NISSAN sold a record number of cars – 4.914 million – in the 2012 financial year. And this year the company is hoping to top the five million mark.
The impressive figures were revealed when the company published its financial results for the 12 months ending March 31, 2013.
Nissan faced a range of challenges during the 2012 financial year, yet its strong performance in the fourth quarter of the year enabled it to achieve its full-year net income target. The company recorded a total income of £2.2 billion and posted an operating profit of £3.36 billion.
Ten new models were launched to global markets, including the new Altima in the United States; Sylphy in China; and Note in Japan.
Carlos Ghosn, Nissan President and Chief Executive Officer, said: ‘2012 was marked by both successes and challenges for Nissan. We ended the year with a sound balance sheet, record global sales, an improved brand, and an expanded presence in critical growth markets.
‘Equally important, we have taken counter-measures that will enable us to navigate the headwinds that lie ahead and resume significant growth.
‘As we enter the third year of the Nissan Power 88 mid-term plan, I am confident we have the right strategy in place to deliver on our business objectives.’
Leading automaker
Looking at sales performance in global markets, sales in the US were up 5.4 per cent to 1.14 million units. Across Europe including Russia, sales were 660,000 units, falling 7.5 per cent. In Japan, sales were down 1.3 per cent to 647,000 units. Strong results were reported in other markets, including Thailand, Brazil and the Middle East. Overall, the company sold 1.4 per cent more cars than in the previous financial year.
Nissan solidified its position as the leading automaker for electric vehicles and zero-emission mobility during the fiscal year. More than 62,000 Nissan LEAFs have been sold worldwide since the product’s launch. During 2012, Nissan has now launched production in the US and the UK to increase the ability to grow global sales.
The global sales forecast for the 2013 fiscal year is 5.3 million units, an increase of 7.8 per cent. Nissan plans to launch several new vehicles soon – among them will be the first new model of the Datsun brand, although Datsun won’t be making an appearance in the UK.