Nissan presents 2009 results

Nissan has posted an operating profit of 311.6 billion YEN (2.38 billion euros) in the year 2009. The Japanese brand released its financial results for the year 2009 which were better than predicted after the third-quarter results were filed in February.

According to Nissan the growth of sales in the emerging markets, especially in China, and “the effective execution of recovery plan actions to counter the effects of the global financial and economic crisis” made these results possible.

"Fiscal year 2009 was an extremely challenging year.  Within Nissan, we kept our focus on recovery, guided by our company's recovery plan," said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn.  "Though we are still operating in crisis mode, Nissan is well on track toward complete recovery without any compromise to our strategic priorities."

During 2009 Nissan sold 3,515,000 vehicles worldwide, achieving a 3% growth when compared to 2008. China registered the biggest growth with sales rising 38.7%, reaching 756,000 units. Nissan also grew in its domestic market by 2.9%, but saw sales decrease in North America, Europe and other markets.

Nissan released new models during the fiscal year 2009, which included the Infiniti G37 Convertible, 370Z Roadster, NV200 Vanette, Fuga, Roox, PIXO, Patrol and March.

"Although we continue to operate in an environment that is volatile and uncertain, fiscal year 2010 will be an important year in which we launch an affordable, mass-market, all-electric, zero-emission vehicle, extend our presence in emerging markets and develop additional synergies in the Renault-Nissan Alliance," said Ghosn.

For 2010 Nissan is expecting a growth in sales of 8.1%, which would mean the delivery of 3.8 million units. This year the Japanese brand will be launching 10 new models: the Leaf, Infiniti QX, the NV series of commercial vans and a convertible crossover in the United States, Quest minivan, Juke, Elgrand, a new minivan and a new minicar in Japan and the second car in Nissan's global compact car lineup, an affordable sedan.