Nissan's global production, domestic sales, exports up in January

Tokyo - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that its global production, domestic sales and exports all rose in January compared with the same month a year ago.

Global production in January climbed 8.9% from the same period a year ago to 249,365 units helped by rising output in the U.S. and Europe.  Output in Japan, however, fell.

Meanwhile, domestic sales rose 6.3% to 55,630 units, while exports grew11.2% to 56,930 units.

Production

Global production in January climbed 8.9% to 249,365 units as overseas production rose 20.2% to 135,758 units.

In the U.S., production jumped 77.6% to 56,369 units thanks to the successful launch last year of the Quest minivan, the Armada sports-utility vehicle and the Titan pickup truck at Nissan's new Canton, Mississippi plant.

In Europe, production in the U.K. rose 16% to 29,251 units, thanks to strong sales of the new Micra (March in Japan). Meanwhile, production in Spain advanced 15.7% to 10,215 units, helped by higher sales of the new Primastar commercial vehicle.

Production in Mexico, however, fell 8.7% to 26,175 units, mainly due to lower domestic sales of the Sentra (Sunny in Japan) and fewer exports of the model to the U.S.

In Japan, output dropped 2.1% to 113,607 units, due to falling sales of the March launched in March 2002.  But the Cube brand, comprising the Cube released in October 2002 and the Cube Cubic launched last September, remained popular, with production increasing 47.1% to 14,755 units.

Sales

Nissan's domestic registrations in January increased 6.3% compared with a year earlier to 55,630 units, helped by the continued popularity of the Cube brand, including the Cube Cubic, released last September. The Cube gained 20.9% to11,863 units in January, making it the second best-selling car in Japan in terms of new passenger car sales for the month.

Nissan's share of the domestic registered vehicle market in January rose 0.3 point from a year ago to 20.4%.

Meanwhile, Nissan's domestic sales, including mini-vehicles, in January rose 9.3%, to 59,964 units. Nissan's share of the domestic market for the month, including the minicar segment, advanced 0.4 point to 14.8%.

In the U.S., sales climbed 30.7% compared with a year ago to 72,164 units. Sales of the Nissan brand climbed 32.1% to 62,772 units, propelled by the strong showing of the Altima and Murano, among other models.  Meanwhile, sales at Nissan's Infiniti luxury division also rose, climbing 22.1% to 9,392 units on the back of robust demand for the Infiniti FX45/FX35.

In Canada, sales declined 15.9% to 3,149 units.  In Mexico, however, they advanced 6.6% to 17,531 units.

In Europe, sales in January increased 13.9%, to 40,437 units. Growth was driven by higher sales of the new Micra, the X‑TRAIL exported from Japan, and the 350Z (Fairlady Z in Japan), released into the European market last September.

Exports from Japan

Nissan's exports in January rose 11.2% to 56,930 mainly due to rising shipments to Europe, Latin America and Asia.

Exports to Europe jumped 49.4% to 10,061 units, thanks to rising shipments of the popular X‑TRAIL.

Exports to Latin America rose 50.5% to 4,203 units, exports to Oceania grew 26.2% to 4,433 units, while exports to Asia climbing 82% to 8,571 units. Shipments to China alone, soared 738.9% to 3,171 units, driven by robust sales of the new Sunny.

Shipments to North America, however, dropped 15.2% to 21,552 units hurt by falling exports of the Infiniti FX45/FX35 and the Murano models. Shipments of these models were lower for the first time since exports of these models began about a year ago. Despite the drop in exports of these models, their overall sales levels in the North American market remained strong.

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 Jan. is +25.7%.       
     Nissan Division:  62,772 units       
     Infiniti Division:      9,392 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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