Nissan Announces August Sales in Europe

ROLLE, Switzerland – Today Nissan announced European sales of 41,832 units in August 2012, recording a market share increase for the third successive month.

Despite challenging conditions in some European markets, continuing strong demand in Russia and the UK means Nissan remains ahead of what was a record 2011 by 4.0% in overall volume terms, calendar year-to-date.

Market share is also up year-on-year with an average 3.9% achieved for the first 8 months of 2012 compared to 3.6% in 2011.

In August Nissan's sales increased by 3.1% versus 2011, despite a 4.7% drop in overall customer demand in Europe.

Nissan's family of crossovers supported this performance with all models posting year-on-year monthly sales increases - Qashqai up 13.8%, Juke up 5.9% and Murano up 30.8%.

Russia, where Nissan now holds 5.5% of the market, recorded a notable 23.0% jump in August through brisk crossover sales and also of the popular X-Trail SUV, manufactured in St Petersburg.

From early 2013 Nissan's continuing expansion in the Russian market will be supported by the all-new Nissan Almera sedan unveiled at last week's Moscow International Auto Salon.

The UK also had a strong month in August achieving a 29.1% increase in sales volume, mainly through demand for the Sunderland-produced Juke, Qashqai and Note.

Nissan Vice President for Sales Operations in Europe, Guillaume Cartier, said: "Although overall demand is down in some parts of the region, Nissan is enjoying another successful year due to our expansive and innovative product range, the majority of which is produced locally.

"Importantly, we have a strong industrial presence in key markets including the UK and Russia - where we are already established as the largest Japanese brand - and where our manufacturing plants in Sunderland and St Petersburg are increasing volume and attracting new models, as are our facilities in Spain.

"Although the remainder of the year will be challenging for all manufacturers in Europe, Nissan is very well positioned to maintain high sales, and also production volume, within the region."

About Nissan in Europe
Nissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 14,500 staff across locally-based design, research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. Last year Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced more than 677,000 vehicles including mini-MPVs, award-winning crossovers, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Nissan now offers 24 diverse and innovative products for sale in Europe today, and is positioned to become the number one Asian brand in Europe.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($US118.95 billion). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.

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Contact

David Swerdlow
Nissan Corporate and Brand Communications
Phone: +41 21 822 4970
dswerdlow@nissan-europe.com