Nissan results for December and CY2001

Tokyo - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. reported today production, sales and export figures for December and CY2001.  For the month, global production declined 10.9%, while total unit sales for the three main regions, including Japan, North America and Europe were down 1.5%.  For CY2001, global production was down 5.3%, while total unit sales for the three main regions decreased by 3.4%.

Production
Nissan's global production in December declined for the eighth straight month to 168,344, down 10.9% from a year ago.

Domestic production in December was 93,887 units, down 10.5% from a year ago.  Production of small cars dropped due to slow sales and as the company prepares for production of new March launching in February.

Nissan's overseas production in December 2001 totaled 74,457 units, down 11.8% from December 2000.

Nissan's production in the U.S. increased 10.6%, to meet strong demand of the Altima.  Mexican production was down 1.5%.  In Europe, UK production fell 25.3% and Spain production dropped 48.9%, due to lower demand for key volume vehicles and preparation for the launch of the new Primera in the Sunderland, UK plant.

In other regions production decreased 18.1% in December. 

For the past calendar year, Nissan's global production decreased 5.3% to 2,466,995 compared to the previous year, marking the first decrease in two years.

Domestic production for CY2001 totaled 1,270,288, down 4.1% from CY2000.  The decline was a result of decreased exports, mainly to the U.S. and Europe, although production for domestic market grew slightly from CY2000.

For CY2001, production in the U.S. decreased 13.5% from the previous year, as the market slowed from the record high sales in CY2000.  Mexican production increased 5.1%.  UK production was down 9.4%, and Spain increased a slight 0.4% from CY2000.

Sales
Nissan's domestic sales for December 2001 decreased 6.8% to 46,755 units, marking the fourth month with a consecutive year-on-year decrease.  The company saw strong sales for the Stagea, Wingroad and Liberty and Nissan's domestic market share came to 15.7%, a 0.1 point increase from December 2000.

Nissan's sales in the U.S. increased 10.1% from December 2000 as the company saw continuing strong sales of the new Altima, recently named the 2002 North American Car of the Year.  Sales in Canada increased 55.2%, driven by strong demand for the Sentra and a good start for the Altima.  Mexico was up 2.2% to meet strong demand for the Tsuru.

Nissan's sales in Europe decreased by 18.4% from December 2000, due to decreased sales for the key volume models including the Primera which is preparing for an all-new model in the coming months.

For CY2001, Nissan's domestic sales were relatively flat, up 0.3% to 731,615 units from CY2000, representing the first year-on-year increase in five years.  Strong sales of newly launched models including X‑TRAIL, Primera and those that received midlife enhancements, such as Liberty and Wingroad, helped stabilize Nissan's market share.  Nissan's domestic market share came to 18.0% for the year, a 0.2 point increase from CY2000.

For the past calendar year, Nissan's sales in the U.S. declined 6.5% to 703,308 from CY2000 in a turbulent economy.  Sales declined in the first half due to volatile market, however, the company saw a strong increase in last three months with very strong start of the new Altima and facelift of Xterra.  Sales in Canada increased 19.5%.  Sales in Mexico were also up 10.1%.

For CY2001, Nissan's sales in Europe decreased by 10.7% to 454,378 from CY2000.

Exports from Japan
Nissan's exports in December 2001 increased 2.0% to 49,113 units, marking the third month with a consecutive year-on-year increase.  The overall increase is due primarily to strong demand in the Middle East for the new pickup truck and Patrol.

For CY2001, Nissan's exports decreased 9.5% to 556,983 units, marking the third consecutive year-on-year decrease.  The overall decline is due primarily to the market downturn in the U.S., Nissan's policy of localizing production and restrictions on exports to China due to the recently enacted tariffs.  Exports to the Middle East markets, however, increased as the company saw strong demand for the new pickup truck and Patrol both of which received mid-life enhancements in the past months.

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 December is +10.1%. 
           Nissan Division: 55,260 units
           Infiniti Division: 5,912 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