THE Renault-Nissan Alliance sold a record 8,029,222 units in 2011, a 10.3 per cent increase from 2010, fuelled by robust sales in emerging markets and the United States.
Sales rose for the third consecutive year. Renault sold 2,722,062 units worldwide, up 3.6 per cent from 2010. Nissan sold 4,669,981 units, up 14.4 per cent.
AvtoVAZ Lada accounted for 637,179 units, a 10.9 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
As a result, the Renault-Nissan Alliance captured 10.7 per cent of the global market in 2011, up from 10.3 per cent the previous year.
‘The Alliance capitalised on the resurgence of the US economy and gained significant market share in the regions that will drive growth in the 21st century,’ said Renault-Nissan Alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn.
‘Double-digit sales growth is solid progress – particularly during a year in which we faced Japan’s earthquake and tsunami, the abnormal strength of the yen, and financial turmoil in Europe.’
Nissan posted record global sales of 4.67 million units in 2011, up 14.4 per cent compared to 2010.
In Europe, Nissan posted record sales of 695,703 units, up 25.4 per cent year-on-year thanks to booming demand for its Qashqai and Juke crossovers. Its market share rose to a record 3.7 per cent, up from 3.1 per cent in 2010. In Russia, its top market in Europe, sales jumped by 73.1 per cent, or nearly 60,000 units.
Best-selling electric vehicle
Nissan sold more than 22,000 Nissan LEAF family hatchbacks in 2011, making it the best-selling electric vehicle ever. Nissan began selling the car in December 2010. In 2011, the Nissan LEAF (pictured) won the World Car of the Year, Japan Car of the Year and European Car of the Year awards.
More than 80 percent of Nissan LEAF owners in the United States had never previously owned a Nissan. Nissan is expanding LEAF availability to all 50 American states and more European countries in 2012.