Tokyo -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced that domestic sales of its March small passenger car totaled 158,000 units in FY 2002, setting an all-time sales record for this model for the first time in six years. The March's previous record was 142,000 units in FY 1996. Moreover, the FY 2002 sales volume is the highest of any Nissan model since FY 1991. The Sunny holds the prior sales record at 171,000 units in FY 1990.
The March premiered in October 1982 in Japan as the forerunner of the global small car genre. It has been strongly favored by a wide range of customers for its highly refined design, superb driving ease and outstanding economy, among other attractive attributes. Cumulative March sales in the domestic market now stand at 1,876,000 units. The March has been sold overseas, mainly in Europe under the name Micra. The Micra has been produced at Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. since 1992. On a global basis, 4.4 million units of the March/Micra have been produced, making it one of Nissan's mainstay models.
The current third generation of the March has been an immensely popular model in Japan, posting average monthly sales of 14,000 units. The March has ranked among the Top 10 best-selling cars in Japan every month since its launch in March 2002. This model was developed around the design concept of "a modern stylish compact car, thoroughly pursuing user friendliness." While continuing the March tradition of exceptional driving ease, the current model features a highly original design and a newly developed engine that delivers nimble driving performance, ranking among the best in its class. All March models are certified as ultra-low emission vehicles (U-LEVs) by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport under its low-emission vehicle certification system. Besides being friendly to the environment, the March also provides world-class safety performance.
Sales and production figures are current as of March 31, 2003.
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