Bluebird and Skyline rows. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2002-07 (printed publication month; tables have their own observation dates).
1991–2002 · JP manufacturer retrospective
RX-7 third-generation production years
Mazda’s 2020 retrospective states that the third-generation RX-7 was produced from 1991 to 2002. These are year-level bounds.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP manufacturer retrospective · third-generation RX-7
retained text line 10, third-generation RX-7 parenthetical 1991–2002. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2020-12-17 (dated manufacturer release).
1993-05-24 · JP
Supra release
Toyota’s archive records 24 May 1993 as the release date of this Supra. The date is a release event, with production start left unknown.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · A80 introduction
Released date field:1993/5/24. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2012 (75-year archive edition; exact day unknown).
1996-01 · JP
Bluebird U14 introduction
Nissan’s Japan model-change chart places Bluebird U14 at January 1996. Skyline appears on a separate model row.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · chart observed 2002-07-31; introduction month January 1996
PDF page 13, printed pages 22–23, Model Changes in Japan; Bluebird and Skyline rows. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2002-07 (printed publication month; tables have their own observation dates).
1996-05-08 · JP
First Step WGN announcement
Honda’s contemporary Japanese release announcing the first Step WGN is dated 8 May 1996.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · first Step WGN announcement
retained text lines 7–10, release title and date. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 1996-05-08 (release header).
1996-05-10 · JP
Step WGN sales launch
The release identifies 10 May 1996 as the nationwide sales date. This resolves the launch event to May 1996; a later inconsistent sales footnote is retained as a disputed historical assertion.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · first Step WGN sales event
retained text line 11, 5月10日(金) sales sentence. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 1996-05-08 (release header).
1999-03 · corporate / international
Nissan–Renault 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).
2002-02 · corporate / international
Renault stake in Nissan: 44.4%
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).
2002-03 · corporate / international
Nissan stake in Renault: 13.5%
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).
2002-03-25 · JP
Spirit R announcement
Mazda announced the final limited-edition RX-7 Spirit R on 25 March 2002.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · Spirit R announcement
retained text lines 5–8, header and announcement. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2002-03-25 (release header).
2002-04-22 (scheduled) · JP
Spirit R Japan sales
That announcement scheduled Japan sales of the Spirit R series for 22 April 2002. It does not establish an order-opening date or a particular car’s delivery.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · Spirit R scheduled sales
retained text lines 11–15, goes on sale on April 22. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2002-03-25 (release header).
2002-05 · corporate / international
Nissan stake in Renault: 15%
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).
2002-08 · JP archive scope
Supra production end
The archive says Supra production ended in August 2002. It does not give an exact last-build day or frame number.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP archive scope · A80 model production
Description motorsport paragraph:production ended in August2002. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2012 (75-year archive edition; exact day unknown).
2005 · JP
Lexus-badged vehicles sold in Japan
The same timeline dates the first sale of Lexus-badged vehicles in Japan to 2005.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · 2005
The History of Lexus, table row headed 2005, last sentence. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: not stated (living timeline; publication date not established).
2005 · JP
Supra motorsport activity beyond road production
Toyota records Supra participation at Le Mans and in Japan’s GT500 class, with motorsport activity continuing until 2005 after production ended in August 2002. This account does not identify individual race results or race-car engine specifications.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · Historical account through2005; archive2012
Description motorsport paragraph. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2012 (75-year archive edition; exact day unknown).
2013-09 · JP
Third-generation Fit launch context
Honda’s 5 September 2013 announcement describes the third-generation Fit and an intended Japan launch on 6 September. Its footnote schedules the hybrid 4WD version for December; that is an announcement, rather than proof of an individual car’s delivery.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · September 2013 launch announcement
News release introduction and footnote *1. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2013-09-05 (release date).
2013-12 (planned) · JP
Fit hybrid 4WD: the announced month
The 5 September announcement schedules hybrid 4WD for December 2013. That planned month is separate from the announced 6 September launch and does not establish actual hybrid 4WD sales.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · September2013 launch edition
Introduction and footnote1. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2013-09-05 (dated primary announcement).
2015-05-21 · TH
Eighth-generation Hilux: Thailand sales
The eighth-generation Hilux was unveiled in Bangkok and went on sale in Thailand on 21 May 2015.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · TH · 2015-05-21
opening two paragraphs; eighth-generation designation. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2015-05-21 (manufacturer release).
2015-07-09 · JP
Sienta Japan sales launch
Toyota announced the redesigned Sienta for sale in Japan on 9 July 2015. This is a Japan sales-launch event; the source does not establish its production start.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · 2015 launch
retained text lines 14 and 17; dated introduction and nationwide launch paragraph. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2015-07-09 (date stated in release introduction).
2017-09-12 · JP
Hilux returns to Japan
Hilux returned to Japanese sales on 12 September 2017 after a 13-year absence.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · 2017-09-12
opening paragraph; Hilux release date. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2017-09-12 (manufacturer release).
2018-07-05 · JP
Fourth-generation Jimny Japan sales
The redesigned Jimny went on sale in Japan on 5 July 2018. The separate Sierra used a different engine.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · 2018-07-05
opening paragraph and powertrain summary. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2018-07-05 (manufacturer launch release).
