Nissan production, sales and export results for May 2004

Tokyo -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced production, sales and export figures for May.

Production

Nissan's global production in May rose 3.3% compared with the same month a year earlier to 237,488 units.

In Japan, May production declined 10.9% to 97,031 units, due to lower domestic sales of the March released in March 2002.

Overseas production in May, however, rose 16.1% from a year ago to 140,457 units. Production in the U.S. surged 39.2% to 57,086 units, driven by robust sales of the popular Quest minivan and full-scale production of the new Titan full-size pickup truck, among other factors. Output in Mexico also increased, rising 4.2% to 26,739 units.

In Europe, output in the U.K. edged down 4.2% to 26,099 units, as production of the Micra (March in Japan) has now leveled off since its launch in January 2003. Production in Spain, on the other hand, advanced 13.3% to 11,889 units.

Sales

Nissan's domestic registrations in May slid 18.4% from a year earlier to 45,153 units due to declining sales of the March and the Teana, which was rolled out in February last year. Nissan's share of the domestic registered vehicle market in May dipped 1.7 percentage points to 17.3%.

Domestic sales, including minicars, were also down, falling 10.3% to 51,527 units. Nissan's domestic market share in May slipped 0.7 percentage point to 13%.

Nissan's sales in the U.S., however, soared 23.6% over the same month a year ago to 87,713 units. Nissan brand sales jumped 28%, thanks to increased sales of the Altima and the Titan, among other models. Sales of Nissan's Infiniti luxury division were virtually flat at 11,143 units, showing a slight dip of 0.01% compared with last year. May sales in Canada were also off 13.9% to 6,503 units, but sales in Mexico climbed 13.9% to 17,507 units.

In Europe, sales grew 12.7% to 47,320 units, boosted by higher sales volumes especially for the Micra and the X‑TRAIL.

Exports from Japan

Nissan's exports in May rose 12.4% from a year earlier to 56,830 units. Shipments to Europe surged 43.4% to 9,705 units, propelled by strong demand for the X‑TRAIL. However, exports to North America were down 7.6% to 20,630 units, owing to lower shipments of the Pathfinder and the 350Z (Fairlady Z in Japan), which was rolled out approximately two years ago.

Exports to other regions showed substantial year-on-year growth, as shipments to Latin America rose 13.7% to 4,744 units, shipments to Oceania soared 57.3% to 9,127 units and shipments to Asia advanced 22.1% to 7,844 units.

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 May is +28.4%%.                 
     Nissan Division:  76,570 units                 
     Infiniti Division:    11,143 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 May 2002 results.       

Vehicle Exports from Japan

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