<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1" ?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>NISSAN PRESS RELEASE FOR 2006</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.org/rss/rss_press_year.php</link><description>A Test RSS</description><language>en-us</language><pubDate>Sun, 05 Sep 2010 11:33:30 IST</pubDate><lastBuildDate>Sun, 05 Sep 2010 11:33:30 IST</lastBuildDate><docs>http://www.nissanlcv.com</docs><managingEditor>gcavallo@nissan-europe.com</managingEditor><webMaster>gcavallo@nissan-europe.com</webMaster><item><title>Nissan Production, Sales and Export Results for Nov. 2006</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=37</link><description>&lt;P&gt;TOKYO (Dec. 25, 2006)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced its production, sales and export figures for November.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;1.Production&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan’s global production fell year-on-year by 1.1% to 291,737 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Japan’s production of the all-new Infiniti G35 (Skyline in Japan), Tiida and Tiida Latio rose year-on-year. However, lower production of other models pushed overall domestic production down from the previous year, with output falling 4.9% to 106,163 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Overseas production rose year-on-year for the second month in a row, rising 1.3% to 185,574 units. US production fell year-on-year by 6.9% to 64,762 units. In Mexico, production rose significantly year-on-year, rising 18.5% to 39,529 units, due to strong sales of the all-new Sentra and Versa (Tiida in Japan).&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the UK, production rose 5.3% year-on-year to 28,009 units. Production in Spain rose 9.6% year-on-year to 22,079 units due to robust demand for light commercial vehicles, such as the Navara and Primastar. In Nissan’s General Overseas Markets (all markets excluding Japan, the US, and Europe), production decreased 7.0% year-on-year to 31,195 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;2.Sales&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Although sales were strong for the all-new Skyline released in November, registrations fell 14.5% to 41,850 units, dropping for the 14th straight month, amid lower sales of other models.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Despite strong sales by mini-vehicles such as the all-new Otti and Moco, Nissan’s domestic sales (including mini-vehicles) fell by 6.3% to 53,205 units, amid lower sales of other models. Nissan’s market share of registrations in Japan stood at 14.6%, down 1.4 percentage points compared with the previous year. Its market share including mini-vehicles fell 0.5 percentage points from the previous year to 11.8%.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Despite the contribution to sales growth by the all-new Versa (Tiida in Japan), all-new Altima and all-new Infiniti G35, sales in the US fell 1.6% to 76,015 units due to lower sales of other models.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Europe, sales rose 25.3% year-on-year to 42,950 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;3.Japan Exports&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan’s exports stood at 56,368 units which was maintained at the same level as November 2005.&lt;BR&gt;Shipments to North America fell 1.0% to 23,939 units.&lt;BR&gt;Exports to Europe fell 50.8% year-on-year to 3,982 units.&lt;/P&gt;</description></item><item><title>Nissan Production, Sales, Export Results for October</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=38</link><description>&lt;P&gt;TOKYO (Oct. 27, 2006)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced its production, sales and export figures for October.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;1.Production&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan’s global production rose year-on-year for the first time in 10 months, rising 5.9% to 294,677 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Japan’s production of the all-new Infiniti G35 (Skyline in Japan), Murano and Infiniti FX rose year-on-year. However, lower production of other models pushed overall domestic production down slightly from the previous year, with output falling 0.5% to 101,619 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Overseas production rose year-on-year for first time in seven months, rising 9.5% to 193,058 units. US production rose year-on-year by 0.5% to 72,562 units due to the start of production of the all-new Altima to be released in November and increased output of the Frontier, Quest, and Pathfinder. In Mexico, production rose significantly year-on-year, rising 43.6% to 44,778 units, due to the start of production of the all-new Sentra.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the UK, production rose 13.3% year-on-year to 29,218 units. Production in Spain rose 10.5% year-on-year to 21,696 units due to robust demand for light commercial vehicles, such as the Navara and Primastar. In Nissan’s General Overseas Markets (all markets excluding Japan, the US, and Europe), production decreased 9.8% year-on-year to 24,804 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;2.Sales&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;The Wingroad and Bluebird Sylphy released in November and December of last year recorded higher sales in Japan compared with the previous year. However, Nissan’s total registrations fell 8.2% to 39,448 units, dropping for the 13th straight month, amid lower sales of other models.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Including mini-vehicles, Nissan’s domestic sales rose 1.6% to 51,809 units, rising year-on-year for the first time in 13 months, due to strong sales of the all-new Otti released in October. Nissan’s market share of registrations in Japan stood at 14.9%, down 0.4 percentage points compared with the previous year. Its market share including mini-vehicles rose 0.7 percentage points from the previous year to 12.6%.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Sales in the US rose 3.9% to 75,095 units, recording the first year-on-year increase in eight months, amid strong sales of the all-new Sentra and all-new Versa (Tiida in Japan). The Murano and Altima achieved record sales in October.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Europe, sales rose 41.4% year-on-year to 41,064 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;3.Japan Exports&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan’s exports declined 1.7% to 58,867 units in October.&lt;BR&gt;Shipments to North America rose 10.3% to 24,316 units.&lt;BR&gt;Exports to Europe rose 10.8% year-on-year to 7,005 units.&lt;/P&gt;</description></item><item><title>NISSAN LCV UNIT TO BEAT VALUE-UP COMMITMENTS ONE YEAR AHEAD</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=39</link><description>&lt;P&gt;TOKYO (Nov. 14, 2006) -- Following the recent announcement of the first half financial results for the fiscal year 2006, Nissan today reaffirmed that its light commercial vehicles (LCV) business unit plans to achieve its Nissan Value Up commitments – of reaching 434,000 units vehicle sales with 8% consolidated operating profit - one year ahead of forecast in this fiscal year 2006 ending March 31, 2007.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;This bullish outlook is supported by the strong performance of the LCV unit this year across all global markets. For the six-month period from April through September 2006, global LCV sales have totalled 242,760 units, accounting for more than half the volume committed in the Value Up business plan initially set for the whole fiscal year 2007.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;“The LCV business has been identified as one of the key breakthrough opportunities that will drive Nissan’s growth in terms of volume and profitability for the long-term. We are recognized as an important contributor to Nissan’s overall success as per the Nissan Value Up business plan,” said Andy Palmer, Corporate Vice President of Nissan’s LCV Business Unit.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;“Our solid performance so far has been fuelled by improvements in our distribution network and leveraging on global efficiencies. With an aggressive product offensive next in the pipeline, we are confident of taking the LCV business onto a more accelerated growth period, in addition to expanding our product penetration into new emerging markets,” added Palmer.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;For fiscal year 2006, Nissan will introduce a record three new LCV products. In the second half, it will launch a successor to AD-van in Japan, which is expected to consolidate Nissan’s stronghold in the domestic small van market. The AD Van follows the introduction of the Cabstar light duty truck in Europe last September.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/P&gt;
&lt;P&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/P&gt;</description></item><item><title>NISSAN PRODUCTION, SALES, EXPORT RESULTS FOR SEPTEMBER AND PAST SIX MONTHS</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=41</link><description>TOKYO (Oct. 24, 2006)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced production, sales and export figures for September and April to September 2006.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;1.Production&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;September&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan’s global production fell for the ninth straight month year-on-year, falling 12.5% to 274,788 units. Japan’s production of the Bluebird Sylphy sedan and Wingroad compact wagon rose year-on-year. However, lower production of other models pushed overall domestic production down for the ninth straight month, with output falling 7.5% to 110,184 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Overseas production fell for the sixth straight month year-on-year, falling 15.6% to 164,604 units. US production fell year-on-year by 18.9% to 60,600 units, largely due to the changeover to the new 2007 Altima model.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Mexico, production fell year-on-year, falling 5.8% to 29,435 units, also due to the changeover to the new 2007 Sentra model.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the UK, production fell 8.6% year-on-year to 29,153 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Production in Spain fell 10.1% year-on-year to 18,319 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Nissan’s General Overseas Markets (all markets excluding Japan, the US, and Europe), production decreased 26.1% year-on-year to 27,097 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;April-September&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan’s global production from April to September 2006 fell 11.9%, compared to the same half last year, to 1,519,911 units. Japan’s production of the Bluebird Sylphy sedan and Wingroad compact wagon rose year-on-year. However, lower production of other models pushed down overall domestic production, with first half output falling 16.9% to 575,625 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Overseas production fell 8.5% to 944,286 units. US production fell year-on-year by 14.6%, totaling 341,804 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Mexico, production rose year-on-year due to the completion of the new Versa compact car (Tiida in Japan), rising 4.5% to 188,825 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the UK, production fell 13.4% year-on-year to 143,547 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Production in Spain fell 3.6% year-on-year to 96,810 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Nissan’s General Overseas Markets, production decreased 6.3% year-on-year to 173,300 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;2.Sales&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;September&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;The new Wingroad, Bluebird Sylphy, and other models recorded higher sales in Japan in September compared with last year. Nissan’s total registrations fell 13.6% to 66,430 units, dropping for the 12th straight month, amid lower sales of other models. Including mini-vehicles, Nissan’s domestic sales fell 14.9% to 75,551 units, also recording a year-on-year decrease for the 12th straight month.