Nissan celebrates its 50th anniversary in Chile

• Opinion leaders gathered at the majestic National Museum of Fine Arts to celebrate milestone.
• More than 500 people witnessed the vision of automotive innovation that drives the brand through a cutting-edge presentation that fused technology and art.
• Guests previewed the all-new Nissan Altima presented for the first time in Latin America and in advance of its formal introduction to the public during the Chile Auto Show of November.
• Nissan announced a donation to the National Museum of Fine Arts for the restoration of Japanese engravings and drawings.
• Nissan declares its intention to invest further in the market and move from the #2 spot to become market leader, in partnership with the brand´s local distributor, Marubeni.

Santiago, Chile - Nissan marked its 50th anniversary in Chile by hosting opinion leaders from multiple sectors of society for a celebration at the historic National Museum of Fine Arts. During the event, Nissan expressed its appreciation for the support extended to the brand throughout its history in the country and presented its vision for the next 50 years, spearheaded by automotive innovation.

The event was hosted by José Muñoz, senior vice president, Nissan LATAM M&S, Dealer Network Development and Customer Quality for the Americas; Ken Ramírez, vice-president and managing director of Nissan Latin America and the Caribbean (NLAC); and Yuki Yoshimoto, president of Distribuidora Automotriz Marubeni in Chile. The executives reiterated Nissan´s profound commitment to the Chilean market and its intention to invest in the best products and services to achieve the number one position of the Chilean market.

"Chile is the most important South American market for Nissan in terms of sales volume.  We admire Chile because it is an open country, which encourages a free competition among the world´s best brands," said Jose Muñoz. "We are committed to Chile and plan to consolidate our position as the leading automotive brand in the country, as well as to replicate this success in neighboring countries."

Ken Ramirez, vice-president of Nissan Latin America and the Caribbean, demonstrated enthusiasm over Nissan´s 50 year anniversary by saying: "We are now the number two brand in the Chilean market, with over 12% market share (wholesale). Through ambitious efforts such as the launch of innovative vehicles and services, we are earning the favor of even more customers in this country. Together with a formidable representative like Marubeni, we will achieve leadership as well as ambitious projects that will reflect the degree of innovation that characterizes our brand."

The president of Distribuidora Automotriz Marubeni, Yuki Yoshimoto, said: "Marubeni has been with Nissan in Chile for over 30 years and we will continue this relationship for a long period of time, accepting the challenge to making it the top-selling brand in the country. We are strengthening our dealer network and our after-sales services, as well as building the necessary infrastructure to deliver strong growth."
Nissan has increased its market share in Chile during the last three years, including strong performances in segments such as crossovers and SUVs, where growth has been support by models like the Qashqai, X-Trail and Juke, and in the youth and family sedan segments with the March and Versa.

The 50 year anniversary celebration featured an audio-visual, artistic experience focused on the innovation that characterizes the Nissan brand. The presentation highlighted its success in areas such as motorsports and environmental technologies. The event was enhanced by a preview of the all-new Nissan Altima, which was seen for the first time in Latin America since its reveal during the New York Auto Show and in advance of the public introduction during upcoming Chile Auto Show to be held in November.

During the event, Nissan also announced a donation to the National Museum of Fine Arts for the restoration of 15 Japanese engravings and drawings over a period of one year, which marks the beginning of a partnership between Nissan and this important museum. Among the works that will be restored and protected are those of artists Ukiyo-e: Hosoda Eishi (1756-1829), Kikugawa Eizan, Japanese (1787- 1867), Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) and Suzuki Harunobu (1724 - 1770).

Marubeni
Distribuidora Automotriz Marubeni Ltda. is one of the companies of the Marubeni holding group in Chile, a branch of Marubeni Corporation represented in over 150 countries via 13 business divisions.

Marubeni began operating in Chile on March 15, 1979, as Importadora Datsun Chile Ltda., for the import and distribution of motor vehicles, automotive spare parts and to perform technical automotive service for the Japanese brand. In 1994, its financial area was born, with the purpose of delivering direct financing to its customers to buy their vehicles. In 2011, this area was renovated under the Marubeni Credit name.

"This successful trajectory of our company is the result of the trust and work we have developed since 1979. From our beginnings, we have driven growth for the brand through a focus on excellence, continuous improvement and our personnel´s commitment to customer satisfaction," said Yuki Yoshimoto, president of Distribuidora Automotriz Marubeni Ltda.

About Nissan in Chile
Distribuidora Automotriz Marubeni Ltda. is the official representative of Nissan in Chile since 1979. Today it has over 60 points of sale and services throughout the country. It is one of the major automotive brands in sales, ending 2010 in 2nd place in the industry, always competing among the top five places. In the last seven years, Nissan Terrano has remained as the number one SUV in sales.

About Nissan Latin America and the Caribbean
Nissan Latin America and the Caribbean (NLAC) is the central regional office of Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., located in Mexico City. It encompasses 37 countries in the region with estimated sales of approximately 145,000 units during fiscal year 2011, which represents 10% market share in the region. For more information on Nissan in Latin America and the Caribbean and on the complete Nissan vehicle lineup, visit our Web site at www.nissanlac.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., is the second largest Japanese car company, with central offices in Yokohama, Japón, and is a fundamental pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. It has over 248,000 employees worldwide, and in 2010 it sold over 4.1 million vehicles, with 8.77 thousand billion yen in revenue (102,370 million dollars). With a strong commitment to develop emotional and innovative products for all, Nissan offers a wide range of 64 models through the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable 100% electric mass-produced vehicle, winner of numerous international awards, like the coveted 2011 European Car of the Year and 2011 World Car of the Year. or more information on our products, services and our commitment on sustainable mobility, please visit our web site at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

# # #

Contact:

Nissan's representative in Chile - Marubeni
Mauricio González
mauricio.gonzalez@nismar.cl

Contact:

Corporate Communication
Nissan Mexico and Latin America
comunicacioncorporativa@nissan.com.mx
tel. (52) 55 5628 2727, ext. 4044, 4041, 4043.