Nissan Forges Ahead with Goal of Becoming Number One Asian Car Brand in Europe with Strong February Sales

• Nissan is number 1 Asian car brand in February in the UK, France, Spain, Belgium and Hungary
• February market share hits 4.2% - up 0.3 percentage points from January 2013
• 13 European countries record growth this month versus February 2012
• Sales in the UK, home of the record breaking Sunderland plant, up 7%

ROLLE, Switzerland - Nissan today announced it recorded market share growth in Europe in February 2013, increasing by 0.3 percentage points to 4.2%. This was spearheaded by strong fiscal year-to-date market share in 21 of Nissan's major European markets, contributing to the 49,114 units sold during the month.

February 2013 market share was also the highest recorded this fiscal year in seven European markets including Russia and the UK – countries were Nissan has a strong industrial footprint – as well as Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Hungary and Ireland.

The UK, home to Nissan's record-breaking Sunderland plant, recorded an increase of 7% in fiscal year-to-date sales. This growth was also echoed across other markets in Europe including Denmark and Ukraine, which saw an increase in sales of 18% and 10% respectively versus this time last year. 

These promising results across Europe mark the start of a busy year for Nissan as the manufacturer kicks off a new product onslaught for Europe. Launching first will be the newly styled b-segment Nissan Note as well as the new 100% electric Nissan LEAF, both of which were revealed at the Geneva Motor Show this month.  

Sales of the LEAF were up 132% compared to this time last year with flagship crossover models like the Qashqai and Juke also continuing their strong performance.  Sales of the Nissan Qashqai were up 8% this month compared to February 2012.  Qashqai sales have risen each year since its launch in 2007, bucking the industry trend.

Nissan Vice President for Sales Operations in Europe Guillaume Cartier, commenting on Nissan's successful sales performance and ambitions for 2013, said: "We expect 2013 to be a strong year for Nissan in Europe. We have a high performing manufacturing base in Europe and a strong pipeline of exciting products that will bring even more buyers to Nissan dealerships across Europe in the coming months."

"Despite the economic downturn, Nissan's ambitions in Europe remain stronger than ever and we aim to expand our European presence by increasing localised manufacturing and investment in 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 695,000 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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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Katherine Zachary, Nissan Corporate Communications
Phone: +41 21 822 5128
Email: kzachary@nissan-europe.com