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan’s market share of registrations in Japan stood at 18.3%, down 1.3 percentage points compared with the previous year. Its market share including mini-vehicles fell 1.9 percentage points from the previous year to 13.8%.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Sales in the US dropped 5.6% to 88,340 units, recording the seventh straight month of year-on-year decrease. For the Nissan brand, the Murano SUV achieved record sales in September. Sales of the new Versa compact car were also robust, but due to the end of the Sentra and Altima model periods, overall sales fell by 77,962 units year-on-year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;For the Infiniti brand, sales were down year-on-year to 10,378 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Europe, sales fell 26.6% year-on-year to 53,159 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;April-September&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;In the first half of fiscal 2006, the new Wingroad, Bluebird Sylphy, and other models recorded higher sales in Japan compared to previous year. But Nissan’s total registrations fell 19.9% to 291,452 units, amid lower sales of other models. Including mini-vehicles, Nissan’s domestic sales fell 16.9% to 349,666 units, but sales of the new Moco mini-vehicle model were robust.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan’s market share of registrations in Japan stood at 16.7%, down 2.6 percentage points compared with the previous year. Its market share including mini-vehicles fell 2.1 percentage points from the previous year to 12.9%.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Sales in the US dropped 10.2% to 513,137 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Europe, sales fell 9.3% year-on-year to 283,439 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;3.Japan Exports&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;September&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan’s exports declined 8.0% to 55,668 units in September. Shipments to North America rose 11.6% to 23,557 units, on the strength of SUVs including the Murano and FX, and commencement of shipping of the new Infiniti G35 scheduled for release in November. Exports to Europe rose 15.2% year-on-year to 7,481 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;April-September&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the first half of fiscal 2006, Nissan’s exports declined 10.1% to 296,721 units year-on-year. Shipments to North America fell 7.4% to 103,238 units. Exports to Europe fell 16.3% year-on-year to 43,773 units.</description></item><item><title>NISSAN NAMES NEW PRESIDENT FOR SIAM NISSAN AUTOMOBILE</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=42</link><description>BANGKOK, Thailand (October 20, 2006) –Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML) today announced that Thierry Viadieu has been named president of Siam Nissan Automobile (SNA). He succeeds Kosaku Hosokawa, who will be returning to NML headquarters in Japan.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In his new position, effective November 1, Viadieu will manage the overall operations and management of the Nissan business in Thailand. He will also continue to serve as corporate vice president at NML, where he will be in-charge of GOM operation for ASEAN countries. Prior to his appointment at SNA, Viadieu was the corporate vice president in-charge of Corporate Planning, Best Practices and Competitive Intelligence. Viadieu joined Nissan in 1999 after working for several years at Renault where he held several positions in the engineering department.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Hosokawa joined Nissan in 1979, he worked in the finance and overseas marketing departments before moving to Thailand. Hosokawa was named president of SNA April 2004 when Nissan raised its stakes in order to better position the Nissan brand for growth in the ASEAN region.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;“During his years at SNA, Hosokawa has provided support in setting-up the base for Nissan’s business efforts through extremely challenging times,” said Yasuaki Hashimoto, corporate vice president, sales and marketing, Asia and Oceania division.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Thailand, Nissan\'s operations include automotive sales and marketing, distribution, and manufacturing. SNA has an annual production capacity of 130,000 units. Its main models include the Tiida Sedan, Tiida Hatchback, Frontier Pick-up and Teana.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The change in corporate officers will be proposed and approved at the Board Meeting scheduled on October 26.&lt;BR&gt;</description></item><item><title>AB VOLVO TO ACQUIRE NISSAN’S REMAINING 6% STAKE IN NISSAN DIESEL</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=43</link><description>TOKYO (Sept. 25, 2006) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced that AB Volvo will acquire its remaining 6% stake (equivalent to 18,211,000 shares) in Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd., dissolving Nissan\'s capital relationship with the medium- and heavy-duty Japanese truck maker. This agreement follows Nissan’s divestiture of a 13% stake in Nissan Diesel to the Swedish truck maker in March this year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan also announced that AB Volvo will acquire all of Nissan’s preferred shares (equivalent to 19,998,000 shares) in Nissan Diesel.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;“The divestiture of our shareholding in Nissan Diesel is consistent with Nissan’s stated strategy to focus on the profitable growth of our core passenger vehicle and light commercial vehicle businesses,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;“We firmly believe that Volvo is the best partner for Nissan Diesel. During the past four years, Nissan Diesel has seen a turnaround in its business performance to become a valuable company, a fact that has been acknowledged by the management of Volvo through this process,” added Ghosn.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The business partnership between Nissan and Nissan Diesel will not be affected by the divestiture. The two companies will continue to work together in several areas, including contract production and joint development of light commercial vehicles and engines.&lt;BR&gt;</description></item><item><title>NISSAN PRODUCTION, SALES, EXPORT RESULTS FOR AUGUST</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=67</link><description>&lt;P&gt;TOKYO (Sept. 25, 2006)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced production, sales and export figures for August 2006.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;1. Production&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan’s global production fell for the eighth straight month year-on-year, falling 8.9% to 230,692 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Japan production of the Bluebird Sylphy sedan and Wingroad compact wagon rose year-on-year. But lower production of other models pushed overall domestic production down for the eighth straight month, with output falling 15.2% to 79,161 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Overseas production fell for the fifth straight month year-on-year, falling 5.3% to 151,531 units. US production fell year-on-year by 3.5% to 71,078 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Mexico, production fell 4.6% to 34,814 units, due to adjustments accompanying the changeover to the 2007 Sentra model.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the UK, production fell 28.1% year-on-year to 12,571 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Production in Spain rose for the first time in two months, increasing 78.1% year-on-year to 6,973 units, helped by the Navara pickup, Primaster van and Pathfinder SUV.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Nissan’s General Overseas Market (all markets excluding Japan, the US, and Europe), production decreased 8.0% year-on-year to 26,095 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;2. Sales&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Wingroad, Bluebird Sylphy and other models recorded higher sales in Japan in August compared with last year. But Nissan’s total registrations fell 20.1% to 37,933 units, dropping for the eleventh straight month, amid lower sales of other models. Including minivehicles, Nissan’s domestic sales fell 16.6% to 45,831 units, also recording a year-on-year decrease for the eleventh straight month.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan\'s market share of registrations in Japan stood at 16.3%, down 2.9 percentage points compared with the previous year. Its market share including minivehicles fell 2.2 percentage points from the previous year to 12.8%.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Sales in the US dropped 2.7% to 89,848 units, down for a sixth straight month. Nissan Murano SUV achieved record sales in August. Sales of the new Versa compact car (Tiida in Japan), as well as the Maxima sedan, which underwent minor changes in July, were also robust.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Europe, sales fell 3.8% year-on-year to 34,485 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;3. Japan Exports&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan’s exports declined 4.3% to 45,780 units in August, down for a fifth straight month. Shipments to North America fell 1.3% to 12,593 units. Exports to Europe fell 12.9% year-on-year to 6,988 units.&lt;/P&gt;</description></item><item><title>NISSAN LCV UNIT AHEAD OF SCHEDULE ON COMMITMENTS</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=47</link><description>HANOVER(Sept. 20, 2006)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., announced today at the 61st International Auto Show in Hanover, Germany that it expects its light commercial vehicle unit to meet its business commitments under the Nissan Value-Up plan in fiscal year 2006, a year ahead of schedule.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Under the three-year Nissan Value-Up plan which ends in fiscal year 2007, the unit committed to sales of 434,000 units, up 40% compared with fiscal year 2004. It also committed to doubling its consolidated operating profit margin to 8% compared with the level in fiscal 2004. The commitments are now expected to be met this fiscal year ending March 31, 2007.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;“We are very pleased to be able to meet our commitments a year ahead of schedule,” said Andy Palmer, corporate vice president and head of Nissan’s LCV Business Unit. “We will be launching two all-new products this year, including the Cabstar which we are introducing here at the Hanover Motor Show. More exciting products are in the pipeline and should put Nissan on track to become a leading player in the global LCV market,” Palmer added.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In fiscal year 2004, Nissan established a dedicated global LCV business unit to effectively coordinate the company’s efforts towards accelerating the profitable growth of the LCV business, one of four new growth areas for the company under Value-Up. Since then, the LCV business unit has implemented a series of strategies to strengthen sales, including improving its product line-up and expanding its global market presence.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Sales of Nissan’s LCVs have grown steadily since fiscal year 2002, when they accounted for 182,000 units. In fiscal year 2005, Nissan sold 400,267 units and posted a consolidated operating profit margin of 7.7%.&lt;BR&gt;</description></item><item><title>NISSAN PRODUCTION, SALES, EXPORT RESULTS FOR JULY</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=48</link><description>TOKYO (Aug. 28, 2006)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced production, sales, and export figures for July 2006.