Nissan China Sales Jump 21.9% to 1.24 Million in 2011
Nissan and its partner Dongfeng posted a 21.9% sales increase in China for 2011, reaching 1.24 million vehicles despite supply disruptions earlier in the year.
Nissan and its Chinese joint venture partners delivered 1.24 million Nissan and Infiniti vehicles in China during 2011, marking a significant 21.9% increase over the previous year. This strong performance allowed Nissan to surpass its own projections, despite production setbacks caused by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, which disrupted supply chains and factory output for months.
Nissan Achieves 21.9% Sales Growth in China for 2011
Sales Breakdown: Dongfeng and Zhengzhou Nissan
The majority of Nissan's China sales were achieved through its partnership with Dongfeng Motor Group. Dongfeng Nissan delivered 808,440 vehicles, representing a 22.4% increase from 2010. Zhengzhou Nissan, which focuses on commercial vehicles and pickups, contributed 115,518 units, up 15.4% year-on-year. These figures highlight the effectiveness of Nissan’s local partnerships and its ability to adapt to the rapidly expanding Chinese automotive market.
Nissan’s performance was particularly notable given its relatively recent entry into China compared to established competitors such as General Motors and Volkswagen. By leveraging local knowledge and production capacity through its joint ventures, Nissan was able to accelerate its growth and gain market share in a highly competitive environment.
Ambitious 2012 Target and Dealer Network Expansion
Following its strong 2011 results, Nissan revised its China sales target for 2012 to 1.5 million vehicles, up from the previous goal of 1 million. Executives cited the company's ability to reach its earlier target ahead of schedule as evidence of robust demand and effective expansion strategies. This new target reflects Nissan’s confidence in continued growth and its commitment to further investment in local production and distribution.
Infiniti, Nissan’s premium brand, also made significant progress in the Chinese market. By the end of 2011, Infiniti operated around 60 authorised dealerships across the country. The brand focused on delivering high standards of customer service and premium experiences to attract affluent buyers, positioning itself among established luxury marques in China’s fast-growing premium segment.
China’s Booming Automotive Market
Nissan’s sales growth occurred during a period of rapid expansion for China’s automotive sector. In 2011, several global manufacturers, including Chevrolet and Volvo, reported double-digit sales increases in China. The country’s growing middle class and rising urbanisation continued to fuel demand for both mass-market and premium vehicles. Industry forecasts at the time projected further growth, with some analysts expecting China’s car sales to climb by 20% in 2014 as consumer demand rebounded.
This competitive environment encouraged manufacturers to invest heavily in local production, research and development, and dealer networks. Nissan’s performance in 2011 demonstrated its ability to respond to local market trends and consumer preferences, which was crucial for maintaining momentum in the world’s largest car market.
Global Implications and Outlook
Nissan’s success in China contributed to a record global sales year for the company. Alongside the gains in the Chinese market, Nissan also reported strong growth in the United States, with total US sales reaching a record 1 million vehicles in 2011. The company’s achievements in both markets underscored its expanding global footprint and the importance of China as a driver of future growth.
Looking ahead, Nissan’s revised 2012 sales target of 1.5 million vehicles in China signalled continued optimism. The company’s ongoing investment in local manufacturing, dealer expansion, and product development aimed to build on the momentum established in 2011. As competition intensified, Nissan’s ability to innovate and adapt to local preferences would remain central to its strategy for sustained growth in China and beyond.
Summary Table: Nissan China Sales 2011
| Brand/Division | 2011 Sales | Growth vs 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan & Infiniti (Total) | 1,240,000 | +21.9% |
| Dongfeng Nissan | 808,440 | +22.4% |
| Zhengzhou Nissan | 115,518 | +15.4% |
| Infiniti (dealerships) | ~60 (authorised stores) | N/A |
