Nissan says it recorded strong year-on-year sales results in the region of 6% in the Middle East between April 2021 and March 2022).
Despite the current market and economic challenges, Nissan sustained a steady performance fueled by sought-after offerings across SUV and sedan segments, reflecting brand affinity with customers in the region, it added in a statement.
Key markets for the Japanese brand included Bahrain which accelerated with an increase of 25%. The UAE also saw an increase of 17% in sales during the same period with Kuwait also registering a 4% improvement.
The SUV segment is a particularly strong area for Nissan Middle East and it witnessed a 10% increase in SUV sales across the Gulf region.
Contributing to this success were the launch of the 2022 Patrol 70th Anniversary model and the all-new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder at Expo 2020 Dubai, it explained: “With SUVs ranging from compact to full-size offerings, Nissan remains committed to catering to the needs of the region’s customers with an extensive and exciting line-up.”
Digging into the detail, Nissan said the rugged X-Terra witnessed a surge in popularity during FY21 as did the iconic Patrol Super Safari with a 26% increase in sales compared to the year before. Sales of the X-Trail and KICKS increased by 41% and 15% respectively in comparison to FY20, with the latter “celebrating its position as the number one crossover” with the highest market share in its segment in the UAE and Bahrain.
The Sunny, meanwhile, has sustained its popularity and saw a 35% rise in sales during FY21 and continues to hold the highest market share in its segment across the region.
The mid-sized Altima, which now comes with the advanced ProPILOT driver assist technology in the region, was boosted by an 8% increase in sales compared to the previous year, reflecting customers’ desire for intelligent and innovative mobility in the Middle East, according to Nissan.
“Our successful performance in FY21 is a clear indicator of our resilience and agility during unprecedented times,” commented Thierry Sabbagh, President of Nissan Saudi Arabia and Managing Director of Nissan Middle East.
The sales improvement caps a year which has seen Nissan refresh its range with the Patrol NISMO, Altima ProPILOT, KICKS, the celebratory 2022 Patrol 70th Anniversary model, and an all-new 2022 Pathfinder, as well as its first all-electric crossover, Ariya. It also introduced Nissan Service, a suite of aftersales services designed to offer customers greater value, convenience, and trust. This has been back-up with the launch of the first manufacturer-backed Certified Pre-Owned Program in the region.
Sabbagh added: “In the past year, we’ve introduced a range of exciting products and services to the region and have been able to mirror the successes of Nissan globally. From the introduction of the region’s first manufacturer-backed Certified Pre-Owned program to the launch of our all-inclusive Nissan Service, our customers have remained at the center of our strategy.
“Enhancing customer journeys across our partner network and on digital platforms, we also supported the implementation of the Nissan Retail Concept across more sales and service facilities in the region. In FY22, we look forward to building on the successes of the past year, with a sustained focus on innovation, quality, and customer experience.”