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;1. Production&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan’s global production fell for the seventh straight month year-on-year, falling 6.8% to 260,143 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Japan production of the Bluebird Sylphy sedan, Wingroad compact wagon, Presage minivan and March compact car rose year-on-year. But lower production of other models pushed overall domestic production down for the seventh straight month, with output falling 11.4% to 108,643 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Overseas production totaled 151,500 units, down 3.3% year-on-year. US production marked its first year-on-year increase in nine months, rising 1.0% to 47,846 units, thanks in part to the remodeled Maxima sedan which went on sale in July. In Mexico, production rose year-on-year for the third straight month, increasing 24.7% to 33,190 units following the start of production of the Tiida compact car (Versa in the US).&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the UK, production fell 21.2% year-on-year to 24,099 units. Production in Spain decreased 9.9% year-on-year to 18,149 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Nissan’s General Overseas Markets (all markets excluding Japan, the US, and Europe), production decreased 11.4% year-on-year to 28,216 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;2. Sales&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Bluebird Sylphy, Wingroad, and the Presage all recorded higher sales in Japan in July compared with last year. But Nissan’s total registrations fell 20.2% to 56,277 units, dropping for the tenth straight month, amid lower sales of other models. Including mini-vehicles, Nissan’s domestic sales fell 19.3% to 67,216 units, also recording a year-on-year decrease for the tenth straight month.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan’s market share of registrations in Japan stood at 17.7%, down 2.4 percentage points compared with the previous year. Its market share including mini-vehicles fell 2.4 percentage points from the previous year to 13.7%.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Despite a robust start of the new Versa compact car (Tiida in Japan) introduced in June in the US, overall sales in that market dropped 19.5% to 86,408 units amid weaker demand for other models. Sales were lower for a fifth straight month.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Europe, sales fell 10.3% year-on-year to 44,306 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;3. Japan Exports&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan’s exports declined 8.1% to 50,839 units in July. Shipments to North America fell 20.2% to 15,452 units. Exports to Europe fell 17.9% year-on-year to 8,137 units, with local production of the Navara pickup in Spain resulting in fewer exports of pickups from Japan.</description></item><item><title>Nissan to Get New eK WAGON Supply from Mitsubishi</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=49</link><description>TOKYO (Aug. 8, 2006) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. today announced they have signed an agreement under which Mitsubishi will supply Nissan with the next-generation eK WAGON mini-vehicle starting in the second half of fiscal year 2006.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The next-generation model will replace the current eK WAGON that Nissan receives from Mitsubishi under an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement signed in 2005. Nissan receives 36,000 units a year from the Japanese automaker and sells them under the Otti brand. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In addition to the eK WAGONs, Mitsubishi also supplies Nissan with 20,000 Minicab light commercial vehicles a year, which Nissan sells under the Clipper name. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The ongoing OEM agreement will enhance Nissan’s ability to offer a product lineup that meets customer needs, while at the same time enhancing Mitsubishi’s productivity through an increase in volume efficiency. &lt;BR&gt;</description></item><item><title>Nissan Navara forced to retire after impressive performance at Baja Espana --Round 2 of 2006 FIA International Cross-country Cup for Baja--</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=50</link><description>The second round of FIA International Cross-Country Cup for Baja was held on 20-23 July around Spanish capital, Madrid. Current leaders of the Spanish All Terrain Rally Championship and of the FIA Baja Cup, Marc Bl?zquez and Lucas Cruz had to retire from the Baja Espa?a event while heading for victory.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;On SS1, in the first hour in the morning, driving their Nissan Navara T1, Marc Bl?zquez and Lucas Cruz rolled off the podium located in front of the Madrilenian Stage Santiago Bernabeu. With the advantage of leaving first after their dominance of the previous day’s Superspecial, the pair of Official Nissan Motor Spain team competitors were quickest on the first section of 86 kilometres, which took them to the town of Soria.&lt;BR&gt;After the regroup and Service Park, the Spaniards were again fastest as they drove the 114 kilometres of the next section, to Zaragoza. Without slowing their pace, the Official Nissan Motor Spain team crossed the finish line with an advantage of 8 minutes 35 seconds over the competitor who was classified second, Portugal\'s Carlos Sousa. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Marc Bl?zquez: “I am very satisfied with the result, and I liked the sections very much because I was able to adapt my style of driving to the conditions, allowing me to run very well. In the first section we lost a little time; but in the second, we ran without any problems. I just had to be careful where there were a lot of stones in the road. Compared to the others, the car is working perfectly and now we will review our progress today before resting ahead of the hard stage in the morning.” &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;For SS2, the stage was run two passes of the same stage layout, totalling 268 kilometres before arriving in Zaragoza in the province of Teruel, following the traditional route of this mythical race.?After a fantastic performance throughout the previous day in which the Official Nissan Motor Spain team dominated all the sections incontestably, Marc Bl?zquez and Lucas Cruz this morning exited on the third day of the Baja Espa?a 2006. With more than eleven minutes\' advantage over their nearest rivals, the strategy of both Spaniards was very clear: to mark a race pace that allowed them to maintain their gap over the rest of the field. The pair managed to do this until kilometer 171 of special number 3, frustration mounting when they were forced to retire due to clutch problems.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;After this event, Marc Bl?zquez and Lucas Cruz remain at the head of the leader board in the All-Terrain Spanish Rally Championship. However, for them to take the crown, they will have to run strongly in the next races; being held in Portugal and Cuenca. Marc Bl?zquez: “It has been painful because all the equipment was working perfectly. We have two months to prepare before the next race, and we will work very hard to obtain the best result - as good as any we\'ve obtained during the year\&quot;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The next round of FIA International Cross-Country Cup for Baja,\&quot;Baja Anta de Serrra 500-Portalegle\&quot; will be taken place on 12-15 Oct at Portugal. &lt;BR&gt;</description></item><item><title>NISSAN DEVELOPS NEW GLOBAL LIGHT DUTY TRUCK PLATFORM</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=51</link><description>TOKYO (July 27, 2006)—Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., has developed a new global platform for light duty trucks (LDTs) on which the new Cabstar, which goes on sale across Europe in September, will be built.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The new LDT platform and a platform for panel vans, will replace Nissan’s 11 unique LCV platforms by 2010 in order to maximize efficiency. Some LCVs will also continue to be built on passenger vehicle platforms. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The new LDT platform was developed by Nissan’s engineering division in Barcelona, Spain in collaboration with Nissan Motor Light Truck Co.’s engineering team in Japan. The platform will support Cabstar first, followed by a new generation of light duty trucks in the future.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;“The development and introduction of the new LDT platform demonstrates that Nissan is taking its place in the global commercial vehicle market very seriously. We are ambitious to succeed and we are confident that we will meet the needs of operators and drivers across the globe with the range of products that will be developed on the new platforms,” said Andy Palmer, corporate vice president of Nissan’s LCV Business Unit.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The new Nissan LDT platform will support Cabstar’s award-winning full cabin over engine (COE) configuration, building on the Cabstar’s reputation for excellent balance between load-carrying capacity and in-town manoeuvrability.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;“In developing this new platform, we kept our customers in the forefront of our mind and enhanced its ability to support vehicles that provide maximum performance in load capacity, manoeuvrability and cost of ownership,” said Palmer.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan engineers adopted a straight, light, but strong ladder frame design. The combination of COE configuration and a light and durable frame enhances Cabstar’s load performance both in length and weight. This gives the customer the choice between greater load capacity and shorter vehicle length. It also enhances manoeuvrability when driving in cities because it allows operators to carry the same load capacity on a shorter wheelbase.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Due to the Cabstar’s new frame, it will be easier and quicker to operate on the engine during maintenance and repair. This operation is made even easier by the adoption of a tilting cabin configuration. Time off the road will be minimized, allowing maximum efficiency for the customer.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The Cabstar platform has been reinforced to ensure a car-like crash performance. Independent tests have demonstrated that in case of frontal impacts, Cabstar’s safety level is as high as that of a passenger car. Safety was enhanced by reinforcing the front part of the frame and by enhancing the elasticity of the straight elements behind the cabin.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan has set ambitious commitments for its global LCV business, one of four breakthrough areas identified under the company’s Value-Up business plan. By fiscal year 2007, the company plans to double operating profit margin to 8% and grow volumes by 40% to 434,000 units worldwide compared with fiscal 2004. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In fiscal 2005, ended March 31, 2006, the Nissan LCV business sold 400,000 units, up 28% from the previous year. The unit’s consolidated operating profit margin came to 7.7%.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The Cabstar will continue to be manufactured at Nissan’s plant at Avila, near Madrid, Spain.&lt;BR&gt;</description></item><item><title>Nissan Production, Sales and Export Results for June 2006 and the First Half of CY2006</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=52</link><description>&lt;P&gt;TOKYO (July 24, 2006)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced production, sales and export figures for June and the first half of calendar year 2006.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;1.Production&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;June&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan\'s global production fell 10.5% compared with the same month a year ago to 277,435 units, falling for a sixth straight month.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Japan, production fell 13.3% to 108,568 units, also dropping for a sixth straight month. Production of the new Bluebird Sylphy sedan, the Wingroad compact wagon and the Presage minivan rose year-on-year, but lower output of the Cube compact car and other models weighed on overall figures.