What Happened to Prince Motor Company?
Prince Motor Company was a pioneering Japanese automobile manufacturer known for its luxury and performance vehicles, including the iconic Skyline and Gloria. Established from the post-WWII remnants of aircraft manufacturers, it merged with Nissan Motor Company in August 1966 under government pressure for industrial consolidation. While the Prince marque ceased to exist, its engineering prowess and key models, most notably the Skyline, continued under the Nissan brand, shaping Nissan's performance car legacy into the present day.
Quick Answer
Prince Motor Company, a distinguished Japanese automaker renowned for its luxury and performance cars like the Skyline and Gloria, merged with Nissan Motor Company in August 1966. This merger was driven by government initiatives to strengthen the Japanese automotive industry. Although the Prince brand disappeared, its advanced engineering capabilities and popular models were integrated into Nissan, forming the foundation for many of Nissan's subsequent iconic vehicles. As of 2026, the legacy of Prince Motor Company continues to be celebrated through the enduring Nissan Skyline, with a new generation expected to launch in 2027, blending classic styling with modern performance.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Electric Car Division of Tachikawa Aircraft Becomes Independent
The electric car division of the Tachikawa Aircraft Company became independent, forming the Fuchu Plant of Kosoku Kikan Kogyo Co., Ltd., marking the earliest roots of Prince Motor Company.
Foundation of Tokyo Electric Car Company
The Tokyo Electric Car Company was officially founded, which would undergo several name changes before becoming Prince Motor Company.
Renamed Prince Motor Company
Tama Motor Company changed its name to Prince Motor Company, honoring Crown Prince Akihito's formal investiture.
Merger with Fuji Precision Industries
Prince Motor Company merged with its engine supplier, Fuji Precision Industries. The combined entity initially took the name Fuji Precision Industries.
Introduction of the Prince Skyline
Prince Motor Company launched the first generation of its iconic Skyline model, which would become one of its most famous car lines.
Introduction of the Prince Gloria
The luxury Prince Gloria sedan was introduced, further establishing Prince's reputation for premium automobiles.
Name Reverts to Prince Motor Company
Fuji Precision Industries officially changed its name back to Prince Motor Company, reviving the brand name.
Prince Skyline GT Competes in Japanese Grand Prix
Prince launched the racing version of the Skyline, the Skyline GT, which competed in the first Japanese Grand Prix, narrowly losing to a Porsche 904 and showcasing Prince's performance ambitions.
Merger with Nissan Announced
Prince Motor Company announced its intention to merge with Nissan Motor Company, a move encouraged by the Japanese government for industrial consolidation.
Official Merger with Nissan Motor Company
Prince Motor Company officially merged into Nissan Motor Company, leading to the discontinuation of the Prince brand but the integration of its models and engineering expertise into Nissan.
Prince Models Rebadged as Nissans
Following the merger, models like the Skyline and Gloria began to be marketed and sold under the Nissan brand, initially with discreet Nissan badges.
Nissan Prince Dealership Network Consolidated
The 'Nissan Prince Store' dealership network in Japan, which had continued to use the Prince name, was consolidated into 'Nissan Blue Stage' (later replaced by 'Nissan Red Stage' in 2007).
2026 Skyline Performance Concept Showcased
Nissan showcases the '2026 Skyline Performance Concept,' highlighting the continuous evolution of the Skyline legacy, which originated from Prince Motor Company.
Nissan Confirms Return of Skyline Nameplate for 2027
Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa confirms the legendary Skyline nameplate will return as a dedicated sedan around 2027, blending retro-inspired styling with modern performance, continuing the legacy of Prince.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The origins of Prince Motor Company trace back to the post-World War II era, emerging from the electric car division of Tachikawa Aircraft Company in 1947, a former manufacturer of military aircraft. Initially operating under various names like Tokyo Electric Car Company and Tama Motor Company, it officially adopted the Prince Motor Company name in November 1952, honoring Crown Prince Akihito. The company quickly established a reputation for producing high-quality, premium automobiles, including the Prince Sedan, and later, the highly successful Prince Skyline (introduced in 1957) and Prince Gloria (introduced in 1959).
Prince Motor Company was known for its advanced engineering, being among the first Japanese companies to introduce features like overhead-camshaft multi-cylinder engines and to compete in international motorsports, such as the Liège-Sofia-Liège rally in 1962 and the Japanese Grand Prix. Its racing success, particularly with the Skyline GT and the purpose-built R380 race car, solidified its image as an innovator in performance.
However, the Japanese government, aiming to consolidate and strengthen the domestic automotive industry to better compete globally, encouraged mergers among smaller manufacturers. This led to the announcement in May 1965 and the eventual merger of Prince Motor Company with Nissan Motor Company in August 1966. The merger was a strategic move for Nissan, which lacked Prince's advanced design engineering capabilities and front-wheel-drive expertise. While the Prince brand was discontinued, its organization and engineering team remained largely intact within Nissan, becoming responsible for the continued development of models like the Skyline and Gloria.
The consequences of the merger were profound. Prince's engineering DNA became a cornerstone of Nissan's performance division. The Skyline, in particular, evolved into a legendary nameplate under Nissan, eventually giving birth to the iconic GT-R series. The 'Nissan Prince Shop' dealership network in Japan continued to use the Prince name until 1999, further acknowledging its enduring legacy.
As of August 31, 2026, the spirit of Prince Motor Company lives on through the Nissan Skyline. Nissan has confirmed the return of the iconic Skyline nameplate, with a new generation expected to arrive in 2027. Concepts and teasers for the 2026/2027 Nissan Skyline have been revealed, indicating a performance-oriented luxury sedan that blends classic Skyline design cues, such as the circular taillights, with modern technology and potentially hybrid or electric powertrains. This demonstrates Nissan's continued commitment to the heritage and engineering excellence inherited from Prince Motor Company.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Prince Motor Company made different choices?