Nissan has delivered a record-setting performance in North America with sales, market share and vehicle production gains across the region for the first half of 2014.
One of the key features of this success is the companys Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant, which has become the top-producing automotive manufacturing plant in the North American industry so far this year.
Nissan has recently launched all-new core models in order to ramp up sales and meet customer expectations. Nissans sales have demonstrated consistency and have strongly outperformed the overall markets across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico in 2014. Furthermore, the company has set an all-time record North American market share of 9.3 per cent in the first seven months of 2014, a gain of 0.6 points by outperforming the overall market and key competitors.
The Power 88 business plan is clearly working and will continue to be supported after its 2014 performance record. This plan has focused on sustained stronger dealer relations, well-received new products and reduced incentive spending.
That plan, announced by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, aims to achieve a global operating margin of 8 per cent as well as a global market share of 8 percent by the end of the companys fiscal year 2016.
Work takes place at Nissans manufacturing complex in Aguascalientes, Mexico. (Photo: Nissan)
Nissans plans to meet the goals of Power 88 in North America are driving profitable and sustainable growth, through higher sales volumes and lower incentive spending, said José Muñoz, executive vice president and North American chairman, Nissan Motor Co. Weve introduced all-new models that are resonating with customers, ramped up additional production in the region and revamped the way we work with our dealers, and those efforts are paying dividends.
The foundation of Nissans strong market performance is keeping production and inventory levels in balance to avoid a return to incentives that drain a companys bottom line and brand value, Muñoz said.
Nissans 2014 U.S. sales are the highest in the brands history, gaining 13 per cent to more than 825,000. Nissans U.S. market share has increased by 0.6 points so far this year, making it one of the industrys fastest-growing automakers.
Nissans North American sales success extends beyond the U.S. In Mexico, Nissan has been the market leader for 62 consecutive months, with 25.3 per cent share so far in 2014. In Canada, Nissan is on a record pace with sales up 29 per cent, driven by strong sales growth of new models.
Nissan has focused on developing strong investments and workforce growth within North America. Its manufacturing plants are enabling the strong market performance. Since mid-2011, Nissan has added more than 7,200 manufacturing jobs in the U.S. to increase production capacity.
Nissans Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant is the industrys top-producing facility in North America for the first half of 2014, with more than 334,000 vehicles rolling off the plants two assembly lines. Overall production at Nissans two U.S. plants – Smyrna and Canton, Mississippi – is up 24.1 per cent, with both plants now operating on three shifts.
SOURCE Nissan Canada