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Overseas production decreased 8.6% to 168,867 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;US production dropped 24.9% to 53,073 units amid inventory adjustments for 2006 models accompanying a shift to 2007 models such as the new Altima mid-size sedan.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Mexico, production rose year-on-year for the second straight month, increasing 21.8% to 35,572 units following the start of production of the Versa compact car (Tiida in Japan).&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Production in the UK declined 4.6% from a year earlier to 28,853 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Spain, production increased for the second straight month, rising 1.9% from the previous year to 19,504 units, due to higher output of the Primastar commercial vehicle, the Navara pickup truck and other models.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Nissan\'s General Overseas Markets (all markets excluding Japan, the US and Europe), production rose 9.7% year-on-year to 20,422 units, helped by strong sales of the Tiida hatchback and other models in China.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;First Half of CY 2006&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan\'s global production fell 10.5% to 1,647,977 units compared with the same period a year ago, marking the first year-on-year decline for a first half since 2001.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Domestic production dropped 20.9% to 631,714 units, falling year-on-year for the first time in five years.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Overseas production decreased 2.6% to 1,016,263, falling year-on-year for the first time in seven years.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the US, production fell 15.7% compared with the first half of the previous year to 373,637 units, due to lower output of full-size pickup trucks and SUVs.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Production in Mexico increased 12.0% from the previous year to 198,310 units, aided by brisk sales of the Sentra and Tsuru compact sedans, and the Pickup truck, as well as the start of production of the new Versa compact car in May.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the UK, production slipped 3.7% to 159,759 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Spain, production increased 9% from a year earlier to 106,185 units, boosted by the start of production of the Navara pickup truck last June.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;2.Sales&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;June&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan\'s registrations in Japan in June fell for the ninth straight month to 54,471 units, down 21.2% year-on-year. Though registrations increased for the new Wingroad, Bluebird Sylphy and other models, falling registrations for other models weighed on overall results.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan\'s sales in Japan, including minivehicles, fell 19.4% year-on-year to 65,412 units, dropping for the ninth straight month.&lt;BR&gt;Nissan\'s market share of registrations in Japan in June stood at 16.6%, down 3.1 percentage points from a year earlier. The company\'s market share including minivehicles fell 2.9 percentage points from the previous year to 12.8%.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the US, sales fell 19.0% to 75,154 units falling for the fourth straight month. Sales of the Murano SUV, however, posted record sales for the month of June. Sales of the Frontier pickup truck were also robust.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Mexico, sales increased amid strong demand for the Tsuru and Sentra sedans, the Pickup truck and other models.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Sales in Europe fell 2.3% from the previous year to 56,461 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;First Half of CY 2006&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan\'s registrations in Japan in the first six months of 2006 dropped 18.3% compared with the same period a year earlier to 354,734 units, declining for the first time in two years. While registrations increased for the Serena, Bluebird Sylphy and Wingroad, this was not enough to offset a drop in registrations for other models.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Japan sales, including minivehicles, fell 11.7% from the previous year to 429,637 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan\'s market share of registrations in Japan dropped 3.2 percentage points from a year earlier to 17.7%. The company\'s market share, including minivehicles, fell 1.7 percentage points to 14.0%.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Sales in the US declined 5.7% to 511,768 units, falling year-on-year for the first time since 2001.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Sales in the Europe fell 4.4% to 274,755 units, dropping year-on-year for the first time since 2002.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;3.Japan Exports&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;June&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan\'s exports in June declined 5.0% from the previous year to 52,245 units, amid a drop in shipments of 2006 models to North America as the company prepares for the launch of 2007 models such as the new G35 (Skyline in Japan).&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Exports to North America fell 9.0% from a year earlier to 17,912 units. Shipments to Europe decreased 14.5% from the previous year to 8,294 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;First Half of CY 2006&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan exports in the first six months of 2006 amounted to 315,486 units, down 7.5% from the previous year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Exports to the North America rose 9.1% from the previous year to 123,985 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Exports to Europe dropped 30.6% from a year earlier to 41,386 units, mainly due to a decline in pickup exports from Japan accompanying the launch of local production of the Navara pickup truck in Spain last June.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Exports to other markets declined year-on-year, with shipments to Latin America falling 4.4% to 35,327 units, shipments to Asia falling 32.2% to 30,290 units, shipments to Oceania declining 20.3% to 26,642 units, and shipments to the Middle East decreasing 8.6% to 37,669 units.&lt;/P&gt;</description></item><item><title>NISSAN PRODUCTION, SALES AND EXPORT RESULTS FOR MAY 2006</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=53</link><description>TOKYO (June 26, 2006)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced production, sales and export figures for May 2006.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;Production&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan\'s global production totaled 248,349 units in May, down 11.0% year-on-year as domestic and overseas production fell for the fifth consecutive month.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Japan production of models including the new Bluebird Sylphy sedan, Presage minivan and Tiida compact car rose year-on-year, but lower output of the Cube and March compact cars pushed overall domestic production down 24.6% to 81,551 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;May overseas production decreased 2.4% from the previous year, to 166,798 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;US production dropped 17.0% year-on-year to 55,812 units due to inventory adjustments for 2006 models accompanying a shift to 2007 models.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Mexico, production rose year-on-year for the first time in two months, increasing 10.9% to 33,743 units following the start of production of the Versa compact car (Tiida in Japan) which will go on sale in North America starting this summer.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;UK production fell to 25,962 units, down 4.9% year-on-year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Spain, strong sales of the Navara pickup pushed production up 21.1% to 22,233 units, the first increase in two months.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Production in other regions increased for the 18th consecutive month to 29,048 units, up 5.1% from a year earlier. Production in China was especially strong, jumping 60.4% to 20,048 units due to the popularity of the Tiida hatchback.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;Sales&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;In Japan, Nissan\'s registrations in May fell for the eighth consecutive month to 41,662 units, down 20.4% year-on-year. Though registrations rose for the Serena minivan, Wingroad station wagon, Bluebird Sylphy sedan, and other new vehicles launched last year, a decline in registrations for other models weighed on results.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan\'s domestic sales including minivehicles fell 12.2% year-on-year to 51,656 units, dropping for the eighth consecutive month.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan\'s market share of domestic registrations stood at 16.2%, down 2.6 percentage points. Its market share including minivehicles fell 1.0 percentage point to 12.8%.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan sold 86,667 units in the US in May, representing a 7.3% decrease compared with last year and the third consecutive month that sales dipped below the previous year’s level. However, the Nissan brand saw record high May sales for the Murano sport utility vehicle and robust sales for the Frontier pickup as well. The Infiniti luxury brand’s QX56 full-size sport utility vehicle also sold well.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Sales in Europe rose for the first time in eight months, increasing 1.5% year-on-year to 48,364 units due in part to strong sales of the new Note compact car.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;Japan Exports&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan\'s exports in May declined 16.0% over the previous year to 41,772 units, amid falling exports of the X-TRAIL SUV and local production in Spain of the Navara pickup for the European market.</description></item><item><title>DONGFENG RELOCATES HEADQUARTERS TO WUHAN</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=46</link><description>WUHAN, CHINA (June 21, 2006)--Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. (DFL), announced it has moved its headquarters to a new state-of-the-art facility in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, from Shiyan.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Most of DFL\'s functions at Shiyan, which is located in the northwest mountain area of Hubei, have been transferred to the new headquarters, except for the quality control division and commercial vehicle manufacturing facility. The new facility encompasses 65,000 square meters and represents a capital investment of 343.33 million RMB (US $42.94 million*).&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;\&quot;The decision to move to Wuhan was made when the DFL joint venture was established three years ago,\&quot; said Katsumi Nakamura, president of DFL. \&quot;During that time, we were mainly focused on laying the groundwork for the company\'s business development. Now we are ready to grow DFL into a globally competitive car manufacturer.\&quot;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;\&quot;The relocation of DFL to the metropolitan city of Wuhan is of great significance. Not only will the move allow us to attract more talented employees, but it will also allow us easier access to our customers,\&quot; said Xu Ping, head of Dongfeng Motor Group Co., Ltd., and chairman of DFL.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Wuhan, which is located in the middle of Hubei province, is a major transportation hub in Central China and is intersected by two major rivers – the Yangtze and the Han.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;DFL, a joint venture between Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Dongfeng Motor Group Co., Ltd., was established in June 2003. The company\'s registered capital is 2 billion dollars, with Dongfeng and Nissan each holding 50% equity.