Nissan production, sales and export results for September 2002 and the first half of FY 2002 (April-September)

Tokyo -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced production, sales and export figures for September and the first half of FY 2002 (April-September).

Nissan's domestic production, overseas production, domestic sales and exports in the first half of FY 2002 all recorded double-digit growth over the same period of FY 2001. All four indexes rose simultaneously compared with the first-half levels of the previous fiscal year for the first time in 13 years - since 1989. The Nissan growth today shows that NISSAN 180 is off to strong start. Moreover, all four indexes also showed year-on-year growth for the month of September.

Production (September 2002)

Nissan's global production in September posted the seventh straight month of year-on-year growth, totaling 244,878 units, a gain of 14.9% over the same month a year earlier.

Domestic production in September stood at 129,476 units, up 21.1% over the same month last year. This substantial expansion of output over September 2001 was driven in part by strong sales of the new generations of the March and the Elgrand in the domestic market. It was also fueled by robust demand for the Fairlady Z (350Z in North America), released in the Japanese and North American markets in July, and the Infiniti G35 (Skyline in Japan) and the X‑TRAIL models newly introduced in overseas markets.

Overseas production in September came to 115,402 units, up 8.6% over the same month a year ago. Production in the U.S. totaled 35,111 units, a significant increase of 20.9% over September 2001, thanks to continued strong sales of the new Altima in the American market. Production in Mexico stood at 30,221 units, a slight dip of 2.8% from the same month last year owing to fewer operating days this year, despite the volume contributed by the Platina that was put on the market in May. In the U.K., 25,808 units were produced for year-on-year growth of 11.1% on the back of increased output of the new Primera that went into production at the beginning of this year.

Production (April to September)

Nissan's worldwide production in the first half of fiscal year 2002 came to 1,355,147 units, a gain of 13.1% over the same period of the last fiscal year.

In Japan, first-half production totaled 681,559 units, up 12.4% over the first half of FY 2001. In addition to strong sales of the new March, Elgrand, Wingroad and Serena in the domestic market, increased output of the Infiniti G35 and the Fairlady Z, newly released in the North American market, and of the X‑TRAIL shipped to various overseas markets was largely responsible for boosting production over last year's level.

In U.S., Nissan's production jumped 31.3% to 205,318 units in the first half of FY 2002 over the same period last year, thanks to continued record-breaking sales of the new Altima. Production in Mexico came to 181,138 units, an 11% rise.

 In Europe, production rose 10.1% in the U.K. to 158,204 units, due to the contribution of the new Primera that was put into production at the beginning of the year. Spanish production decreased 36.6% to 42,508 units as we prepared for the launch of the Primastar (X83), which started production end September.

Sales (September 2002)

Nissan's domestic registrations in September totaled 71,106 units, up 4.2% over the same month last year and marking the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth. Sales of the new March rose by more than twofold over last September's level, and also sales of other new models, including the new Elgrand that was rolled out in May and the new Fairlady Z that was released in July, remained at high levels. Moreover, the Wingroad and the Serena also continued their strong sales showing. Nissan's domestic market share in September stood at 18.3%.

Domestic sales, including minicars, came to 74,912 units in September, a gain of 9.8% over the same month a year ago. The new Moco minicar posted monthly sales of 3,803 units.

Nissan's September sales in the U.S. totaled 55,665 units, up 0.9% compared with the same month last year. The new Altima continued to sell at record levels, marking its best-ever sales figure for the month of September. The Infiniti Division also expanded its sales to 6,869 units, a substantial advance of 23.0% over the same month a year ago, propelled by robust sales of the G35. In addition, sales in Canada in September totaled 6,117 units, up 4.0% over last year, and sales in Mexico came to 14,437 units for a year-on-year rise of 1.4%.

In Europe, September sales totaled 47,539 units, 3.3% higher than for the same month a year ago. The X‑TRAIL recorded nearly a threefold increase in sales compared with September of last year, due mainly to increased demand for the new Primera and continued strong sales of the Pickup.

Sales (April to September)

In the first half of FY 2002, Nissan's domestic sales, including minicars, totaled 383,268 units, an advance of 12.1% over the same period last year. The new generations of the March and Elgrand and the facelifted Wingroad and Serena, among other models, all registered robust sales, in addition to the strong sales showing of the newly launched Moco minicar. As a result, Nissan's first-half domestic market share, including the minicar segment, stood at 13.8%, a gain of 1.6 points over the first half of FY 2001. Domestic registrations totaled 356,045 units, up 4.1%, and Nissan's share of domestic registrations in the first half also rose to 18.8%, 1.2 points higher than for the same period of the previous fiscal year.

Nissan's sales in the U.S. in the first half of FY 2002 (April to September) showed year-on-year growth of 8.3%, rising to 377,913 units. The new Altima has continued to post notably robust sales, including setting a new monthly sales record in September for the fifth straight month. In addition, the newly launched Infiniti G35 and 350Z also registered strong sales, pushing the sales volume above the level for the first half of FY 2001. Substantial year-on-year sales growth was also seen in Canada, where 35,201 units were sold for a gain of 20.7%, and in Mexico, where sales rose 19.7% to 103,003 units*.

Nissan's sales in Europe in the same period totaled 240,006 units**, off 3.8% from the same period of the previous fiscal year as the company continues to focus on increasing its profit.

*Numbers reflect April to September. Mexico's first half actual is January to June, 105,113 units (+18.4%).
**Numbers reflect April to September. Europe's first half actual is January to June, 251,172 units (-9.4%).

Exports from Japan  (September 2002)

Nissan's exports in September totaled 68,072 units, up 24.9% over the same month last year and marking the eighth straight month of year-on-year growth. Strong shipments were recorded for the 350Z and the Infiniti G35 to North America and the X‑TRAIL to various overseas markets, especially Europe. Exports of the Pickup to Europe also increased substantially.

Exports from Japan  (April to September)

In the first half of FY 2002, Nissan's exports came to 329,654 units, a significant advance of 24.2% over the same period in FY 2001 and posting year-on-year growth in the first half for the first time in two years. Among other models, shipments of the X‑TRAIL to various overseas markets, the Infiniti G35 to the U.S. market and the Pickup to the Middle East continued at high levels, and exports to all regions registered double-digit growth over the first half of FY 2001.

Global Production by Country

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

Global Unit Sales by Main Market (Region)

*2 Japan sales are categorized into passenger cars and commercial vehicles based on chassis.
*3 U.S. sales are based on retail including Hawaii.
     DSR (daily selling rate)-adjusted year-on-year change in August is +9.7%.
     Nissan Division: 48,796 units
     Infiniti Division: 6,869 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 including Turkey and Israel from the April 2002 results.

Vehicle Exports from Japan

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