2019 · global compact generation
Golf VII compact production end year
Volkswagen’s retrospective says Golf VII cars were produced up to 2019. This statement concerns the compact generation in its global history; it does not settle Japan deliveries or the Variant estate’s end date.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · global compact generation · Golf VII retrospective
retained text line 442, final sentence; compact generation context. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2024-03-29 (release header).
2016-09-16 · JP
Freed and Freed+ Japan sales begin
Honda began Japan sales of Freed and Freed+ on 16 September 2016. This is a sales date; exact production boundaries remain unknown.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · 2016-09-16 sales launch
Dated heading and opening sales paragraph. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2016-09-16 (dated Japan sales release).
1989-10-02 · Toyota brand history
Toyota introduces its new mark and logo
Toyota dates the introduction of its new mark and logo to 2 October 1989. This precise design event is separate from the year-only U.S. debut of Lexus.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · Toyota brand history · 1989-10-02
retained supporting_lines lines 20–21. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: not stated (individual publication/revision UNKNOWN; Toyota 75 Years archive context 2012).
2018-07-12 · JP
Honda announces N-VAN
Honda’s release is dated 12 July 2018. It announces sales of N-VAN at dealerships across Japan from 13 July; the document is an announcement, rather than a retrospective confirmation of deliveries.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · 2018-07-12 Japan N-VAN release
heading date and opening dateline paragraph; retained lines6–8. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2018-07-12 (dated manufacturer release; later technical revisions UNKNOWN).
2018-07-13 · JP
Scheduled Japan sales of N-VAN in July12 release
Honda’s release is dated 12 July 2018. It announces sales of N-VAN at dealerships across Japan from 13 July; the document is an announcement, rather than a retrospective confirmation of deliveries.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · 2018-07-12 Japan N-VAN release
heading date and opening dateline paragraph; retained lines6–8. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2018-07-12 (dated manufacturer release; later technical revisions UNKNOWN).
2015-02-18 · JP
Suzuki announces sales of Every and Every Wagon
The Suzuki release is dated 18 February 2015 and announces both new models on sale from that date. The 2014 folder in its URL is not the document date; this statement does not define either generation’s production interval.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · 2015-02-18 Japan Every / Every Wagon release
PDF page1 printed date and first paragraph; HTML lines2,5. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2015-02-18 (printed manufacturer release date; URL folder/HTTP metadata not specification revision).
2011-01-07 · JP
Solio release date reported in JATCO’s January20 entry
The 20 January 2011 JATCO entry states that the new Suzuki Solio released on 7 January 2011 is equipped with JF015E. The supplier reports an application and a preceding sales release; it does not enumerate grades, engines, chassis codes or individual build dates.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · 2011-01-20 report / 2011-01-07 reported release
2011.1.20 スズキ ソリオ entry, paragraph; encoding-verified selected lines16–17; English lines29–33 corroborate. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: UNKNOWN (Archive revision UNKNOWN; individual entry dates explicitly retained in each fact).
2011-01-20 · JP
JATCO reports JF015E application to Solio
The 20 January 2011 JATCO entry states that the new Suzuki Solio released on 7 January 2011 is equipped with JF015E. The supplier reports an application and a preceding sales release; it does not enumerate grades, engines, chassis codes or individual build dates.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · 2011-01-20 report / 2011-01-07 reported release
2011.1.20 スズキ ソリオ entry, paragraph; encoding-verified selected lines16–17; English lines29–33 corroborate. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: UNKNOWN (Archive revision UNKNOWN; individual entry dates explicitly retained in each fact).
2011-02-24 · JP
JATCO announces JF015E application to Delica D:2
JATCO’s 24 February 2011 entry expressly names JF015E for the new Mitsubishi Delica D:2. It says the vehicle will be released on 10 March. This is a supplier application announcement with a planned sales date; the entry does not confirm subsequent deliveries.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · 2011-02-24 announcement / 2011-03-10 planned release
2011.2.24 三菱 デリカ D:2 entry and following paragraph; encoding-verified selected lines5–6. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: UNKNOWN (Archive revision UNKNOWN; individual entry dates explicitly retained in each fact).
2011-03-10 · JP
Planned Delica D:2 release in JATCO’s February24 entry
JATCO’s 24 February 2011 entry expressly names JF015E for the new Mitsubishi Delica D:2. It says the vehicle will be released on 10 March. This is a supplier application announcement with a planned sales date; the entry does not confirm subsequent deliveries.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · 2011-02-24 announcement / 2011-03-10 planned release
2011.2.24 三菱 デリカ D:2 entry and following paragraph; encoding-verified selected lines5–6. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: UNKNOWN (Archive revision UNKNOWN; individual entry dates explicitly retained in each fact).
2010-02-25 · JP
Honda CR-Z press-information edition
Honda’s PRESS INFORMATION dated 25 February 2010 separates α and β into CVT and six-speed manual columns. The CVT is named Honda Multimatic S and includes a seven-speed mode. This mode is not an exact gearbox code or evidence of seven fixed physical forward ratios.
Source and scope
Manufacturer source ↗ · JP · 2010-02-25 Japan press information
PDF page1, back-cover 主要諸元 table: α/β headers, drivetrain and transmission rows; printed front cover2010.2.25. Checked 6 October 2026. Source date: 2010-02-25 (Printed PRESS INFORMATION 2010.2.25).