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;DFL sells a complete series of truck, buses, commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. DFL\'s commercial vehicles are badged under the Dongfeng brand, while passenger vehicles carry the Nissan brand.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Under its 2&lt;SUP&gt;3 &lt;/SUP&gt;business plan, DFL has committed to selling 620,000 units by 2007 –300,000 passenger vehicles and 320,000 commercial vehicles. In 2005, DFL sold a total of 403,000 vehicles, up 25% from the previous year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;*Note: Amounts in RMB are translated for the convenience of the reader only at the rate of 1 RMB per 0.12506 US dollar, based on the exchange rate in effect as of June 20, 2006.</description></item><item><title>NISSAN AND SUZUKI EXPAND BUSINESS COLLABORATION</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=54</link><description>&lt;P align=left&gt;TOKYO (June 2, 2006) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Suzuki Motor Corp. today announced they have agreed to expand the scope of their business collaboration. Further to the existing OEM supply of Suzuki minicars to Nissan and the supply of automatic transmissions to Suzuki through Nissan\'s affiliate company Jatco, Ltd., the two companies are now studying the following items:&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;- &amp;nbsp;Starting from the end of 2006, Nissan will supply a minivan to Suzuki on an OEM basis and Suzuki will supply another Suzuki mini-vehicle to Nissan on an OEM basis. Both products are for the Japanese market&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;- &amp;nbsp;From 2008, Nissan will supply a compact pickup truck to Suzuki on an OEM basis for sale mainly in North America. Suzuki will provide a new A-segment vehicle for Nissan on an OEM basis for sale mainly in Europe.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;- &amp;nbsp;Nissan and Suzuki will start manufacturing collaboration in new emerging markets by sharing their respective manufacturing facilities. This activity will start at Suzuki\'s plant in India.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;\&quot;Through our existing agreement with Suzuki, we have built up a relationship of trust and partnership for mutual benefit,\&quot; said Nissan Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga. \&quot;This expansion is part of Nissan\'s continuing drive into new market segments and further global expansion, as set out in the Nissan Value-Up business plan,\&quot; continued Shiga.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;\&quot;This expansion of business collaboration with Nissan will strengthen Suzuki global competitiveness through pursuit of economies of scale in production volume by additional OEM business opportunities. It will also ensure Suzuki achieves its midterm five-year business plan by complementing its product portfolio in new segments,\&quot; said Suzuki President and Chief Operating Officer Hiroshi Tsuda. &lt;/P&gt;</description></item><item><title>Nissan Production, Sales and Export Results for April 2006</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=55</link><description>TOKYO (May 24, 2006)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced production, sales and export figures for April 2006.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;*Production&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;April&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan’s global production totaled 230,175 units, down 20.5% year-on-year as domestic and overseas production fell. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Domestic production fell 29.6% year-on-year to 87,518 units, due to lower output of the Note and March compact cars and the X-TRAIL sport utility vehicle.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;April overseas production decreased 13.5% from the previous year, to 142,657 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;US production dropped 19.6% year-on-year to 53,395 units due to inventory adjustments for 2006 models accompanying a shift to 2007 models.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the UK, reduced production of the Almera compact hatchback and Primera mid-sized car, among other vehicles, pushed production down 18.9% year-on-year to 22,909 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Production in Spain decreased 28.3% to 13,303 units year partly due to a cessation in production of the Almera Tino compact vehicle.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In other regions, production increased by 23.7% year-on-year to 30,979 units with production in China jumping 88.8% to 20,589 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;* Sales&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;April&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;In Japan, Nissan’s registrations in April amounted to 34,679 units, down 27.0% year-on-year. Nissan’s market share amounted to 14.3%, down 3.8 percentage points.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Including minivehicles, Nissan’s domestic sales fell 18.5% to 44,008 units due to a reduced number of models. Sales of the new Moco minivehicle released in February, however, were especially strong. Nissan’s market share of domestic sales including minivehicles amounted to 11.2%, down 2.1 percentage points.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan sold 86,720 units in the US in April, down 5.3% year-on-year. The Nissan Murano sport utility vehicle, however, rose to a record and sales of the new Infiniti M45 (Fuga in Japan) showed steady growth. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Europe, April sales fell 5.2% to 46,665 units amid an overall slowdown in demand in Western Europe.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;* Japan Exports&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;April&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan’s exports in April declined 18.2% from a year earlier to 50,417 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Shipments to the US fell 16.5% to 17,287 units due mainly to decreased sales of the Infiniti G35 (Skyline in Japan).&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Exports to Europe fell 33.2% year-on-year to 6,266 units, with local production of the Navara pickup in Spain from June 2005 resulting in fewer exports of Pickups from Japan</description></item><item><title>NISSAN RELEASES ATLAS 20 HYBRID TRUCK IN JAPAN</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=56</link><description>TOKYO (May 17, 2006)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today released a hybrid version of its Atlas 20 light commercial vehicle in Japan.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Compared with a conventional Atlas 20 diesel-engine model, the Atlas 20 Hybrid achieves a 35% improvement in fuel economy in M15 mode and improvements of 10% to 20% in normal city driving. The vehicle’s CO2 emissions drop by 25% in M15 mode. M15 mode is the standard used in Japan for measuring the fuel efficiency of urban heavy-duty vehicles.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;“A growing number of LCV customers are paying more attention to environmental issues,” said Andy Palmer, corporate vice president and head of Nissan’s LCV business unit. “With the Atlas 20 Hybrid, we plan to meet their demands for more environmentally-friendly trucks,” he added.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The Atlas 20 Hybrid employs a power-take-off (PTO) type parallel-drive hybrid system in which the motor/generator is connected to a different drive shaft from the engine for reliable operation. Even if a failure occurs in the hybrid system, the vehicle can still be driven using the diesel engine.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The system uses lithium-ion batteries with a lifespan approximately three times longer than that of nickel metal hybrid batteries. The low weight of the batteries also ensures that there is little impact on the payload of the vehicle.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The Atlas 20 Hybrid features Smoother Autoshift as standard equipment. This automatic shift eliminates any need for clutch adjustment or replacement, dramatically reducing maintenance costs, while preventing failures on the road due to clutch problems.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The Atlas 20 Hybrid, which will be built by Isuzu Motors Ltd. on an original-equipment-manufacturing basis, will use Isuzu’s hybrid system.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan has identified the light commercial vehicles business as one of four breakthrough areas for the company under the Nissan Value-Up three-year business plan, which started in fiscal year 2005. Nissan has set ambitious objectives for the LCV business, which are to double operating profit margin to 8% and grow volumes by 40% to 434,000 units worldwide by fiscal year 2007. In fiscal 2005, Nissan’s LCV business unit sold 400,296 vehicles and posted a consolidated operating profit margin of 7.7%.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;Sales goal: &lt;/STRONG&gt;30 units per year&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;Price range in Tokyo area: &lt;/STRONG&gt;4,793,250 yen to 5,390,700 yen </description></item><item><title>Nissan Production, Sales and Exports for March 2006 and FY05--Overseas and global production at record levels in fiscal 2005--</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=57</link><description>TOKYO (April 24, 2006)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced production, sales and export figures for March 2006 and the 12 months ending March 31, 2006.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;*Production&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;March&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan\'s global production totaled 342,165 units in March, down 1.7% year-on-year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Domestic production fell 12.2% year-on-year, to 136,413 units. Although production of the Serena minivan rose, lower output of the Lafesta minivan and the Note compact car, which were both released last fiscal year, weighed on overall production.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;March overseas production rose 6.7%, to 205,752 units, a new monthly record. In the US, production fell 13.6% year-on-year, to 76,080 units, amid declining output of Xterra SUVs and Titan full-sized pickups.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the UK, production grew 8.5% year-on-year, to 32,073 units, following the start of production of the new Note compact car.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Production in Spain grew 20.5% to 20,673 units, supported by local production of the new Navara pickup which began last May.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Production by General Overseas Markets (all markets excluding Japan, US and Europe) rose 22.6% to 36,531 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;Fiscal year 2005&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Global production for fiscal year 2005 reached a record 3,438,340 units, up 3.2% year-on-year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Domestic production totaled 1,364,868 units, down 7.9% from a year ago due to lower output of several models, including the March and Cube both compact cars, despite major increases for the Serena minivan and Note compact car.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Overseas production hit a new record of 2,073,472 units, up 12.1% year-on-year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;US production grew 0.6% year-on-year, to 808,586 units, due to steadily increasing output of the Pathfinder following the start of local production of the SUV in Smyrna, Tennessee.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Mexico, the popularity of the mid-sized Sentra pushed production up 11.1% year-on-year, to 378,784 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;UK production grew 2.5% year-on-year, to 317,186 units, following the start of local production of the Note in early 2006.