Why is Dongfeng also called Dongfeng Nissan?
2 Answers
Dongfeng Nissan is a joint venture established by China's Dongfeng Motor Corporation and Japan's Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., hence the name Dongfeng Nissan. It was founded on June 9, 2003, with a registered capital of 16.7 billion yuan, making it the largest joint project in China's automotive industry to date, covering the broadest cooperation areas and offering the most comprehensive product lineup. Currently, Dongfeng Nissan employs over 7,000 staff engaged in the research and development, procurement, manufacturing, sales, and service of passenger vehicles. Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company operates two production bases in Huadu, Guangzhou and Xiangfan, Hubei, consisting of five major workshops: stamping, welding, painting, assembly, and resin. Since its inception, Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company has aspired to become one of the best brands in China's passenger vehicle market.
Dongfeng Motor is a veteran Chinese automaker. In the 1980s and 1990s, it primarily manufactured trucks and buses, later joining the wave of automotive industry joint ventures when the sector opened up. In 2003, Dongfeng partnered with Japan's Nissan to establish the Dongfeng Nissan joint venture, with each holding a 50% stake, producing passenger vehicles. After the joint venture, popular models like the Sylphy and Teana were launched, leading to soaring sales that accounted for the majority of Dongfeng's overall business. Many people first encountered Dongfeng's products through these joint venture cars, with Dongfeng Nissan's prominent dealership signs and excellent service naturally building a strong reputation. Over time, mentioning Dongfeng often brings to mind its collaboration with Nissan, leading to the casual use of "Dongfeng Nissan." As a long-time car enthusiast, I recall that Dongfeng's purely independent models, like the Fengshen, were less popular in the past. Now, with joint ventures dominating the market, the names have become somewhat interchangeable.
