Nissan is a multinational automaker company headquartered in Japan. It was formerly a core member of the Nissan Group, but has become more independent after its restructuring under Carlos Ghosn (CEO). It formerly marketed vehicles under the “Datsun” brand name and is one of the largest car manufacturers.

As of August 2009, the company’s global headquarters are located in Nishi-ku, Yokohama. In 1999, Nissan entered an alliance with Renault S.A. of France, which owns 44.4% of Nissan as of 2008. Nissan is among the top three Asian (also known as the Japanese Big 3 Automakers) rivals of the “Big Three” in the U.S. Currently it is the third largest Japanese car manufacturer. It also manufactures the Infiniti luxury brand.

Nissan has chosen to develop 100 percent electric cars rather than biofuel or ethanol running cars based upon cost analysis. Nissan announced the company will produce EVs at its Oppama plant from fall 2010 with capacity of 50,000 units a year. Batteries for EVs will be supplied by Automotive Energy Supply Corporation.