CAR maker Nissan has beaten both the economic downturn and a string of global national disasters to achieve record sales.
The Japanese giant, which employs 5,462 people at its Sunderland plant said that worldwide sales for its Renault-Nissan Alliance partnership rose by 10.3% to break through the eight million vehicle barrier for the first time.
The Alliance, which was set up as a strategic partnership in 1999 and has included Russia’s AvtoVAZ Lada since Renault took a 25% stake in 2008, now has a 10.7% share of the global car market.
The percentage increased from 10.3% in 2010, fuelled by strong sales in the US and emerging markets and marks the third consecutive year of growth for the group.
Renault-Nissan Alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn said: “The Alliance capitalised on the resurgence of the US economy and gained significant market share in the regions that will drive growth in the 21st Century.
“Double-digit sales growth is solid progress – particularly during a year in which we faced Japan’s earthquake and tsunami, the abnormal strength of the yen, and financial turmoil in Europe.”
