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Title: How to buy a small car [cartoon big car trade-in arriving at Datsun]
1971 all Datsun B110
Format:8 page booklet Size:5.25x7.5 in. Publication Number:unspecified
This booklet appeared in the March 1971 Reader's Digestᵂ magazine.
Contents |
Canada
Cover.ca
NOTE: #USA version of this page substitutes single word "Canadians" for "Americans"
Canadians are used to buying big cars.
[image: ridiculous luxo-barge]
Small cars are something else.
On the next seven pages...
some words of advice from Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.,
a small car expert who's been building them
for 38 years.
Small cars are in big
Can I get parts and service?
Differences from #USA version of this page in red
Can I get parts and service?You can. Small car manufacturers, domestic and import, realize the importance of after-sales accommodations. It's simply good business. But keeping parts in stock and service personnel up to date takes some doing.
Foreign builders necessarily become keener parts people than anybody. Because if you have, say, 8,000 miles of water between manufacturer and customer, you dream up the best parts distribution system in the world, And you make it work.
[image:gold 510 on service lift, with mechanic underneath]
In Canada, Datsun has major parts warehouses in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. Plans for a parts warehouse near Halifax are in the works. In all, the parts inventory is valued at more than $3,000,000 and the stock is controlled with the help of a computer.
Datsun's regional depots have a second job: training service people to put the parts in the right places. Full time service schools put dealers' mechanics through textbook theory and service-bay practice. Datsun also operates two mobile training units. Experienced technical instructors take these fully equipped "school" buses to Datsun dealers in smaller towns to train their mechanics. It means you get the same high standard of service everywhere you go in Canada.
How big an engine?Here's where a new perspective is really important. Big car buyers think in terms of hundreds of horsepower because most big cars must move about two tons of metal. But small cars weigh half as much. They need a lot less horsepower for the same kind of performance. Small car manufacturers build efficient engines of 55 to 140 cubic inches and 50 to 130 HP.
[image:red 510 going up an incline]
How does modest size and power produce big performance? By a proper Power-to-Weight Ratio: how many pounds of car each horsepower must haul. It's a valuable performance index.
A race car may have a PWR of just two or three pounds per horsepower. And blinding acceleration. A truck or bus may have a PWR of as much as 50 or 60 pounds — and lose every stoplight derby in town.
Small sedans vary from a loggy 32 pounds per horsepower to very peppy ratios in the low 20's. The secret here is to keep the PWR low enough for fine performance without getting into exotic, overstressed engines that eat gas, have a high wear index and poor reliability.
Datsun power plants include a 4-cylinder overhead cam unit with 96 HP. It runs the 1600 Series Sedans and Wagon plus the Pickup. And it performs! — passenger models do 0-60 in about 14 seconds and deliver up to 30 miles per gallon of gas. This engine also has ample torque. That's important when you're buying a small car with an automatic transmission.
[image: red 240Z]
A close relative of the overhead cam 4 is our overhead cam 6. With 146 cubic inches and 150 horsepower, it punches the Datsun 240-Z from 0-60 in under 9 seconds. And still gets over 25 miles per gallon.
In the Datsun 1200's, the new 69 HP overhead valve engine delivers up to 40 miles per gallon and 0-60 in under 15 seconds. PWR's range from 14.8 pounds in the 240-2 to 22 pounds in the 1600 Sedans and 23 pounds in the 1200 models. That's why we say performance needn't be expensive.
What should a small car cost?For once, you can scale down your estimates. Where big car buyers think $2900 buys a stripped-down model, small car buyers think in terms of $1,700 to $2,500 for a complete car — including luxury "extras".
Many small cars include front bucket seats, front disc brakes and all-synchromesh 4-speed stick shifts. Some, like Datsun, even have overhead cam engines, whitewall tires, flow-through ventilation. Optional automatic transmissions are usually available, too.
