Nissan posts record H1 sales

MANILA, Philippines - Nissan Philippines Inc. posted record vehicle sales in the first half of the year with 5,185 units sold, surpassing the average industry growth of 21 percent for the six-month period.

In a statement, Nissan Philippines said sales in the first semester rose 42 percent from 3,664 units sold in the same period last year.

 “This has been the best sales record Nissan Philippines has ever posted since 2001,” Nissan Philippines president and managing director Antonio Zara said.

The car company said its strong first-half sales exceeded the automotive industry’s average growth of 21 percent as shown on the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines and the Truck Manufacturers Association reports.

For the second quarter alone, Nissan Philippines said sales surged 52 percent year-on-year.

Zara attributed the growth to the success of its core models, the all-new NP300 Navara pickup and the recently launched all-new NV350 Urvan.

He said the company positioned the two new models to be volume contributors in their respective market segments.

In addition, Zara said other models in its roster such as the Almera, the New Sylphy, the New Altima as well as the all-new X-trail also contributed significantly to the company’s robust sales.

 “We are happy with the way our sales are doing. We will demonstrate how Nissan will reinvent the Philippine auto industry, and show that, yes, Nissan is definitely back,” he said.

Nissan Philippines said it has continuously introduced new products and innovative programs to the market after a year since its return to the local automotive scene.

 “Bringing the Nissan brand back to the public eye, improving dealer operations, and expanding its dealer network throughout the country, the company’s successful sales growth may be attributed to its determination to build a strong base in the local market,” the Japan-based firm said.