Nissan’s US Sales Hit Record 1 Million in 2011 as December Gains 7.7%
Nissan North America closed 2011 with a record 1,042,534 US sales, driven by strong demand for Altima, Rogue and Versa, despite Infiniti’s decline.
Nissan North America ended 2011 on a high note, reporting its best-ever annual sales in the United States. Despite a challenging year for the automotive industry, marked by natural disasters and economic uncertainty, Nissan managed to deliver strong growth, driven by robust demand for its core models and the growing popularity of its electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF.
The company sold 1,042,534 vehicles in the US in 2011, a 17.3% increase over 2010’s total of 908,570 units. December 2011 was also a record month, with sales rising 7.7% year-on-year to 100,927 units, compared to 93,730 in December 2010. These results marked the first time Nissan surpassed the one-million-unit mark in annual US sales.
Key Facts: Nissan's 2011 US Sales Performance
Nissan and Infiniti: Sales Breakdown
| Brand/Model | December 2011 Sales | Change vs Dec 2010 | 2011 Full-Year Sales | Change vs 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (overall) | 100,927 | +7.7% | 1,042,534 | +17.3% |
| Infiniti | 10,990 | -12.1% | 98,461 | -4.8% |
| Nissan LEAF | 954 | N/A | 9,674 (since Dec 2010) | N/A |
The core Nissan brand was responsible for the bulk of the growth, setting a new annual record. In contrast, Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury division, faced a more difficult year. Infiniti’s US sales dropped 4.8% in 2011 to 98,461 vehicles, with December sales down 12.1% year-on-year. This underperformance in the luxury segment tempered Nissan North America’s overall growth, but was offset by the strong results from the main Nissan brand.
Core Models Drive Growth
Nissan attributed its record-breaking year to strong consumer demand for models such as the Altima, Rogue, and Versa. The Altima continued to be a volume leader, while the Rogue and Versa also posted impressive gains. These models helped Nissan maintain momentum throughout 2011, even as the company faced supply chain disruptions caused by natural disasters in Japan and Thailand. Despite these challenges, Nissan was able to keep its products available and meet consumer demand.
The all-electric Nissan LEAF contributed 954 US sales in December, bringing total US deliveries since its launch in December 2010 to 9,674. Globally, LEAF sales topped 21,000 units by the end of 2011, making it the world’s best-selling electric car at that time. The LEAF’s performance was notable in a segment that was still emerging, and it faced growing competition from rivals such as the Chevrolet Volt, which sold 1,529 units in the US in December 2011.
Industry Context and Competitor Comparison
Nissan’s strong results came during a year when the broader automotive industry was recovering from significant disruptions. Natural disasters in Japan and Thailand affected global supply chains, while economic uncertainty continued to influence consumer spending. Despite these headwinds, Nissan managed to gain market share in the US, a testament to its ability to adapt and maintain product flow.
Compared to its competitors, Nissan’s performance in 2011 was among the strongest. While Honda experienced declines in both December and full-year sales, Volkswagen’s US sales surged 36.2% in December and 26.3% for the year. General Motors also reported growth, but Nissan’s achievement of surpassing one million annual US sales stood out as a significant milestone. According to industry analysts like J.D. Power, the US car market in December 2011 was expected to reach an annualised rate of over 13 million units, providing a favourable environment for manufacturers able to meet demand.
Infiniti’s Challenges in the Luxury Segment
Infiniti’s decline in both December and full-year sales reflected broader challenges in the luxury car market during 2011. The segment was particularly sensitive to supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty, which affected higher-end vehicle sales more acutely than mainstream models. Infiniti’s weaker performance limited Nissan North America’s overall growth, even as the main Nissan division set records.
Looking Forward to 2012
Nissan entered 2012 with plans to launch new core models, aiming to build on the momentum achieved in 2011. While the company did not release specific sales forecasts, it expressed optimism that fresh products and continued consumer demand could support another strong year. The challenge for Nissan would be to sustain its growth in a market that, while recovering, remained highly competitive and sensitive to global events.
Conclusion
Nissan’s record-breaking performance in 2011 highlighted the strength of its core models and the successful launch of the all-electric LEAF. Despite difficulties in the luxury segment and significant industry disruptions, Nissan’s ability to adapt and deliver growth positioned it as one of the US market’s standout performers. With new models planned for 2012, the company looked to continue its upward trajectory in a challenging but recovering automotive landscape.