Imported small cars are notably well stacked with goodies. It's part of their heritage. Car buyers in other countries may choose small cars by necessity. But they demand big car comfort and luxury, and get it.
[image: parts including tire, seat, heater]
This year, all Datsun passenger models have front disc brakes, vinyl bucket seats and whitewalls as standard equipment. Our 240-Z GT comes with signal-seeking radio, radial tires, electric antenna and rear window defroster. You can't buy it any other way.
Of course, you can add things like air conditioning, mag wheels, vinyl top. With Datsun you can afford to. You get so much free of extra cost.
As for power steering and power brakes...you won't need them. A small car takes as little muscle as money.
How to buy a Datsun
Differences from #USA version of this page in red
How to buy a DatsunNow that you know what to look for, here's how to find it. Your friendly Datsun dealer has the specific Datsun that fits your driving needs, your budget and your eye for luxury and value exactly.
The choice among Datsuns may be tougher than the choice between Datsun and any other car.
Incidentally, that asterisk after the suggested retail base price doesn't hide a lot of "options" on Datsun. It refers only to tax, licence, and local freight. And it means that things like tinted glass, whitewalls and front disc brakes — all the items mentioned below — are yours at no extra charge. We keep our * small because it has nothing to hide.
The all-new 1200'sLi'l Something
[image: blue 2door sedan]
DATSUN 1200 SEDAN $1975*
Our least expensive Datsun
- Contoured vinyl-covered front buckets
- Luxurious all-vinyl interior
- 69 HP overhead valve engine
- 0-60 in 14.8 seconds
- Up to 40 miles per gallon
- Easy-park 26.8 foot turning circle
- Front disc brakes
- Four-speed all-synchromesh stick shift
- Whitewalls, flow-through ventilation
A step down in cost — a step up in value
Something Special
[image: red Coupe]
DATSUN 1200 COUPE $2170*
Takes the ugly out of economy
- Fully reclining front buckets
- Fold down rear seat
- Tinted glass, whitewalls
- All-vinyl interior for four
- Five-main-bearing 69 HP overhead valve engine
- 94 MPH top speed, up to 40 miles per gallon
- 26.8 foot turning circle
- Safety front disc brakes
- Four-speed all-synchromesh stick shift
Express yourself — inexpensively.
The 1600 Series4-Door Sedan
[image: gold 510]
DATSUN 1600 $2185*
The bigger Datsun
- Fully reclining buckets
- Five-main-bearing 96 HP overhead cam engine
- Up to 35 miles per gallon
- 0-60 in 14 seconds
- Fully independent rear suspension
- Front die brakes
- 31.4 foot turning circle
- Standard all-synchromesh 4-speed transmission (optional automatic available)
- Tinted glass, whitewalls, flow-through ventilation
Winner of the treacherous East African Safari.
2-Door Sedan
[image: blue 2-door 510]
DATSUN 1600 $2235*
Our most expensive 2-Door
- Deep padded front buckets
- Five-main-bearing 96 HP overhead cam engine
- Up to 35 miles per gallon
- 0-60 in 13.5 seconds
- Fully independent rear suspension
- Safety front disc brakes
- 31.4 foot turning circle
- Standard all-synchromesh 4-speed transmission (optional automatic available)
- All-vinyl upholstery
- Tinted glass, whitewalls, flow-through ventilation
The sporty commuter
5-Door Wagon
[image: light 510 wagon]
DATSUN 1600 $2643*
The biggest DatsunPerfect for almost every family need
- Five door loading ease
- Fully reclining buckets
- Six feet of flat floor
- Five-main-bearing 96 HP overhead cam engine
- 0-60 under 15 seconds
- Front disc brakes
- 31.4 foot turning circle
- Standard all-synchromesh 4-speed transmission (optional automatic available)
Back.ca
Differences from #USA version of this page in red
DATSUN PICKUP $2225*Lower half of this page is unique to Canada
[image: red 521]
The toughest DatsunThe number 1 selling import truck in North America.
