Nissan Advances to Become No. 2 Asian Brand in Americas in 2011, Reports Record Sales and Share Growth Across Region

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Nissan Americas today reported record sales of 1,561,230 in 2011 calendar year for Nissan and Infiniti brand vehicles throughout the region encompassing North, Central and South America – a record year in both market share and volume for Japan's second largest manufacturer.  The Nissan brand alone gained 0.6 points of market share over the 2010 calendar year and advanced to become the No. 2 Asian automotive brand in the Americas.

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The company's sales and share growth was consistent across each of the geographic regions throughout the Americas, with the U.S., Mexico and Brazil posting the largest single-country gains. In total, sales of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles in the Americas increased more than 229,000 units last year, or 17.2 percent, over 2010 for a combined share of 7.5 percent, a record for the company's single largest region worldwide.

Nissan Americas Sales & Share: CY11 vs. CY10

These gains, coupled with the company's ability to outpace both the overall market and key competitors, advanced Nissan's standing to the No. 2 position among all Asian automotive brands in the Americas.

'Big 5' Asian Automotive Brands in the Americas

"2011 was a breakthrough year for Nissan in the Americas in a multitude of ways," said Colin Dodge, chairman, Nissan Americas.  "We outperformed our key Japanese competitors in every market throughout the Americas while the Nissan brand became one of the fastest-growing Asian automotive brands in the region."

NISSAN AMERICAS HIGHLIGHTS

• In the U.S., Nissan gained market share for the sixth consecutive year, ending 2011 with 8.2 percent of the U.S. market, up from 6 percent just a few years ago 
• In Mexico, Nissan has been the market leader for three consecutive years and ended 2011 with a record market share of 24.8 percent, up 1.7 points from the prior year 
• In Brazil, Nissan's business has been rapidly expanding with sales that nearly doubled in 2011.  Nissan was Brazil's fastest-growing automotive brand in 2011 and is now the 7th best-selling car brand in the country
• In Latin America, Nissan finished 2011 with 10 percent market share for the first time, up 0.4 points from the prior year

About Nissan Americas
In the Americas, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.  Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. More information, including photos and video b-roll, on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles 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 World Car of the Year award.

SOURCE Nissan Americas