U.S. Auto Sales: Nissan sales up 7.7% % in December; 2011 volume up 17.3%%

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA), on Wednesday reported record December U.S. sales of 100,927 units versus 93,730 units a year earlier, an increase of 7.7 percent. The company sold just more than 1 million vehicles last year (1,042,534 units), up from 908,570 in 2010.

The Japanese automaker said 2011 was the best ever year for Nissan Div. up 17.3% on strength of Altima, Rogue, Versa.

However, sales of Infiniti vehicles 12.1 decreased percent from the prior year, to 10,990 units. Calendar year sales for Infiniti were down 4.8 percent, with sales totaling 98,461 units in 2011 versus 103,411 units in 2010.

Sales of the 100-percent electric Nissan LEAF totaled 954 units in December, with deliveries totaling 9,674 since the vehicle’s December 2010 U.S. debut. With sales exceeding 21,000 globally, the Nissan LEAF is the world’s best-selling electric car. [Chevrolet Volt: 1,529 units in December - view GM Dec. sales report]

“Although 2011 had some unique challenges stemming from natural disasters in Japan and Thailand and uncertain economic conditions around the globe, Nissan managed the crisis better than most, allowing our lineup to gain momentum throughout the year,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Sales.

“Strong consumer demand for vehicles like the Altima, Rogue, Versa and LEAF helped propel us to a record 2011. With new core Nissan models on the way, we expect 2012 to be even better.”