- Six foot all-steel bed
- Easy loading tailgate, tiedown hooks
- Torsion bar front, heavy duty rear suspension
- Half-ton capacity
- 96 HP overhead cam engine
- Up to 30 miles per gallon
- Four speed, all-synchromesh stick shift.
240-Z
[image: gold 240Z]
DATSUN GT $4210*
The sleekest DatsunThe GT car of the decade.
- Contoured, adjustable bucket seats
- Carpeted rear luggage deck with straps
- 150 HP 6-cylinder overhead cam engine
- 0-60 in under 9 seconds, 125 MPH top
- Four-wheel fully independent suspension
- Power front discs
- All synchro 4-speed stick (optional automatic available)
- Radials, signal-seeking radio, power antenna, rear window defroster, tach.
- Suggested retail prices F.O.B. Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax. Local freight, licence, provincial tax, if applicable, extra. Continuing advances in Datsun design and engineering technology require that specifications and prices be subject to change without notice.
There are more than 260 Datsun dealers in Canada and nearly 1000 in the U.S.A. You're never far from parts and service wherever you go. Look in the Yellow Pages of your telephone directory for the Datsun dealer nearest you.
[image: map of the country marking dealers and Regional offices]
DATSUN
PRODUCT OF NISSANthe more-for-your-money carNissan Automobile Co. (Canada) Ltd. Head Office: 480 Audley Blvd., Annacis Industrial Estate, New Westminster, B.C. Regional Offices and Parts Depots at ATLANTIC REGION: 2745 Dutch Village Road, Halifax, N.S. QUEBEC REGION: 6719 Pascal Gagnon Blvd., Montreal, P.Q ONTARIO REGION: 177 Snidercraft Road, Concord, Ont. PRAIRIE REGION: 134-71st Avenue S.E., Calgary, Alta. PACIFIC REGION: 480 Audley Blvd., Annacis Industrial Estate, New Westminster, B.C.
Canada Français
Title: Comment acheter une petite voiture [Échange de grosse voiture de dessin animé arrivant à Datsun]
1971 sedan, coupé B110
Format:8 page booklet Size:5.25x7.5" Publication Number:unspecified
couverture
Au Canada, on sait d'expérience acheter
[image: grosse voiture ridicule]
une grosse voiture.
Mais l'achat d'une petite voiture,
c'est tout autre chose.
Les sept pages qui suivent contiennent
des conseils donnés à ce sujet par un spécialiste
qui se consacre depuis 38 ans à la construction
de petites voitures.
Petites mais en grande demande
- Petites mais en grande demande.
- Nord-américaine ou importée?
- Que fait sacrifier une petite voiture?
- Parlez-nous de la sécurité.
Les pièces... le service après-vente?
- Les pièces... le service après-vente?
- Et la puissance du moteur?
- Combien payer une petite voiture?
Les toutes nouvelle 1200
- Comment acheter une Datsun.
- Les toutes nouvelle 1200
- La série 1600
couverture arrière
- LE PICK-UP DATSUN
- 240-Z
- carte du concessionnaire
DATSUN
PRODUIT DE NISSAN
les plus avantageuse de toutes
USA
Cover.us
NOTE: #Canadian version of this page substitutes single word "Americans" for "Canadians"
Americans are used to buying big cars.
[image: ridiculously large land yacht]
Small cars are something else.
On the next seven pages...
some words of advice from Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.,
a small car expert who's been building them
for 38 years.
Small cars are in big
Small cars are in big.Suddenly Americans have become small car connoisseurs. And for solid reasons. Economy, ecology and efficiency, for example. Plus the aesthetics — the nice difference compact mobility can make in their lives.
But most Americans have experience only in buying big cars. How do you shop intelligently for a new small car? What kind of value can you expect? How much should you pay? What do you gain or lose?
