Nissan's global production, domestic sales and exports up in 2003 production, sales and exports also higher In December

Tokyo -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that its global production, domestic sales and exports rose in 2003 from a year earlier, with worldwide output reaching a record high. Production, sales and exports were also higher in December.

2003 Global Production

Nissan's global production in 2003 climbed 9.8% to 2,957,757 units compared with the previous year, with overseas production rising 14.2% to a record 1,486,162 units.

In the U.S., output rose 27.5% to 522,419 units helped by to the start of local production of the Maxima in February last year, as well as the successful launches of the Quest minivan, the Pathfinder Armada sports-utility vehicle and the Titan pickup truck at Nissan's new Canton, Mississippi plant.

In Japan, production rose 5.7% to 1,471,595 units, due to continued strong sales of the new Teana and Cube Cubic. Strong shipments of the 350Z (Fairlady Z in Japan), Infiniti G35 (Skyline in Japan) and Infiniti FX45/FX35 to North America and the X‑TRAIL to global markets, excluding North America, also boosted output.

In Europe, U.K. production climbed 11.5% from a year ago to 331,924 units, driven by robust sales of the new Micra (March in Japan). Production in Spain rose 36.4% to 115,844 units helped by the new Primastar commercial vehicle launched in October of the previous year.

Elsewhere, output in China rose 29.4% to 63,483 units, while output in Taiwan advanced 25.4% to 70,231 units. But production in Mexico dropped 9.5% to 308,322 units hurt by reduced sales of the Sentra (Sunny in Japan) and fewer exports of the model to the U.S.

December Global Production

Nissan's global production in December rose 11.1%, compared with the same month a year earlier, to 221,725 units.

Overseas production grew 58.6% to 114,836 units, with U.S. output climbing 94% to 48,193 units, thanks in part to robust sales of the Maxima and Altima. Strong sales of the newly-built Quest, Pathfinder Armada and Titan, also contributed to the rise.

In Japan, however, production fell 7.3% to 106,889 units, due partly to lower demand for the March, which was launched almost two years ago. In addition, the transfer of production of the Maxima for the North American market from Japan to the U.S. in February last year also hurt output.

Elsewhere, output in the U.K. rose 48.6% to 21,518 units on the back of brisk sales of the new Micra, output in Mexico gained 37.9% to 19,357 units, while production in Spain climbed 69.9% to 8,676 units.

2003 Domestic Sales

Nissan's domestic registrations in 2003 grew 6% from a year earlier to 781,298 units. Notable contributors included the Teana and the Cube Cubic. Including minivehicles, Nissan sold 825,094 units, up 6.6%.  Nissan's share of the domestic registered vehicle market was 19.4%, up 0.8 point. Including minicars, its share was 14.1%, also up 0.8 point.

In the U.S., Nissan's sales rose 7.4% to 794,481 units helped by strong sales of the 350Z, Murano, Quest, Infiniti G35 and Infiniti FX45/35. The Infiniti Division put in its best performance since the luxury unit's establishment in 1989, selling 118,655 units, up 35% from a year ago, and surpassing the 100,000-unit mark for the first time ever.

In Canada, sales grew 7.5% to 69,534 units, while sales in Mexico rose 1.1% to 214,011 units.

In Europe, sales advanced 14.4% to 542,292 units thanks to higher sales of the new Micra and the X‑TRAIL.

December Domestic Sales

Nissan's domestic registrations in December rose 7.9% to 51,989 units, compared with a year ago, thanks in part to the popularity of the Cube brand, including the Cube Cubic launched in September. Sales, including mini-vehicles, totaled 57,667 units, up 13.5%.

Nissan's share of the domestic registered market in December grew 1.6 points to 17.6%, while its share, including minicars, grew 1.4 points to 13.2%.

In the U.S., Nissan's December sales rose 16.5% to 66,970 units. The Murano, Quest and Infiniti G35 sustained their high sales levels, while sales at the Infiniti Division rose by 23.2% to 9,971 units, a record for the month of December.

In Europe, Nissan's sales totaled 49,480 units, up 30.8% due to continued strong sales of the new Micra and the X‑TRAIL, among other models.

2003 Exports

Nissan's exports in 2003 advanced 5.3% over the previous year to 708,623 units. While exports to the U.S. fell 10.7% to 270,971 due to the transfer of production of the Maxima from Japan to the U.S., exports to Europe rose 30.9% to 107,935 units helped by strong sales of the X‑TRAIL.

Exports to Latin America climbed 27.4% to 50,652 units and exports to Asian markets jumped 44.8% to 100,947 units, with shipments to China registering a dramatic gain of 120.2% to 42,986 units, driven by robust demand for the new Sunny. Meanwhile, exports to Oceania increased 26.6% to 66,182 units.

December Exports

Nissan's exports in December edged up 0.6% over the same month a year ago to 64,841 units. Shipments to North America fell 37.5% to 23,005, hurt by the transfer of production of the Maxima from Japan to the U.S. However, exports to Europe soared 105% to 9,193 units, propelled by robust sales of the X‑TRAIL and other models.

Global Production by Country

*1 Others include production in Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, South Africa, Indonesia and China excluding CKD production.

Global Unit Sales by Main Market (Region)

*2 Japan sales are categorized into passenger cars and commercial vehicles based on chassis.   
*3 U.S. sales are based on retail including Hawaii.   
     DSR (daily selling rate)-adjusted year-on-year change in Dec. is +12.0%.   
     Nissan Division:  56,999 units   
     Infiniti Division:      9,971 units   
*4 Canada and Mexico sales are based on retail.   
*5 North America sales are based on retail including Guam, Saipan and other islands.   
*6 Europe sales are based on retail in the whole Europe including Turkey and Israel from the May 2002 results. 

Vehicle Exports from Japan

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