Nissan announced last week that it achieved its target of selling an additional one million vehicles in the 12 months to end-September, compared to the corresponding 2001 fiscal year.
Unit sales for the period totaled 3,671 million, against 2.597 million in 2001. The figure marks the delivery of the final objective in Nissan’s ‘180’ business plan. Operating margin of eight per cent and zero automotive debt were accomplished two years ahead of schedule.
Gulf markets contributed significantly to the record-breaking sales. In the year to end-September, total GCC sales topped a record 100,000 units for the first time in 20 years.
The trend is accelerating, with 2005 year-on-year sales up 37.8 per cent in Saudi Arabia and 44.3 per cent for the rest of the GCC states. Figures for September 05 against September 04 were alone up by 28.5 per cent in Saudi and 38.6 in the rest of the GCC.
“Thanks to the hard work of all of Nissan’s employees, our revival is complete,” said Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan. “We have regained the confidence and momentum needed to grow significantly and profitably over the long term.”
His comments were echoed by Takeshi Nakajima, deputy-managing director at Nissan Middle East, who highlighted Nissan’s bold expansion of its line up over the last 18 months with the launch of all new vehicles such as the 350Z, Altima, Armada, Murano and the introduction of the luxury Infiniti line-up starring the FX35 and the G35 sedan and coupe.
“Implementing the Nissan 180 plan covered a host of improvements in several key areas – in sales, marketing, and after sales – and I think the figures show how well everyone has responded,” he said.
“With an unparalleled range of outstanding vehicles, and first-class support from our dealer network, the Nissan brand has never been stronger in the Middle East. We can now look forward to building even further on our achievements.”