Basically, you want the same things in any size car — comfort, reliability. safety. Here, as a service from Datsun, is information about all small cars to help you gain new perspective. You can shop smart when you shop small.
Import or Domestic?[image:cartoon of ship]
Almost all cars today are "international" because most car manufacturers are international. They not only sell their cars worldwide, but incorporate the best design techniques and components they find anywhere. One leading American car, for example, has an English rack and pinion steering system and a German overhead cam engine. Tires come from Italy, Japan and France, as well as the USA. Carburetors may be Italian or English. And most of Datsun's accessories — air conditioning, vinyl tops, guard bars, etc. are American made.In small cars, many of the best ideas originate outside the U.S. That's logical. Narrow roads, high gasoline prices, tax-based-on-horsepower — all these have made them build small from the beginning. And not start big and think down.
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., producer of Datsun, has been building small cars for 38 years. Americans have already purchased about 450,000 of them.
What should you sacrifice in a small car?Room? Ride? Safety or power? The truth is, you don't have to sacrifice anything for economy if you buy the right economy car.
Let's look at room. Built right, small sedans have plenty of it right where you need it — in the passenger compartment and in the trunk. More, in fact, than many long-hooded snub-backed big cars. No-fat functional design gives four passengers the kind of seat, hip and legroom that American-size people need. Plus up to 15 cubic feet of trunk space in some advanced models.
For the U.S. market, Datsun builds cars around an American-size mannequin named #Big Homer.
[image:Nissan+"Big+Homer"+mannequinpsychedelic cartoon of ergonomic seating dummy]No matter how neat and parkable we make the car outside, inside it always fits Homer. His feet fit our pedals. So it's no fumble-foot operation when you ease down on the safety front disc brakes or push in the clutch to shift one of our all-synchromesh 4-speeds. Or punch the gas in one of our overhead cam engines.
Homer doesn't clobber his knees relaxing in our front buckets or our rear bench seats, either. And out steering wheels, safety recessed switches, the column control on the automatic 3-speed all fit his hands and fingers.
So don't think in terms of sacrifices, but in terms of benefits. The kind that ease you through traffic. Baby your budget. Show you as a shrewd judge of car value.
What about safety?A fresh, rounded look at the matter shows small cars can be just as safe as big cars. In some ways safer.
Fatalistically — and perhaps unfortunately — most people think of car safety only in terms of accident protection. The survivable all-steel cocoon. The ultimate solution would be to drive a Patton tank.
To this end, small cars go through the same crash testing procedures that big cars do. And they have the same federal safety requirements as big cars. These include:
* Crash-tested steel body.
* Front seats with headrests.
* Collapsible steering column.
* Seat belts and shoulder harnesses.
* Flush-mounted controls, padded interior.
In addition, you should look for sure handling, stable suspension and good visibility. Plenty of acceleration and fade-resistant braking, too. Because an equally important aspect of safety — too often overlooked — is accident avoidance.Small cars have one great advantage going for them here — agility. A small car is, in fact, a smaller target. An escape mechanism that can get you out of tighter spots — particularly if it has a good power-to-weight ratio. More about that in a moment.
[image:red 510 4-door] [image:cartoon of downed cyclist]
Another accident avoidance feature is good brakes. And there should be nothing small about them on a small car. In Datsun, the 9" and 10" disc brakes — up front where 80% of the braking action is — are linked with big Al-Fin rear drum. The dual hydraulic systems are #fail-safe. Rain or shine you stop quick and straight.
Our fully independent rear suspensions keep wheels neatly vertical. Stabilize the car in corners and crosswinds.
So safety is more than pure mass. More than head and shoulder restraints. More than a padded, girder-steel passenger compartment. It's also precise steering, alert acceleration, front fender visibility — things that put you in command of your car. That let you be a better — safer — driver.
A lot of the qualities that make a small car fun to drive also make it safer.
Can I get parts and service?
