NISSAN: THE BRAND TO WATCH
Strong sales, significant new models and world-leading technology mean the company is on target to become the number one Asian brand in Europe by 2016
- Strong 2012 sales pace matched so far in 2013
- New model onslaught will boost sales still further
- New X-Trail reinvents the compact SUV segment
- e-NV200 electric light commercial vehicle nears production
Nissan arrives at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show on the back of a strong 2012, continued sales momentum into 2013, and with an onslaught of new or significantly refreshed models to attract even more customers.
It all adds credence to Nissan's intention to become the top Asian car brand across Europe by 2016... already it can claim number one status in key markets such as the UK, France, Spain and Italy.
"Despite the down turn in the overall market, Nissan attained record market share last year and we are on target to match that achievement in 2013," said Guillaume Cartier, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, for Nissan in Europe.
"We arrive at Frankfurt with European sales of Qashqai and Juke continuing to exceed all expectations and with two important new arrivals in our small car portfolio - new Note and the new Micra. And our pioneering New Nissan LEAF electric vehicle has posted some impressive sales increases month-on-month in 2013, with the latest version, featuring over 100 updates and changes now in showrooms across the region.
"At Frankfurt we are revealing the brand new Nissan X-Trail, a car that blends Nissan's class-leading know how in the 4x4 and crossover segments to reinvent the compact SUV.
"Just as significantly, we are continuing to invest heavily in Europe, in local manufacturing, new technology and, of course, new product. Little wonder that Nissan is the brand to watch."
This investment is translating directly into increased market share. Last year, the company sold an impressive 126,000 more vehicles than in 2011 to claim a 3.9 per cent market share. Of the 37 different markets that constitute Europe, Nissan has increased its share in 32 of them since 2008 with 20 of them recording growth over the period of more than 40 per cent.
At the same time, Nissan is expanding production in dynamic new markets such as Russia as well as creating new segments through partnerships with companies such as AvtoVaz. The recreation of the Datsun brand, meanwhile, brings affordable motoring into the reach of wider audience.
Frankfurt marks the start of a new phase of activity - the busiest launch period in Nissan's history in Europe. The new model offensive will see seven new or significantly revised models come to market over the next 14 months, opening up the brand to a potential new audience of 1.85 million consumers representing an additional 10 per cent of the European market.
As well as new Note, Micra and X-Trail, the new model plan includes a new C-segment hatchback and a replacement for Nissan's best-selling model, the Qashqai. And there are further innovations in the company's pioneering electric vehicle programme coming soon, too.
Significantly, Nissan's sales success is a real boost for European jobs - more than 80 per cent of the Nissan vehicles sold in Europe are made in Europe. In 2012 the company made 696,619 cars, vans and trucks at its plants in the UK, Russia and Spain - a figure that is likely to be beaten in 2013 thanks to the introduction of new products at these plants, representing an investment of €500 million.
In 2012, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK (NMUK) - the company's main European plant in Sunderland, UK - produced more than 500,000 units in the year, the first time any UK car plant has achieved this milestone.
This year, NMUK has seen the introduction of Note and New Nissan LEAF alongside Qashqai and Juke while Nissan's newest European plant, in St. Petersburg, Russia, is now building Teana, Murano and X-Trail The link with AvtoVaz, meanwhile, is producing the new Nissan Almera for the Russian market.
In addition to its existing truck and light commercial manufacturing operations, the plant in Barcelona, Spain, will be building the e-NV200 electric van as well as the forthcoming C-segment hatchback. This rise in production not only secures jobs for Nissan personnel but also for employees in the supply chain.
Nissan's sales success is driven by innovation and excitement, twin themes that form the DNA of every vehicle wearing the Nissan badge.
Excitement is guaranteed by the performance-oriented Nismo badge, while the new X-Trail is a perfect illustration of how innovative technology can enhance the lives of owners.
Fully connected, X-Trail is the first to benefit from the latest generation NissanConnect in-car navigation, information and entertainment system. This has evolved to offer smartphone connectivity, keeping owners connected to the outside world wherever their journey takes them through a range of projected upcoming music, social networking, entertainment and travel apps.
Its satellite navigation system integrates with Google® to reveal a host of useful information while the ever-popular send-to-car function allows drivers to plan a trip at home and send it to their car at the click of a button. The system naturally includes Bluetooth audio streaming and mobile phone integration as well as Aux-in and USB slots.
Nissan LEAF is another vehicle to push the frontiers of innovation. Now in its second generation with an improved range and driveability, it is built in Europe. To date, more than 70,000 LEAFs have been sold worldwide showing that mass-market zero-emission mobility is a reality.
The Frankfurt Show marks the next phase in Nissan's EV story. Real-world trials of an electric version of the award-winning NV200 van point to another global success for Nissan's zero-emission programme.
The e-NV200 will be built in Barcelona, with sales starting next year. Fittingly at Frankfurt it will be seen as a Barcelona taxi, showing how lateral thinking - and the versatility of NV200 - will help clean up our cities.
Nissan's commitment to EVs goes beyond product, though, as the long list of partnerships with municipalities, infrastructure providers, rental companies and other key stakeholders reveal. Nissan's pioneering work in creating an EV infrastructure in many European cities will benefit not just Nissan LEAF drivers but drivers of other EVs now starting to come to market.... where Nissan leads, others follow.
"This is a tremendously exciting time for Nissan. We are producing innovative products in tune with the times, vehicles that people aspire to own.
"And the strength and depth of our product offensive over the next year or so, will ensure our sales success will continue for some time to come," said Cartier.
