---

Light Trucks Spearhead Nissan Sales Resurgence

4 August 1999

Light Trucks Spearhead Nissan Sales Resurgence; Heavy Dealer Traffic Pushes July Truck Sales Up 53 Percent Over Last Year

    LOS ANGELES, Aug. 3 -- Led by a 53 percent July sales
increase of its revitalized light truck lineup -- including the
segment-busting Xterra compact SUV, 4-Door Frontier Crew Cab and high-value
Quest minivan -- Nissan is once again becoming a player in the segment it
pioneered in the early 60s.
    Light trucks represented more than 44 percent of Nissan's July sales,
compared with just 29 percent in July 1998," said Jed Connelly, vice president
and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc., speaking at
an industry luncheon hosted by the Motor Press Guild.  "Over the years, we've
introduced nearly every fresh idea in the category and with the arrival of
Xterra and Frontier Crew Cab, we're back in the innovation business.  The best
news is that Nissan is once again competitive across-the-board in the truck,
SUV and minivan segments."
    Connelly also announced the rapid increase of market share for several
categories in Nissan's truck mix.  Nissan's share of compact utility segment
for June 1999 rose to 5.7 percent from 2.7 percent a year ago.  Quest's share
of the compact van segment rose to 2.7 percent from last year's 1.6 percent.
    Nissan's Xterra sales since its June launch soared to 13,845 through July.
Frontier Crew Cab sales of 6,589 since introduction represent 26 percent of
the Frontier' model mix -- up from a projected 10-12 percent.  "Consumer
response to these new trucks shows has been overwhelming.  Our dealers can't
get enough of either model," said Connelly.
    Nissan recently upped its production of the Xterra and Crew Cab to meet
customer demand.  Xterra's production schedule has been increased to
73,000 units, up 13,000 units.  Planned Crew Cab production is up to
42,000 units from its original forecast of 30,000 units.
    Connelly also noted the strong launch of the all-new 2000 Maxima sedan and
Nissan's return to its heritage of performance and product innovation,
including the company's decision to bring back the "Z" sports car for the
2002 model year.  "I believe we now have the strongest top-to-bottom product
lineup in company history with more great products to come," said Connelly.
    In North America, Nissan's operations include styling, engineering,
consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and
manufacturing.  Nissan in North America, which includes employees and
facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, generates more than
70,000 jobs, approximately 12,000 directly and 58,000 through more than
1,250 Nissan and Infiniti retailers across the continent.  More information on
Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles
can be found online at http://www.nissandriven.com or contact the corporate media
line at 310-771-5631.
    Or visit the Nissan Online News Bureau at http://www.nissannews.com.