Differences from #Canada version of this page in red
Can I get parts and service?You can. Small car manufacturers, domestic and import, realize the importance of after-sales accommodations. It's simply good business. But keeping parts in stock and service personnel up to date takes some doing.
Foreign builders necessarily become keener parts people than anybody. Because if you have, say, 8,000 miles of water between manufacturer and customer, you dream up the best parts distribution system in the world. And you make it work.
[image:gold 510 on service lift, with mechanic underneath]
Datsun uses a huge fleet to bring in parts. Over 28,000 items are tabbed and delivered to our Master Parts Depot in Los Angeles. It's a new building about the size of a small housing development. Our computer — connected to regional depots — says what goes where and when. These depots are conveniently located in Gardena, Calif: San Francisco, Calif., Jacksonville, Fla: Houston, Texas: Hinsdale, Ill: Portland, Ore. and Secaucus, N.J. (our Eastern Division Headquarters). They serve nearly 1000 Datsun dealers across the country.
Datsun's regional depots have a second jobs training service people to put the parts in the right places. Full time service schools put dealers mechanics through textbook theory and service-bay practice. Routine or emergency treatment for your Datsun is in practiced, professional hands.
How big an engine?Here's where a new perspective is really important. Big car buyers think in terms of hundreds of horsepower because most big cars must move about two tons of metal. But small cars weigh half as mach. They need a lot less horsepower for the same kind of performance. Small car manufacturers build efficient engines of 55 to 140 cubic inches and 50 to 130 HP.
[image:red 510 going up an incline]
How does modest size and power produce big performance? By a proper Power-to-Weight Ratio: how many pounds of car each horsepower must haul. It's a valuable performance index.
A race car may have a PWR of just two or three pounds per horsepower. And blinding acceleration. A truck or bus may have a PWR of as much as 50 or 60 pounds — and lose every stoplight derby in town.
Small sedans vary from a loggy 32 pounds per horsepower to very peppy ratios in the low 20's The secret here is to keep the PWR low enough for fine performance without getting into exotic, overstressed engines that eat gas, have a high wear index and poor reliability.
Datsun power plants include a 4-cylinder overhead cam unit with 96 HP. It runs the 510 Series Sedans and Wagon plus the Pickup. And it performs! — passenger models do 0-60 in about 14 seconds and deliver up to 30 miles per gallon of gas. This engine also has ample torque. That's important when you're buying a small car with an automatic transmission.
[image: red 240Z]
A close relative of the overhead cam 4 is our overhead com 6. With 146 cubic inches and 150 horsepower, it punches the Datsun 240-Z from 0-60 in under 9 seconds. And still gets over 20 miles per gallon.
In the Datsun 1200's, the new 69 HP high-cam engine delivers up to 30 miles per gallon and 0-60 in under 15 seconds, PWR'S range from 14.8 pounds in the 240-Z to 22 pounds in the 510 Sedans and 23 pounds in the 1200 models. That's why we say performance needn't be expensive.
What should a small car cost?For once, you can scale down your estimates. Where big car buyers think $2,500 buys a stripped-down model, small car buyers think in terms of $1,700 to $2,500 for a complete car — including luxury "extras".
Many small cars include front bucket seats, front disk brakes and all-synchromesh 4-speed stick shifts. Some, like Datsun, even have overhead cam engines, whitewall tires, flow through ventilation. Optional automatic transmissions are usually available, too.
Imported small cars are notably well stacked with goodies. It's part of their heritage. Car buyers in other countries may choose small cars by necessity. But they demand big car comfort and luxury, and get it
[image: parts including tire, seat, heater]
This year, all Datsun passenger models have front disc brakes, vinyl bucket seats and whitewalls as standard equipment. Our 240-Z GT comes with signal-seeking radio, radial tires, electric antenna and rear window defroster. You can't buy it any other way.
Of course, you can add things like air conditioning, mag wheels, vinyl top. With Datsun you can afford to. You get so much free of extra cost.
