R E V I E W O F O P E R A T I O N S : A U T O M O T I V E
North America
The Maxima, one of Nissan's three mainstay sedans in the North American market, was among our top volume-selling vehicles in the United States during the past fiscal year. This model's award-winning styling, driveability and dependability support Nissan's solid North American market position.
Continued stable sales volume and enhanced localization efforts characterized North American operations during the past fiscal year. Nissan is one of the leading import brands in the United States on the strength of its Maxima, Altima and Sentra three-sedan strategy, with sales totaling 774,000 units in the past fiscal year. Competitive entries in the hot-selling minivan, light truck and SUV segments, such as the Quest minivan, supported this strong position.
Early in 1996, Nissan launched the sophisticated new Pathfinder in the United States and Canada. It met with widespread customer acceptance, leading to record sales in its first months on the market. Sales of the Infiniti luxury division increased for the sixth consecutive calendar year, due in large part to strong demand for the new I30 luxury sedan. Infiniti is well positioned to maintain its growth with the upcoming launch of an all-new Q45 and the division's first-ever SUV, the QX4. Moreover, the Infiniti Division of Nissan Motor Corporation in U.S.A. is building on its award-winning Total Ownership Experience customer-care program to make buying an Infiniti as pleasurable as driving one. Added features include a consumer-based pricing plan that brings Infiniti's manufacturer's suggested retail price closer to actual retail transaction prices. This will reduce time spent on price negotiations and allow dealers to focus on vehicle performance and quality features. The program also includes expanded roadside assistance and training to further improve customer service.
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In 1995, strong demand for the I30 helped the Infiniti luxury division increase sales for the sixth straight calendar year. |