Do you remember the Datsun 510 and 240Z? Well, some automotive enthusiasts sure do! The Datsun 240, 260, and 280Z all had what car enthusiasts wanted (looks, performance and all at a great price).
During the mid 80s in the United States, Datsun become Nissan. In 2014 Datsun will return as a separate brand globally but reportedly not in the U.S. auto market.
The automaker says that the Nissan brand is aimed at middle-income buyers and its Infiniti brand is geared to upper-income drivers. With the return of the Datsun, Nissan hopes to use the name's reputation for building sporty inexpensive small cars as a way to attract younger buyers.
Management consultants think that Nissan will have a tough road reintroducing Datsun because it does not have brand recognition. After all, many countries have never experienced Datsun cars in the first place.
Although the automaker says that Datsun will not return to the U.S., I think that Datsun could again be a big hit here because it does have brand recognition.
However, in the late 60s and during the 70s, the 240, 260 and 280Z really put Datsun on the map in the United States. No other sport car offered so much 'sport' (including great looks) for the money as these Z cars. Thus, they quickly obtained a big following (including a cult following) not only in the U.S. but worldwide.
These cars were equipped with a smooth running inline six-cylinder engine and their handling was good. As mentioned above, the cars had great looks combined with excellent dependability. Thus, the Zs were that sweet combination of just about all that driving enthusiasts wanted.
The bottom line: Do not count Datsun out because the 'flame' could very quickly ignite the hearts of driving enthusiasts. When a car has it, not much can hold it back!
Could there be a Datsun in your motoring future? Nissan says no, but I think in regard to cars, anything is indeed possible!