As for power steering and power brakes...you won't need them. A small car takes as little muscle as money.
How to buy a Datsun
How to buy a DatsunNow that you know what to look for, here's how to find it. Your friendly Datsun dealer has the specific Datsun that fits your driving needs, your budget and your eye for luxury and value exactly.
The choice among Datsuns may be tougher than the choice between Datsun and any other car.
Incidentally, that asterisk after the suggested retail base price doesn't hide a lot of "options" on Datsun. It refers only to tax, license, local freight, and dealer preparation. And it means that things like tinted glass, whitewalls and front disc brakes — all the items mentioned below — are yours at no extra charge. We keep our * small because it has nothing to hide.
The all-new 1200'sLi'l Something
[image: blue 2door sedan]
DATSUN 1200 SEDAN $1736*
Our least expensive Datsun
- Contoured vinyl-covered front buckets
- Luxurious all-vinyl interior
- 69 HP overhead valve engine
- 0-60 in 14.8 seconds
- Up to 30 miles per gallon
- Easy-park 27 foot turning circle
- Front disc brakes
- Four-speed all-synchromesh stick shift
- Whitewalls, flow-through ventilation
A step down in cost — a step up in value
Something Special
[image: red Coupe]
DATSUN 1200 COUPE $1866*
Takes the ugly out of economy
- Fully reclining front buckets
- Fold down rear seat
- Tinted glass, whitewalls
- All-vinyl interior for four
- Five-main-bearing 69 HP overhead valve engine
- 94 MPH top speed, up to 30 miles per gallon
- 27 foot turning circle
- Safety front disc brakes
- Four-speed all-synchromesh stick shift
Express yourself — inexpensively.
The 510 Series4-Door Sedan
[image: gold 510]
DATSUN 510 $2120*
The bigger Datsun
- Fully reclining buckets
- Five-main-bearing 96 HP overhead cam engine
- Up to 25 miles per gallon
- 0-60 in 14 seconds
- Fully independent rear suspension
- Front die brakes
- 31.4 foot turning circle
- Standard all-synchromesh 4-speed transmission (optional automatic available)
- Tinted glass, whitewalls, flow-through ventilation
Winner of the treacherous East African Safari.
2-Door Sedan
[image: blue 2-door 510]
DATSUN 510 $1990*
Our most expensive 2-Door
- Deep padded front buckets
- Five-main-bearing 96 HP overhead cam engine
- Up to 25 miles per gallon
- 0-60 in 13.5 seconds
- Fully independent rear suspension
- Safety front disc brakes
- 31.4 foot turning circle
- Standard all-synchromesh 4-speed transmission (optional automatic available)
- All-vinyl upholstery
- Tinted glass, whitewalls, flow-through ventilation
The sporty commuter
5-Door Wagon
[image: light 510 wagon]
DATSUN 510 $2350*
The biggest DatsunPerfect for almost every family need
- Five door loading ease
- Fully reclining buckets
- Six feet of flat floor
- Five-main-bearing 96 HP overhead cam engine
- 0-60 under 15 seconds
- Front disc brakes
- 31.4 foot turning circle
- Standard all-synchromesh 4-speed transmission (optional automatic available)
Back.us
Differences from #USA version of this page in red
Li'l HustlerLower half of page is uniquely for USA
DATSUN PICKUP $1916*
[image: red 521]
The toughest DatsunThe number 1 selling import truck
- Six foot all-steel bed
- Easy loading tailgate, tiedown hooks
- Torsion bar front, heavy duty rear suspension
- Half-ton capacity
- 96 HP overhead cam engine
- Up to 30 miles per gallon
- Four speed, all-synchromesh stick shift.
240-Z
[image: gold 240Z]
DATSUN GT $3596*
The sleekest DatsunThe GT car of the decade.