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Spain, the start of local production of the Navara pickup boosted production 37.3% year-on-year, to 205,069 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In GOM, output increased 47.2% year-on-year, to 363,847 units. Production in China alone rose 133.3% to 208,477 units, following the start of production of the Tiida compact sedan and hatchback.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;* Sales&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;March&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan\'s March registrations in Japan fell 7.3% year-on-year, to 103,566 units, amid slowing sales of the Note compact car and the Lafesta minivan despite strong sales of the Serena minivan. Nissan\'s March share of all newly-registered cars in Japan totaled 18.6%, down 3.1% year-on-year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Domestic sales, including minicars, fell 7.3% year-on-year, to 124,513 units. Minicars sales alone grew by 88.0% year-on-year, to 20,947 units, supported by the new Otti and Moco. Nissan\'s share of the domestic market, including minicars, amounted to 14.9% for March, down 1.2% year-on-year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;US sales decreased by 2.6% from a year ago to 103,095 units. Nissan brand sales fell 1.1% to 91,209 units. Infiniti sales fell 12.5% to 11,886 units amid slower sales of the Infiniti G35, sold as the Skyline in Japan.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Sales in Europe declined 4.5% year-on-year, to 57,936 units, amid fewer sales of the Micra compact car.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;FY05&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan\'s domestic registrations in fiscal year 2005 fell 5.4% from the previous year, to 718,535 units, amid slower sales of the March and Cube compact models. Nissan\'s share of domestic registrations was 18.4%, down 0.9% year-on-year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Domestic Nissan sales, including minicars, decreased 0.7% year-on-year to 842,062 units. Minicars sales by grew 39.6% year-on-year, to 123,527 units, supported by the new Otti. Nissan\'s share of the domestic market, including minicars, was 14.4%, down 0.2% year-on-year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;US sales rose by 6.1% from last year, to 1,075,097 units, topping the one-million mark for the second consecutive year and setting a new record. Nissan-branded sales jumped by 6.8%, to 941,592 units, supported by growing sales of the Sentra and Altima passenger cars and the Pathfinder truck. Sales under the Infiniti brand rose by 1.3%, to 133,505 units. Both marques posted record sales for the second consecutive year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Europe, sales decreased 1.3% year-on-year due to fewer sales of the Pickup and the Micra compact model.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;* Japan Exports&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;March&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;March exports rose 4.1% compared with the same month last year, to 60,926 units, mainly to North America.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;FY05&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan exports in the past 12 months decreased 6.7% year-on-year, to 673,680 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Exports to North America were about the same at 256,147 units, decreasing just 0.1% from a year ago.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Exports to Europe fell 29.7% year-on-year, to 92,290 units, with local production of the Navara pickup in Spain resulting in fewer exports of Pickups from Japan.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Exports to the Middle East rose 18.5% year-on-year, to 99,498 units. Asia-bound exports fell 27.3% year-on-year, to 67,496 units, amid declining shipments to China and Thailand.</description></item><item><title>Nissan Production, Sales, and Export Results for February 2006</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=58</link><description>TOKYO (March 24, 2006)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced production, sales, and export results for February.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;1. Production&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;February global production totaled 291,625 units, down 8.2% year-on-year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Japan, production shrank by 19.9% year-on-year to 119,206 units due to reduced production of the Cube and March compact cars, as well as the X-TRAIL SUV.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Overseas production rose 2.1% year-on-year to 172,419 units, marking a record for the month of February.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the US, production fell 10.7% year-on-year to 68,891 units amid reduced output of the Xterra SUV and the Titan full-size pickup truck. Output in Mexico increased 5.0% year-on-year to 34,134 units, buoyed by increased production of the Tsuru compact sedan and the Pickup.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the UK, production increased 1.9% year-on-year to 26,616 units due to the start of local production of the Note compact car. In Spain, production rose 22.6% from the year before to 17,274 units following the start of local production of the Navara pickup truck last May.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Nissan’s General Overseas Markets (all markets except for the US, Japan, and Europe), production rose 33.9% year-on-year to 25,504 units. In China alone, output rose 115.3% to 15,522 units, supported by local production of the Tiida compact sedan and hatchback.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;2. Sales&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Japan, February registrations fell 15.8% year-on-year to 68,129 units. Although sales of the new Serena minivan and Bluebird Sylphy sedan were strong, slower sales of the Note compact car and the Lafesta minivan, which were both introduced last fiscal year, weighed on overall output. Nissan’s share of the newly registered vehicle market in February fell 3.3 percentage points from a year earlier to 19.3%. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Including minivehicles, Nissan’s domestic sales in February dropped 7.5% to 83,182 units. The new model Moco, launched at the beginning of February, recorded particularly healthy sales, rising 39.4% year-on-year to 8,820 units. Nissan’s market share for February, including minivehicles, stood at 15.6%, down 1.4 percentage points from the previous year. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the US, Nissan sales rose 2.2% year-on-year to 84,241 units, a record for the month of February. Nissan channel sales rose 3.3% year-on-year to 74,997 units, thanks to the strong performance of the Murano crossover SUV and the Sentra compact sedan. Infiniti channel sales fell 5.5% to 9,244 units, due to slower sales of Infiniti G35 (Skyline in Japan). Sales in Canada in February fell 13.0% to 4,017 units. Mexican sales also fell, dropping 2.8% to 18,337 units. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Europe, sales amounted to 33,817 units in February, down 2.1% year-on-year, amid slower sales of the Pickup. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;3. Exports&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Exports from Japan in February amounted to 59,064 units, down 8.1% year-on-year. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Exports to the US rose 3.0% to 22,355 units, buoyed by rising shipments of the Murano crossover SUV. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Exports to Europe fell 37.8% to 6,800 units amid slower sales of the Pickup following the start of production of the Navara pickup in Spain.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Exports to the Middle East continued on a strong upward trend, increasing 31.2% year-on-year to 11,939 units, thanks to the start of Tiida compact car shipments to the region. Exports to Asia dropped 40.0% to 5,596 units amid slower shipments of the X-TRAIL SUV and pickup trucks. </description></item><item><title>VOLVO TO ACQUIRE NISSAN STAKE IN NISSAN DIESEL</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=59</link><description>&lt;P&gt;TOKYO (March 21, 2006) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced that Volvo will acquire 13% out of its 19% shareholding in Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd., the manufacturer of heavy and medium-duty trucks and diesel engines.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;“Nissan Diesel has seen a turnaround in its business performance during the last four years,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “We are confident that Volvo is the right partner at the right time for Nissan Diesel, and will help them build a profitable long-term business,” continued Ghosn.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In addition to the immediate purchase of 13% of Nissan Diesel shares, Volvo will also have the right to acquire the remaining 6% of shares owned by Nissan Motor within the next four years. The agreement was signed today in Tokyo by Carlos Ghosn and Volvo President and CEO Leif Johansson.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan Motor and Volvo have also agreed to review areas of cooperation, together with Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd., in commercial vehicles in China. Nissan Motor owns 50% of Dongfeng Motor, a partnership it formed in 2003 with Dongfeng Motor Group Co., Ltd.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;“Our relationship with Dongfeng is one of mutual trust,” said Ghosn. “Nissan continues to invest substantially into its automotive business in China. Through this cooperation with Volvo, we are looking for opportunities to create a more competitive and more profitable Dongfeng commercial vehicle business,” said Ghosn.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;Photos of Press Conference&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Photo 1&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; High&lt;BR&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Low&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Photo&amp;nbsp;2&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; High&lt;BR&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Low&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Photo&amp;nbsp;3&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; High&lt;BR&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Low&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Photo&amp;nbsp;4&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; High&lt;BR&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Low&lt;/P&gt;</description></item><item><title>Newly-Completed Dongfeng Nissan Engine Plant to Produce All-new HR and MR Engines</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=60</link><description>GUANGZHOU (Feb. 28, 2006)--Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Co., Ltd (Dongfeng Nissan), a division of Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd.,today announced that its newly-built engine plant in Huadu, Guangzhou will produce two all-new engines.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The new engine plant, which has an annual capacity of 180,000 units, will produce the HR16DE gasoline engine. The MR20DE engine will be added to the production line in the future. The inline, four-cylinder, all-aluminum engines, which were jointly developed by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and its alliance partner Renault SA, offer improved fuel economy and acceleration when compared with previous engines of their size.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;“The start of engine production at the Huadu plant confirms our ongoing commitment to providing Chinese customers with the best value,” said Mr. Yoshida, vice president of Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd., and managing director of Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company at a ceremony to mark the completion of the plant. “As a Chinese company, we recognize the importance of promoting localization through improved R&amp;amp;D capability so as to better serve customer needs.”