In the early-1980s, Nissan Motor Co. underwent a rather awkward changing process, as it dropped the well-known “Datsun” name in favor of its parent company’s name “Nissan.” Nissan->ke62 added to the confusion by dragging the changeover process out for several years. For those present during the changeover, you will remember the confusing "Datsun by Nissan" days (i.e. Datsun by Nissan Pulsar, Datsun by Nissan 280ZX, etc.). Over the course of a few years, The Datsun name disappeared and it has stayed that way for three decades.

Surprise, surprise, Nissan has chosen to dig up the old “Datsun” name and breathe life into it, come the 2014 model year. Now, before you classic Datsun fans get too excited for the return of the 280ZX or the compact B210, for now the re-introduction of the lineup is only going to take place in developing markets, including: India, Indonesia and Russia. Given the recent trend of automobile companies experimenting in smaller markets before expanding to the U.S. market; don’t be surprised if a Datsun dealership opens up on U.S. soil in the next 5 to 10 years. Much like Fiat->ke30 hung around in the European market for nearly three decades before reemerging in the U.S. with the subcompact 500->ke1708.

From the looks of it, Datsun is going to be a big time competitor to the likes of Hyundai and Kia, as executives are claiming that the Datsun brand will feature vehicles in the $5,000 to $6,000 dollar range, which is a what we call "scary cheap." To date, there is no information on upcoming models, engines, design or any other specifics, but I think it’s safe to say that a revived 280ZX is not in the cards, at least initially.

Here’s to hoping two things happen. First, let’s see Datsun make a full comeback and make its way back to its fans in the U.S. Secondly, avoid conjoining two different names with "by," it’s really confusing guys…

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