- Contoured, adjustable bucket seats
- Carpeted rear luggage deck with straps
- 150 HP 6-cylinder overhead cam engine
- 0-60 in under 9 seconds, 125 MPH top
- Four-wheel fully independent suspension
- Power front discs
- All synchro 4-speed stick (optional automatic available)
- Radials, signal-seeking radio, power antenna, rear window defroster, tach.
- Continuing advances in Datsun design and engineering technology require that specifications and prices be subject to change without notice. For your nearest Datsun dealer, call toll free — (800) 243-6000. In Connecticut, call toll free (800) 942-0655
1FREE DATSUN DEMONSTRATION DRIVE1Upon presentation to any Datsun dealer this certificate entitles the bearer to one free demonstration drive in a Datsun 510 Sedan, or other demonstrators may be available. No cost. No obligation. Limited to licensed drivers.
ONE
FREE Comparison Charts. While you're there, get your free comparison charts. See for yourself how the principal small cars compare fact-for-fact, figure-for-figure. Drive a Datsun...then decide.
DATSUN
PRODUCT OF NISSAN
1 ONE 1
Newspaper Classified Ads
This "How to buy a Datsun" booklet was referenced in early 1971 advertising.
This Informative booklet gives you a fresh, well-rounded look at the Important, small car field! And then — YOU YOU ARE INVITED to participate in the old-fashioned way to buy a car HANNUM DATSUNAsks you to read..."How to buy a small car.".In the March, 1971
Issue of theREADER'S DIGEST
-TAKE A DEMONSTRATION DRIVE In the exciting 1971 DATSUN '1200' Sedan which can be yours for only:$1,798ATHANNUM DATSUNWhere you'll find what is just possibly the...
BIGGEST INVENTORY
LOWEST PRICES
BIGGEST "TRADE-INS"
AND
EASIEST FINANCING
"Our reputation rides ... in every car we sell!" 2060 CENTENNIAL 342-7761
Hannum Datsun 2060 Centennial Blvd Eugene, Oregon 97401 (503) 342-7761
Hannum is now Lithia Nissanᴳ
Big Homer
Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates of the 92nd Congress, First Session Volume 117, Part 13 United States Congress May 26, 1971
WORLD TRADE
...
Detroit, indeed, is worried. Imports of Toyota and Nissan, which makes Datsun cars, have soared...
"BIG HOMER"
To further enhance their attractiveness for American buyers, both Toyota and Nissan have taken major steps to adapt their models to the needs of American drivers and passengers. Nissan, for example, uses a special dummy it calls "Big Homer," modeled after a typical American physique, to set the interior dimensions of its U.S.-bound cars.
fail-safe
Datsun "fail-safe" "How to buy a small car" Reader's Digestᴳ
DEAR SENATOR Moss: We write on behalf of Nissan Motor Corporation in U.S.A. in response to your letter of June 12, 1972, attaching a copy of the FTC staff comment concerning the use of the word "failsafe" as descriptive of our dual hydraulic braking system.
We believe the FTC staff comment to be patently inaccurate as it relates to the Special Report filed by Nissan as well as incomplete.
Preliminarily, and to put the whole matter in perspective, the adjective "failsafe" was used one time in an eight page booklet entitled "How to Buy a Small Car" which was published as part of the March 1971 "Readers Digest". Although not required by the FTC's Order, a copy of the booklet was attached as Exhibit "A" to the Special Report...
the use of the word "failsafe" was justified as follows:
"The Datsun braking system incorporates a feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an anticipated possible source of failure [cf. definition of 'failsafe', Webster's 7th New Collegiate Dictionary (1967 Ed.)] in that if there is failure of a pressure component of, or insufficient hydraulic fluid in, either the front or rear brake system, the other brake system will be unaffected and will brake the car, all in accordance with Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 105 and SAE Recommended Practice J843a...
while Nissan could not agree with staff counsel's contention that it had represented Datsun brakes "never fail" (FTC letter of March 16, 1972), it would refrain from using the word again. (Nissan letter of April 10, 1972)...