Celica Forums General Discussion General Do you know the answer?

Ok so if i were to ask the question on this forum, who was the first japanese car manufacturer to sell in the united states, of course everyone would say Toyota, being that we are in the celica forum...but the question is, when? What year did they sell in the US? Do you know the answer...score one for toyota!

-TOYOTA
1867
Feb.
Sakichi Toyoda born in Kosai, Shizuoka Prefecture

1937
Aug.
Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. (TMC) established

1957
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) begins operations in U.S.

1971
Production of U.S Spec Celica's begin using the 22r carbureated engine.(RWD).

-NISSAN/DATSUN
Datsun was the first Japanese car manufacturer to import to US.

1958
The first Datsun sedan arrives in the United States. The strong, heavy 1200 Sedan packs a 48-hp 1200-cc engine encased in thick body panels.

1959
The first Datsun compact pickup is sold in America. Originally imported with a modest 37-hp 1000-cc engine, the upgraded model features a 48-hp 1200-cc version. This quarter-ton pickup firmly establishes Datsun in the American market.

1960
Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. (NMC) is established in Gardena, California. The model year witnesses the birth of Datsun's first sports car, the SPL 210. This high, narrow, 4-seat roadster features a fold down soft top with side curtains, "4 on the floor," and a 48-hp 1200-cc engine (soon replaced by an 85-hp version).

1962
Focused on American driving needs, the Bluebird is the first Datsun with a full synchronized 3-speed transmission. It also sports classic two-tone paint, wide whitewalls and optional bucket seats. Off the road, Nissan's first utility vehicle, The Patrol, makes its debut, with TV hero Roy Rogers as its spokesman. Pitched as the world's most powerful, most advanced 4-wheel drive, the Patrol's brawny 145-hp 4000-cc 6-cylinder engine develops enough torque "to climb trees."

1966
The first Japanese-owned production facility in North America, Nissan Mexicana (NMEX) manufactures its first vehicle.

1967
The Datsun most-desired by collectors, the 2000 Roadster, is also the first Japanese production sports car to come with a 5-speed. That, plus its robust 150-hp engine, makes it extra fun to drive. Production is limited to 1,000 and the first 10 are lightweight versions for racing. The 2000 Roadster wins 10 SCCA National Championships between 1967 and 1987.

1968
Nissan launches the first car styled for the U.S. market, the Datsun 510 sedan.

1969
Datsun introduces the "Z" as a 1970 model. By offering European performance, plus creature comforts like roll-up windows and a heater all at an affordable price the 240Z becomes the best-selling sports car in the world. The Corvette took nearly twenty-five years to sell 500,000 units; the Z does it in fewer than ten.

Now look ^^ hehe. I got ya covered!

1999 - Rhys Millen drives UPRD Nissan Skyline GT-R to victory in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb near Colorado Springs, Colorado, on July 4.

damn karb!! nice shit!

I knew mainly the Toyota stuff. I hit up www.nissanusa.com [nissanusa.com] for the nissan stuff. The wonders of the internet...

awosme info

yeah i know but i wouldnt not known to look

When did Honda and their motor bikes come into play? I seem to remember something about Harley and Honda on history channel a while back... plus something about mopeds

^^ I saw that same thing. Late 60's I believe honda came out with that 50hp motorbike.

Plus numerous other things like lawn mowers, boat engines (yes they have vtec)

lawn mower with v-tech?