Nissan results for August 2001

Tokyo - Nissan Motor Company reported today production, sales and export figures for August, 2001.  For the month, global production declined 10.0%, while total unit sales for the three main regions, including Japan, North America and Europe declined 9.7%.

Production

Nissan's global production in August declined for the seventh straight month to 175,116 units, down 10.0% from a year ago. 

Domestic production in August totaled 89,664 units, up 1.3% for the first time in eight months.  The increase was primarily due to steady demand in the domestic market where Nissan has seen increased sales for the past nine straight months.

Nissan's overseas production in August 2001 was 85,452 units, down 20.0% from the previous year.

Production in the U.S. decreased 20.8% with a full model change for the Nissan Altima and lower demand for compact trucks.  Production ramp up for the new Altima began early in the month and will reach the full production level by the end of September.  Mexican production fell 9.5% due to the decreased demand of vehicles for the U.S. market.  In Europe, UK production fell 13.3% due to the lower demand for key volume vehicles, while Spain production dropped by 50.7%.  Operating days in Spain declined by 30% compared to last year as Nissan discontinued production of older models and saw a slowdown in 4x4 demand.

In other regions, production decreased 46.4% in August.  The model changeover for the new Pickup in Thailand made a significant temporary impact as well as a slowdown in South Africa due to a work action which has since been resolved.

Sales

Nissan's domestic sales for August 2001 rose a slight 0.4% to 41,011 units, marking the ninth consecutive month of year-on-year increases.  Sales remained strong for the models, including the new Skyline and other models launched after NRP, as well as the Liberty that recently received a minor model change and the Elgrand that recently received product line-up enhancements.  Nissan's domestic market share was 16.0%, down 0.8 point from last year.

Nissan's sales in the U.S. declined 15.7% from August 2000, due mainly to the final sell down of the 2001 Altima and continued competition in truck segment.  Sales of the new 2002 Altima launched on August 30, did not have an impact on August results, as the company expects the full impact of the new car to come in October.  Sales in Canada decreased 5.7%, however demand for the Sentra remained strong.  In Mexico, sales increased 4.3%, with strong sales of the Tsuru, as the overall Mexican market increased following four months of decline.

Nissan's sales in Europe decreased by 16.9%.  While the company saw strong sales in the UK, continued competition and slowdowns in key continental markets including Germany, France and Spain had an overall negative impact.

Exports from Japan

Nissan's exports in August 2001 decreased 3.4% to 43,670 units.  Exports were down due primarily to Nissan's ongoing policy of producing vehicles in the markets where they are sold, and the halting export to China because of the special duty on CBUs imposed by the China government.  Exports to the Middle East markets, however, increased as the company saw strong demand for the recently launched new pickup truck.

Global Production by Country

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

Global Unit Sales by Main Market (Region)

*2 Japan sales are based on registrations including vehicles manufactured overseas and excluding mini-cars.
*3 U.S. sales are based on retail including Hawaii.
     DSR (daily selling rate)-adjusted year-on-year change in Aug. is -15.7%.
     Nissan Division: 52,905units
     Infiniti Division:    6,170 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.

Vehicle Exports from Japan

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