Nissan production and sales results for February 2002

Tokyo - Nissan Motor Company reported today production, sales and export figures for February 2002.  For the month, global production slightly decreased 0.2%, while total unit sales for the three main regions including Japan, North America and Europe decrease 1.1%.

Production

Nissan's global production in February totaled 218,611, down 0.2% from a year ago.  Despite a sharp rise in U.S. production and a 27.6% increase in commercial vehicles production in Japan, the company saw its fourth consecutive year-on-year decrease in production for the month.

Domestic production in February totaled 114,187 units, decrease of 4.4% from a year ago as the company began production for the March at the Oppama plant in Japan.  For the month, production for the new March that went on sale on March 5, 2002, was down 40.3%.  This decrease was in part offset by increased production of models for export including the Infiniti G35 for the U.S. and the new X‑TRAIL recently launched in numerous overseas markets.

Total overseas production in February totaled 104,424 units, up 4.9% from February 2001, the first year-on-year increase in ten months.

In North America, U.S. production increased 56.1%, driven by the all-new Altima.  In Mexico, production was up 7.4%, with Sentra production for the U.S. market jumping 14.5%.

In Europe, UK production decreased 0.8% as Nissan continued to ramp up production for the new Primera.  In Spain production continued to be off last year's levels, down 61.9% as the company discontinues production of older vehicles.

In other regions production decreased 8.0% in February.

Sales

Nissan's domestic sales for February decreased 8.6% to 68,315 units in a market down 5.9% or a market share of 19.5%, down 0.6 points from last year.  Despite the sluggish market, Nissan saw continued strong demand for recently launched and redesigned models including the Wingroad, Serena, and Liberty.

Nissan's sales in the U.S. increased 8.2% from February 2001, representing the fifth consecutive year-on-year increase.  The increase was driven by the strong sales of the all-new Altima, up 24.1%, Sentra, up 26.9%, Maxima, up 24.0%, and Xterra, up 13.9% over last year, despite a decrease in pickup sales.  Sales in Canada jumped 38.9%, on strong demand for the new Altima.  And in Mexico, sales jumped 17.4% over last year.

Nissan's sales in Europe fell by 9.8% from February 2001, in an increasingly competitive market.  Despite a strong launch for the new X‑TRAIL, sales declined as the Primera entered its final stage of sell down of the previous model.

Exports from Japan

Nissan's exports in February increased 16.8% to 50,233 units, representing the first year-on-year increase in two months.  March exports of the Infiniti G35 destined for the U.S., pickup truck for the Middle East market, and the recently launched X‑TRAIL in numerous overseas markets were strong.

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 February is +8.2%.  
     Nissan Division: 53,296 units           
     Infiniti Division: 5,032 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