Nissan was founded in 1933, originating from the merger of multiple companies, with its roots tracing back to the early 20th century. Yoshisuke Aikawa founded and led the company, which initially started as a small automaker before expanding its operations significantly in the decades that followed. By the 1950s and 1960s, Nissan began exporting vehicles outside Japan, establishing itself as a key player in the global car market. Throughout its history, Nissan has gone through various transformations, including forming alliances with other major automotive companies. In 1999, Nissan entered into a strategic alliance with Renault, later including Mitsubishi Motors in 2016, forming one of the largest automotive groups in the world. The brand has maintained its reputation for producing innovative and reliable vehicles, making significant strides in electric vehicle technology and autonomous driving systems.