Datsun is back

The Datsun 240Z enjoys cult status in Australia.

But everyone who is older knows that you are talking about Datsun. Well, rejoice. The name is back.

After parent company Nissan removed it from the rooftops of corporate signage in 1986, parent company Nissan said the Datsun name would once again be plastered on some of its vehicles.

But the fact is that the cars will be inexpensive and originally designed for emerging markets. Boot badge production starts in 2014 for Russia, Indonesia and India.

Cars began wearing the Datsun badge in 1933 - 19 years after the first DAT car was released - and lasted in the Australian market for cars such as the 240Z, 120Y and 180B until parent company Nissan in 1981 (1986 in Australia) has given itself its own nickname.

The name change campaign lasted from 1982 to 1986. From the late 1970s, Datsun-badged vehicles were gradually fitted with small Nissan and "Datsun by Nissan" badges.

The announcement that Datsun will join Nissan and Infiniti was made this week by Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn. 

He says the revived name will strengthen Nissan's position in emerging markets by offering low-cost, fuel-efficient cars.

But no specific models have been announced. Nissan sold 2011 vehicles in the expanding Indonesian market in 60,000 and predicts that this figure will increase to 250,000 by 2014.

This week, Nissan announced the construction of a new plant in Indonesia, which will be one of the largest Nissan plants in Asia. It will produce several Datsun brand vehicles.