Nissan Targets Light Commercial Vehicle Leadership Position By 2016

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nissan Motor Company is on track to become the world's leading manufacturer of light commercial vehicles (LCV) by fiscal year (FY) 2016.

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Light Commercial Vehicles include several classes of vehicles that are designed and developed primarily for work use. Nissan offers one of the widest ranges of LCVs, from mini-LCVs up to 7.5-ton trucks.

Strong sales are expected in 2013, led by the NV200, an award-winning, new-generation compact van which will hit 200,000 cumulative sales by the end of fiscal year 2013 (April 2013-March 2014).

Overall Nissan's LCV sales were 1.14 million units in FY2012. The number of units sold topped one million for the first time in FY2011, putting Nissan a full year ahead of the Power 88 mid-term plan's target for LCV sales.

Under Power 88 Nissan is targeting eight percent global market share with a consistent operating profit of eight percent or more by the end of FY2016.

Nissan has increased sales of LCVs by closely studying customer needs and adapting global and regional models to suit specific local requirements. It means that not only are the vehicles practical for everyday use, they also feature low running costs matched by high levels of quality and reliability.

Quality covers every aspect of the vehicle, not just how well it is built. It includes the design of the vehicle, its practical aspects as well as its features. Nissan sees no reason why drivers of commercial vehicles should not enjoy the same levels of comfort and technology as car drivers.

The ownership experience has been similarly enhanced. A new set of dedicated dealer standards ensuring competitive sales and aftersales service have been implemented globally. The aim is to provide the highest levels of service to secure customer satisfaction.

"Our ambition to become a global LCV player has been achieved. Our target now is to be the world's leading LCV manufacturer by 2016," said Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president in charge of Nissan's Global LCV Business Unit.

Global LCV sales already account for more than 20 per cent of all Nissan sales and the ambition will be achieved by expansion in new markets, strategic partnerships and substantial growth in traditional markets. An ongoing new model offensive will see the company with one of the youngest model ranges of any manufacturer.

As further evidence of the company's global presence, Nissan has also been chosen to be the LCV official supplier for the highly successful Infiniti Red Bull Racing F1 Team.

And Nissan's global leadership of the zero-emission passenger car market will be matched in the LCV market when sales of an all-electric version of the award winning compact NV200 - e-NV200 - start in 2014.

"Nissan's LCV offering is a compelling one," said Hideto Murakami. "The range is wide, varied and packed with innovative technology, while Nissan's global leadership in zero-emission mobility will be underlined by e-NV200.

"Our plans might sound ambitious, but I have no doubt we will succeed in our aim to be the world's leading LCV manufacturer by 2016."

For news and information about Nissan's Light Commercial Vehicles, please visit: http://www.nissanlcv.com/EN/

For LCV videos: http://www.nissanlcv.com/EN/VIDEOS/

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan 
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

SOURCE Nissan Motor Company