&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;With a displacement of 1.6 liters, the HR16DE engine is the most powerful engine of its size made in China. The engine will be fitted on the Tiida hatchback (Chinese name: Qida) and the Tiida sedan (Chinese name: Yida) for the Chinese market. The new MR20DE engine will be fitted on the “Bluebird Slyphy” (Xuan yi ), a new sedan model to be built by Dongfeng Nissan this autumn.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The plant’s production capacity will be expanded to 360,000 units by 2008 with all its engines to be fitted on models made by Dongfeng Nissan’s Huadu plant.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The new engine plant has adopted the Nissan Production Way (NPW), Nissan’s world-class global manufacturing system, under which manufacturing is synchronized with customer orders. The Huadu engine plant also features the Nissan Integrated Manufacturing System (NIMS), an important element of NPW, which significantly improves production efficiency by allowing two engine types to be manufactured simultaneously on one line.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Separately, Dongfeng Nissan also announced plans to invest an additional 600 million RMB to boost the Huadu plant’s vehicle production capacity. Capacity will be raised from 150,000 units at present to 270,000 units by the end of the year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Dongfeng Nissan is aiming for vehicle sales of 200,000 units in 2006. In 2005, Dongfeng Nissan sold 157,516 vehicles, up 159% compared with 2004, making the company the fastest growing automaker in China.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In order to serve its Chinese customers better, Dongfeng Nissan also said it will increase the number of its exclusive dealerships to 250 by end of 2006 from 200 at present.</description></item><item><title>Nissan fulfils its commitment and presents the locally produced Nissan Sunny</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=61</link><description>Cairo – Less than a year since Nissan Motor Egypt announced its new era in the Egyptian market, the Japanese company proved it is fulfilling its commitment by offering today the first batch of Nissan Sunny 1600CC to the Egyptian market in three different categories – EX Saloon manual &amp;amp; automatic transmission and Super Saloon automatic transmission.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In April of last year, Nissan Motor Egypt had announced its plans to assemble the first sedan in its plant in 6th of October Industrial City.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;The Japanese giant had registered its new era in Egypt last year through the Pick Up, which is considered the first vehicle to be produced and sold under the management of Nissan in Egypt, which also follows the plan of making Egypt a production base to the Middle East and North Africa.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;\&quot;We have announced last year our plans for assembling the Nissan Sunny in Egypt, and today we are glad to announce that we have fulfilled our commitment to the Egyptian market by offering the 2006 model year Sunny, produced locally in two categories ‘Super Saloon\' and ‘EX Saloon\' models\&quot; commented Yasuaki Hashimoto, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Nissan in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;\&quot;We hope that the locally produced Sunny is another new era for Nissan Motor Egypt to help assuring its position in the local market and helps us offer more great models from Nissan to the Egyptian customers\&quot; added Hashimoto.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Hashimoto also assured that this big step helps Nissan\'s performance globally under the new three-year plan, titled \&quot;Nissan Value-Up\&quot;. Nissan hopes its sales will grow through this plan to reach an additional 4.2 million units, in addition to maintaining the highest profit margin between global automakers and to maintain the return on investment capital estimated at 20%.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Mitsuji Sato, Managing Director of Nissan Motor Egypt, assured that offering the locally produced Sunny represents one of Nissan new era stages in Egypt, where the company committed itself to offer more high quality Nissan products through the current year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Further, Moustafa Hussein, Marketing and Sales Manager at Nissan Motor Egypt, assured the public that Nissan Motor Egypt is currently heading an effort to extend its local distributors network of local sales companies through its ambitious plan to offer the best sales and after sales services that the consumer expects from a brand like Nissan, which has proved its presence the world over.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan had announced on 28 June 2004 that it will be handling the direct management of its operations in Egypt by investing U.S$60 million to purchase, renovate and expand its plant, in addition to reviving the sales, marketing and distribution activities in Egypt.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Throughout the first year, Nissan Motor Egypt was able to achieve lots of its ambitions by investing in its plant located in 6th of October Industrial City to reach a total production capacity of 17,000 units annually. Also, the number of employees has increased from 245 since the beginning of operations in April, up to 350 workers currently, which ensures Nissan Motor Egypt\'s effectiveness in developing automotive production activities in Egypt.</description></item><item><title>Nissan Production, Sales, and Export Results For January 2006</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=62</link><description>TOKYO (Feb. 24, 2006)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced production, sales and export results for January.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;1. Production&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan produced 259,889 vehicles worldwide in January, down 12.5% year-on-year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Japan, production fell 27.8% year-on-year to 98,458 vehicles, due mainly to reduced output of the Cube compact car and the X-TRAIL SUV, as well as pickup trucks for export.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Overseas production rose 0.4% year-on-year to 161,431 vehicles.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;US production fell 9.6% year-on-year, to 66,386 vehicles, with lower output of the Titan pickup truck offsetting a rise in output of the Pathfinder SUV.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Output in Mexico grew by 8.0%, to 32,395 vehicles, supported by higher production of the Sentra compact sedan.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the UK, production shrank by 4.6%, to 23,346 vehicles, amid lower output of the Almera compact hatchback.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Production in Spain was up substantially, by 47.1% to 14,869 vehicles, following the start of local production of the Pathfinder SUV and Navara pickup truck last year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In general overseas markets, which exclude Japan, the US and Europe, production increased 7.1% to 24,435 vehicles. In China, output increased 59.0% to 15,297 vehicles due to the start of local production of the Tiida compact sedan and hatchback last year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;2. Sales&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;In Japan, Nissan\'s registrations in January amounted to 52,227 vehicles, down 14.5% year-on-year. Sales were lower compared with last year when sales were supported by the introduction of a string of new models including the Lafesta minivan and the Tiida and Tiida Latio compact cars. Nissan\'s share of the newly registered vehicle market amounted to 20.1%, down 3.3 percentage points year-on-year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Including minivehicles, Nissan\'s domestic January sales totaled 60,872 cars, down 11.1%. The company\'s share of that market came to 15.4%, down 2.1 percentage points year-on-year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan sold 75,891 vehicles in the US in January, down 0.9% year-on-year. Nissan channels sold 67,834 vehicles, down just 0.1%. While sales of the Armada large SUV and Quest minivan were lower compared with a year ago, sales of the Sentra compact sedan and the Murano SUV rose. Infiniti channels sold fewer FX SUVs and G35 sedans (Skyline in Japan), pushing sales down 7.5% year-on-year to 8,057 vehicles. Sales in Canada fell 4.7% to 3,831 vehicles. Mexico sales grew 2.5% to 18,517 vehicles.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Sales in Europe amounted to 31,522 vehicles, down 16.1% year-on-year, on slower sales of the Almera compact hatchback and Primera mid-sized car, despite steady sales growth for the new Pathfinder SUV and new Navara pickup truck.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;3. Exports&lt;/STRONG&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan exported 51,062 vehicles from Japan in January, down 2.0% year-on-year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Of those, 24,323 vehicles went to North America, up 47.2%, largely due to the popularity of the Murano SUV and M45 luxury sedan (Fuga in Japan).&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Exports to Europe totaled 6,158 vehicles, down 39.4% due to the start of local production of the Navara in Spain last year, which reduced exports of pickup trucks.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Exports to the Middle East expanded by 11.5% year-on-year, to 6,646 vehicles, thanks to the startup of Tiida shipments. Fewer exports of pickup trucks cut overall exports to the rest of Asia by 27.1% year-on-year, to 4,620 vehicles.</description></item><item><title>NISSAN TO SUPPLY LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS TO RENAULT TRUCKS (VOLVO GROUP) FROM FIRST HALF OF 2007</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=63</link><description>TOKYO (Feb. 17, 2006)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Renault Trucks S.A.S., a unit of the Volvo Group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to start Nissan\'s original equipment manufacturing (OEM) supply of light duty trucks (LDTs) to Renault Trucks. The LDT vehicles supplied will be based on the platform that will be used for the next generation Nissan Cabstar and Atlas.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Based on this agreement, Renault Trucks will distribute Nissan\'s OEM LDTs under its brand identity through its specialized truck dealer network. Renault Trucks will sell the OEM LDTs as a complement to the successful Master and Mascott ranges.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;\&quot;With its superior maneuverability and efficient cost of ownership, the Cab-Over-Engine type of vehicle meets the high expectations of European customers. Another major European player joining forces with Nissan will make this type of vehicle even more successful,\&quot; said Andrew Palmer, Vice president and Global Head of Nissan\'s Light Commercial Vehicles Business Unit. \&quot;This agreement is part of our strategy to grow Nissan\'s global LCV business through direct and OEM sales,\&quot; Palmer added.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan will start supplying its OEM LDT to Renault Trucks in the first half of 2007. The vehicles supplied to Renault Trucks will be produced in Nissan\'s truck factory in Avila, Spain, where the new generation Cabstar will be built.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;\&quot;Nissan already supplies engines for Renault Trucks\' Light Duty range and is therefore a natural choice for developing synergies within this category of vehicles,\&quot; said Jean-Marc Lange, Vice President, Light Duty Range of Renault Trucks. \&quot;The Memorandum of Understanding to source Nissan\'s light duty cab-over-engine vehicle represents an opportunity to widen our product offer – Master and Mascott - in this segment. This fruitful relationship between Nissan and Renault Trucks, both highly quality focused companies, will enhance customer satisfaction,\&quot; Lange added.