With 66% growth, Patrol sets pace for Nissan sales in Middle East

Sales of Nissan cars increased across the Middle East by more than a quarter last financial year, slightly outpacing the overall market.

Sales of Nissan cars increased across the Middle East by more than a quarter in the past financial year, slightly outpacing the overall market.

The 26.2 per cent rise helped the company capture a market share of 14.4 per cent in the Arabian Gulf during the period. It is estimated that the market grew by about 25 per cent in 2012.

"It would be difficult not to be pleased with 26 per cent growth," said Samir Cherfan, the managing director of Nissan Middle East.

The company launched five models in the period but one of its biggest sellers was the Patrol. Sales of the SUV increased by 66 per cent, with more than 14,000 Patrols sold across the region, representing its most successful year in the Gulf since launch.

"Patrol growth is around three times the segment growth and we have reached 22 per cent market share in the Gulf [in the SUV segment]," said Mr Cherfan.

Sales of the Sunny, which launched late in the 2011 financial year, rose by 50 per cent during the first three quarters of the year, with 18,000 units sold.

The company is forecasting a minimum rise of 11.1 per cent this year, outpacing the expected market growth of 5 per cent across the Gulf.

By the close of this financial year, Nissan Middle East expects to have a market share of 15.2 per cent across the region.