Nissan's European Sales Increased 14.5% in 2003

TRAPPES, France, January 12 -- For the whole year 2003, Nissan Europe sold 542,292 units, an improvement of 14.5% over 2002 reaching a market share of 3.06% in Western Europe. The growth has been driven by successful new products such as the new Micra, as well as strong performance in the 4x4 sector with products such as X-TRAIL and Pickup.

Mario Canavesi, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing stated:

"Nissan has enjoyed an excellent 2003. We are confident that the improvement in Nissan's sales performance represents the best year-on-year volume increase among the top 15 manufacturers operating in Europe in 2003. This increase is the combined result of the introduction of desirable new products, such as the new Micra, a strengthened network and the ongoing revival of the Nissan Brand epitomised by the launch of the 350Z sports car."

In December 2003, Nissan Europe reported total sales of 49,480 vehicles (1) 2003, an increase of 31% over the same month in 2002 reaching 3.75% market share in Western Europe.

Highlights by country

- Nissan in France sold 47,059 units in 2003, up 31.5% compared to 2002.

- In Germany, the total 2003 sales figure for Nissan was 70,050 units, 9% up compared to 2002.

- In Italy, Nissan sold 78,075 units in 2003, up 31% compared to 2002.

- In Spain total sales figure for Nissan in 2003 was 62,229 units, up 10% compared to 2002.

- In the UK, Nissan sales for 2003 was 114,641 units, up 7.5% compared to 2002.

Model highlights

- The Micra was Nissan's best-selling European model, sales for 2003 reached 184,000 units, up 70% compared to 2002.

- X-TRAIL sales for 2003 reached 51,206 units, up 46% compared to 2002. The X-TRAIL was second best seller within its segment.

- Pickup sales for 2003 reached 39,654 units, up 28% compared to 2002.

Nissan employs around 12,000 people in its European design, research & development, manufacturing, logistics, and sales & marketing operations. Last year, the company produced a total of 448,513 vehicles in its Spanish and British plants. Nissan Europe's Head Office is based in Trappes (Paris), France.

Editor's note:

(1) The sales figures used are retail sales figures for all of Nissan Europe's markets including the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Holland, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Cyprus, Malta, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, the Adriatic States, Bulgaria, the Baltic States, Ukraine, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Turkey, Israel and the French Overseas Territories.