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan has identified the light commercial vehicles business as one of four breakthrough areas for the company under its Nissan Value-Up three-year business plan, which started in fiscal year 2005. Nissan has set ambitious objectives for the LCV business, which are to double operating profit to 8% and grow volumes by 40% to 434,000 units worldwide by fiscal year 2007.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Europe, Nissan\'s LCV sales have increased by 29% over the past two years.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Renault Trucks is recognized by its customers in the delivery and craft trades for its professional expertise and the quality of its services. The current range offers Master and Mascott, together with specific services, which have been a real success with a 25% sales volume increase in recent years. By widening its range of products, Renault Trucks plans a sustainable growth in the light duty segment.</description></item><item><title>NISSAN TO CONTINUE AD VAN SUPPLY TO MAZDA</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=64</link><description>TOKYO (Jan. 27, 2005)-- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Mazda Motor Corp. have signed an agreement to continue Nissan\'s original equipment manufacturing (OEM) supply of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) to Mazda. Since 1994, Nissan has been supplying the AD VAN to Mazda, which badges it as the Familia Van. Based on this agreement, supply of the next-generation AD Van to Mazda will commence in the second half of 2006.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;\&quot;This agreement confirms our intention to establish a long-lasting business relationship with Mazda and is in line with our strategy to grow our global business profitably through direct sales or OEM agreements,\&quot; said Andrew Palmer, vice president and head of Nissan\'s LCV business unit.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Executive Officer and General Manager of Mazda\'s Program Management Division, A. Kumar Galhotra, said, \&quot;Nissan is an important partner in our light commercial vehicle strategy. With the conclusion of this agreement, our mutual and ongoing OEM supply arrangement can be maintained, allowing both companies to be able to expand their LCV business.\&quot;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan supplies approximately 3,000 units of the AD VAN to Mazda a year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In 1994, Mazda started OEM supply of the Bongo Van/Truck for sale as the Nissan Vannette Van/Truck, supplying about 23,000 units annually.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Nissan has identified its light commercial vehicle business as one of four new growth areas for the company under its Nissan Value-Up three-year business plan, which started this fiscal year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;With \&quot;Mazda Momemtum,\&quot; its mid-term business plan, the Hiroshima-based company is positioning the commercial vehicle segment as an important element to reinforce its dealer infrastructure in Japan.</description></item><item><title>Nissan Production, Sales and Export Results for December and CY 2005</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=65</link><description>TOKYO (Jan. 26, 2006)-- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today released production, sales and export figures for December and calendar year 2005.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Among the highlights, Nissan\'s global and overseas production rose to their highest levels ever in 2005.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;December Production&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan\'s global production in December climbed 7.7% to 246,322 units compared with the same month a year earlier.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Japan, production rose 10.8% to 104,056 units helped by the introduction of new models such as the Wingroad wagon and the Bluebird Sylphy sedan.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Overseas production rose 5.5% to 142,266 units. In the US, however, production fell 10.0% to 55,310 units amid slower sales of the Xterra sport utility vehicle (SUV) and other models. Production in Mexico also declined, falling 2.4% to 26,579 units due to slower sales of the Tsuru compact sedan.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the UK, robust sales of the Micra compact car (March in Japan) and the Almera compact hatchback boosted production 6.2% to 16,992 units. Production in Spain jumped 22.4% to 12,014 units supported by the start of local production of both the Navara pickup truck and the Pathfinder SUV in the first half of 2005.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Nissan\'s General Overseas Markets (all markets excluding the US, Japan and Europe), production climbed 54.0% to 31,371 units. Production in China alone rose 138.8% to 19,412 units following the start of local production of the Tiida compact sedan and hatchback last year.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;2005 Production&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan\'s global production in 2005 increased 9.4% year-on-year to 3,508,005 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Japan, production increased 0.8% to 1,451,212 units. Robust sales of new models introduced in fiscal year 2004 offset slower sales of existing models and exports.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Overseas production climbed 16.3% to 2,056,793 units, reaching the 2 million mark for the first time ever. Production in the US rose 10.8% to 835,946 units helped by continued strong sales of the Altima mid-sized sedan and increased sales of the Pathfinder SUV. In Mexico, production increased 11.5% to 362,591 units due to strong demand for the Sentra compact sedan and other models.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Europe, output in the UK fell 1.4% to 315,297 units. In Spain, the Pathfinder SUV and the Navara pickup truck boosted output 35.5% to 193,604 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Production in General Overseas Markets (GOM) jumped 54.8% to 349,355 units with production in China alone rising 160.7% to 186,744 units due to strong demand for the Teana luxury sedan and the Tiida sedan and hatchback.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;December Sales&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan\'s Japan registrations in December fell 28.0% compared with a year earlier to 38,897 units due to slower sales of new models, such as the Fuga luxury sedan, released starting in autumn of 2004. Nissan\'s share of the market fell 3.6 percentage points to 14.2%. Including minivehicles, Nissan\'s domestic sales in December dropped 25.5% to 44,801 units, while its share of that market fell 2.4 percentage points to 11.0%.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the US, sales totaled 91,253 units, down 1.1%. Sales of the Xterra and Murano SUVs were strong but slower sales of the Sentra compact car and the Titan full-sized pickup?truck weighed on the results.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Europe, Nissan\'s sales fell 28.5% to 32,552 units due to slower sales of the Micra and the Pickup, among other models.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;2005 Sales&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;In Japan, Nissan\'s registrations in 2005 rose 2.2% to 759,725 units due to strong sales of new models released in the latter half of fiscal year 2004. Nissan\'s share of the domestic registered vehicle market amounted to 19.3%, up 0.5 percentage points. Including minivehicles, Nissan\'s domestic sales rose 4.8% to 866,157 units. The company\'s share of the market increased 0.7 percentage points to 14.8%.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In the US, sales climbed 9.2% to a record 1,076,670 units, the first time for calendar sales to reach the 1 million mark. Nissan brand sales rose 10% to 940,269 units supported by strong sales of the Altima mid-sized sedan and Pathfinder SUV. Sales at the Infiniti luxury division rose 4.1% to 136,401 units, boosted by strong sales of the M45 luxury sedan (Fuga in Japan).&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Canada, Nissan\'s sales rose 2.2% to 70,983 units, while sales in Mexico remained largely unchanged at 234,932 units.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In Europe, sales fell 0.6% to 540,945 units although demand was strong for newly launched models, including the Pathfinder SUV and the Navara pickup truck.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;STRONG&gt;December Japan Exports&lt;BR&gt;&lt;/STRONG&gt;Nissan\'s exports in December rose 6.6% from the same month a year ago to 56,368 units. Exports to North America surged 22.1% to 26,043 units helped by increase shipments of the Infiniti M45 luxury sedan and the FX SUV. Shipments to Europe fell 31.0% to 5,367 units due to slower shipments of the Pickup. 2005 Japan Exports Nissan\'s exports in 2005 fell 7.1% from the same month a year ago to 677,496 units. Shipments to North America fell 9.6% to 239,150 units due to the start of local production of the Pathfinder in the US and reduced shipments of the 350Z sports car (Fairlady Z in Japan) and other models. Exports to Europe totaled 103,828 units, down 21.1% due to the start of local production of the the Navara pickup truck in Spain and slower shipments of the Pickup.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Exports to the Middle East rose 15.4% to 97,912 units and exports to Central and South America rose 23.6% to 77,467 units. &lt;BR&gt;Exports to Asia dropped 23.3% to 75,480 units due to slower sales of the Sunny sedan*.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;* Model name varies by region. Also sold under the names Sentra and Almera.</description></item><item><title>NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DIVISION</title><link>http://www.nissanlcv.com/press_release.php?id=66</link><description>GARDENA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2006) -- Nissan North America, Inc., today announced that effective February 1, it will create a new division responsible for the sales and marketing of light commercial vehicles (LCV) and fleet sales in the United States.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;NNA\'s Light Commercial Vehicle and Fleet Division will develop products, service and sales and marketing strategy for LCVs and Fleet. The strategy will determine specific market segments, introduction dates and manufacturing sites.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;\&quot;The new LCV lineup is a major part of Nissan\'s future profit and volume plans for the U.S.,\&quot; said Jed Connelly, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for NNA. \&quot;A dedicated division will help us meeting the specific needs of the American LCV customers, both in terms of products and services.\&quot;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Heading up the new division will be Mike Hobson, Director, LCV and Fleet. Hobson joined Nissan in 1991. Since then, he has held a number of positions including C&amp;amp;I manager, truck model line manager, and he has held various marketing positions at Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp., Nissan\'s captive finance company in the United States. Hobson will report directly to Connelly.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;This move is part of a global Nissan strategy aimed at fostering its LCV business. LCVs are one of the four key breakthrough areas identified by Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and his team to achieve the objectives of the three-year NISSAN Value Up Plan. Nissan aims at selling 434,000 LCV units globally in FY 2007, and attaining an 8% operating profit margin.&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;In North America, Nissan\'s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at &lt;A href=\&quot;http://www.NissanUSA.com\&quot;&gt;www.NissanUSA.com&lt;/A&gt; and &lt;A href=\&quot;http://www.infiniti.com\&quot;&gt;www.infiniti.com&lt;/A&gt;.</description></item></channel></rss>