Nissan production and sales results for October 2001

Tokyo - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. reported today production, sales and export figures for October 2001.  For the month, global production increased 3.8%, while total unit sales for the three main regions, including Japan, North America and Europe were up 0.3%.

Production
Nissan's global production in October increased for the first time in nine months to 238,994, up 3.8% from a year ago.

Domestic production in October was 115,693 units, up 13.6% from a year ago, mainly due to preparation for the new Stagea and increased production for X‑TRAIL and models that have recently received mid-life changes including the Liberty and Wingroad.  Additionally, the company saw an increase in production of vehicles for export to the Middle East

Production in the U.S. declined 2.4%.  Despite an increase in production for the all-new Altima, the company continued to tighten overall inventory levels.  Mexican production was up 7.5% driven by strong sales of Tsuru and Sentra.  In Europe, due to lower demand for key volume vehicles, UK production fell 13.3% and Spain production declined 17.9%.

In other regions production was down 2.3% in October, with Taiwan down due to intense competition and South Africa and Thailand posting production increases.

Total overseas production in October 2001 totaled 123,301 units, down 4.3% from October 2000.

Sales
Nissan's domestic sales for October 2001 decreased 6.1% to 50,464 units in an overall slow market.  The decline is due to more difficult comparisons on models such as the Bluebird Sylphy launched at the end of last August and the Elgrand, Cube and March all of which delivered strong results last year.  However, the company saw strong sales for the Liberty, which received a mid-life change in May, and the all-new Stagea launched on October 16, 2001.  Nissan's domestic market share was 17.0%, a 0.1-point increase from last year.

Nissan's sales in the U.S. increased 12.4% from October 2000 as the all-new Altima, up 40.1% over last year, fueled strong sales.  Sales in Canada jumped 37.0%, driven by strong demand for the Altima and Sentra.  Mexico was up 8.1% with strong sales for the Tsuru and Sentra.

Nissan's sales in Europe fell by 16.6% from October 2000.  Volume for key models was slow, mainly due to continued weak demand. However, initial sales of the X‑TRAIL were very strong as it has been well received by media and customers.

Exports from Japan
Nissan's exports in October 2001 increased 11.3% to 54,091 units, representing the first year-on-year increase in seven months  The overall increase is due primarily to strong demand in the Middle East for the new pickup truck and Patrol both of which received recent mid-life changes.

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 October is 8.2%.
     Nissan Division: 56,712 units
     Infiniti Division: 6,711 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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