Every August, the Philippines observes History Month to honor the many stories and individuals who shaped the nation into what it is today. This year, Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) joins the country in this commemoration by looking back at its own journey—one that began more than five decades ago. From Datsun to NPI, this is where the story started.
Nissan’s Philippine roots trace back to the 1960s, when its vehicles carried the Datsun badge. Back then, roads were filled with models like the Datsun 180B, Cedric 200C, and the hardworking Datsun 1600 pickup. These vehicles built Nissan’s reputation as a dependable choice, known for durability and versatility. Whether for daily travel or demanding work, the brand showed it could deliver quality vehicles that fit the Filipino way of life.
The 1980s marked a turning point. It was in this decade that Nissan began assembling vehicles locally, a move that not only addressed rising demand but also generated jobs for Filipinos in the motoring industry. It was also the time when nameplates such as the Patrol, Frontier, and especially the Sentra rose to prominence.
The Sentra, in particular, became a staple in many Filipino households during the 1980s and 1990s. Known for its reliability and low maintenance, it was equally at home as a weekday commuter and a weekend family car. For longtime enthusiast Dennis Carpio, it was more than just transportation. He went out of his way to buy back his old 1988 Sentra and restore it.
“For me, the durability of the vehicle really stands out,” Carpio shared. “Despite its age, the engine is still very easy to maintain and the body panels feel very solid.”
By the 2000s, Nissan adapted to changing times. In 2003, it introduced the X-Trail, a compact SUV that quickly became a family favorite for its blend of comfort and practicality. For Nicky Tuason, his X-Trail is more than just a car—it’s a family heirloom. A gift from his grandparents, it remains with him today, carrying memories that money can’t replace.
“It’s the last car from my childhood. It saw me grow up and was always there, growing up alongside me. And instead of getting a new car, I’d rather make this car as good as a modern car,” Tuason said. “For its age, it can still go head-to-head with a modern one.”
In 2013, Nissan formally established NPI, signaling a new era. Models like the Terra SUV and Navara pickup strengthened its lineup, with the latter carving its place in the market through a balance of toughness, safety, and comfort.
Navara owner Den Paulino recalled, “We chose the Nissan Navara because it stood out in terms of comfort and safety for our kids. The 360-degree camera, six airbags, and intelligent safety features made it an easy choice for our family.”
From then on, NPI continued to evolve. In 2021, it introduced the Nissan LEAF, among the first electric vehicles available in the Philippines. A year later, the Kicks e-POWER followed, blending hybrid innovation with crossover practicality. More recently, the all-new Patrol reaffirmed Nissan’s presence in the SUV segment.
“From our earliest nameplates to today’s tech-driven lineup, our history in the Philippines has been one of constant evolution,” said Nissan Philippines President Masao Tsutsumi. “As we celebrate Philippine History Month, we also celebrate the many roads we have traveled together, and the many more still to come.”
