Nissan results for September and the first half of FY2001

Tokyo - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. reported today production, sales and export figures for September and the first half of FY2001.  For the month, global production declined 13.6%, while total unit sales for the three main regions, including Japan, North America and Europe were down 10.8%.  For the first half of FY2001, global production was down 9.9%, while total unit sales for the three main regions decreased by 6.0%.

Production
Nissan's global production in September declined for the eighth straight month to 210,230, down 13.6% from a year ago.

Domestic production in September was 106,923 units, down 11.2% from a year ago, mainly due to decreased production of the vehicles for export to North America and Europe.

Nissan's overseas production in September 2001 totaled 103,307 units, down 16.0% from September 2000.

Nissan's production in the U.S. fell 13.9%, due to a decline in output of compact trucks in the U.S.  Mexican production was stable, with a slight drop of 0.2%, as the company reduced production due to the uncertain outlook for the U.S. market and despite of strong sales in Mexican market.  In Europe, UK production fell 23.8% due to lower demand for key volume vehicles.  Spain production dropped 30.7%, with 10% fewer operating days compared to last year, and a slowdown in 4x4 demand.

In other regions production decreased 23.8% in September, with production in Taiwan down due to the impact of a recent typhoon and more competition in the market.

For the past six months, Nissan's global production decreased 9.9% to 1,187,674 compared to the same period of 2000 for the first time in two years.

Domestic production for the first half of FY2001 was 606,620, down 8.2% from the same period of 2000.  The decrease was a result of decreased exports, mainly due to the U.S. and Europe, although production for domestic sales grew slightly from last year.

For the past six months, production in the U.S. decreased 18.0% from last year, while Mexican production decreased 4.4%.  UK production was down 13.0%, and Spain increased 1.2% from the same period of last year.

Sales
Nissan's domestic sales for September 2001 decreased 4.8% to 68,230 units, marking the first year-on-year decrease in ten months.  Sales were down due to more difficult comparisons on models including the Bluebird Sylphy, launched in the end of last August, the Elgrand and Cube, all of which sold at a very high level last year.  However, the company saw strong sales for the X‑TRAIL, Primera, and Liberty.  Nissan's domestic market share was 18.4%, a 0.1 point decrease from last year.

Nissan's sales in the U.S. declined 22.5% from September 2000 as the market remained volatile.  September sales did not have the full impact of the new Altima.  Despite the disruptions in the U.S. economy, the Altima launch is on target and proceeding smoothly.  Nissan expects the full impact of the key new model to take effect in the next two months.  However, in the face of a tough market, both Altima and Sentra sales were resilient.  Sales in Canada increased 8.9%, driven by strong demand for the Sentra.  Mexico was down 3.1%, with the uncertain outlook in North American market.

Nissan's sales in Europe decreased by 6.7% from September 2000.  The key volume models were slow, mainly due to continued weak demand in Germany.

For the past six months, Nissan's domestic sales rose 1.9% ^*7 to 341,946 units from the same period of 2000, representing the first year-on-year increase in six years.  Nissan's domestic market share was 17.6%, a 0.2 point increase from the same period last year.

For the past six months, Nissan's sales in the U.S. declined 14.1% from 2000.  Sales in Canada increased 7.3%.  Sales in Mexico was also up 7.3%.

For the past six months, Nissan's sales in Europe decreased by 9.0% from last year.

Exports from Japan
Nissan's exports in September 2001 decreased 4.0% to 54,494 units.  The overall decline is due primarily to the continued slow market in the U.S., Nissan's policy of localizing production, restrictions on exports to China due to the special duty on CBUs imposed by the Chinese government and the drop of exports of the pickup truck to Thailand due to preparation for an upcoming minor change.  Exports to the Middle East markets, however, increased as the company saw strong demand for the recently launched new pickup truck.

For the past six months, Nissan's exports decreased 19.4% to 265,503 units, marking the first year-on-year decrease in two years, as Nissan implemented its policy to localize production to be more flexible to market demand, increase efficiency and reduce currency fluctuations.

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 September is -19.2%.
     Nissan Division: 49,591units     Infiniti Division: 5,583units
*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.
*7 FY00 first half volume reported at +2.1% increase on Oct. 18, 2001 was based on rounded numbers (342k).

Vehicle Exports from Japan

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