(August 7, 2014) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Through the first seven months of 2014, Nissan has delivered a record-setting performance in North America with sales, market share and vehicle production gains across the region, highlighted by the company's Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant, which has become the top-producing automotive manufacturing plant in the North American industry so far this year.

Nissan says this performance, sustained by stronger dealer relations, well-received new products and reduced incentive spending, is providing robust support for the company's global "Power 88" business plan. That plan, announced by Nissan Motor Co President and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, aims to achieve a global operating margin of 8 percent as well as a global market share of 8 percent by the end of the company's fiscal year 2016.

"Nissan's plans to meet the goals of Power 88 in North America are driving profitable and sustainable growth, through higher sales volumes and lower incentive spending," said José Muñoz, executive vice president and North American chairman, Nissan Motor Co. "We've introduced all-new models that are resonating with customers, ramped up additional production in the region and revamped the way we work with our dealers, and those efforts are paying dividends."

Fueled by the recent launches of all-new core models, Nissan's sales have demonstrated consistency and have strongly outperformed the overall markets across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico in 2014:

Along with these volume gains, Nissan has attained an all-time record North American market share of 9.3 percent in the first seven months of 2014, a gain of 0.6 points by outperforming the overall market and key competitors:



"The foundation of Nissan's strong market performance is keeping production and inventory levels in balance to avoid a return to incentives that drain a company's bottom line and brand value," Muñoz said.

Nissan's 2014 U.S. sales are the highest in the brand's history, gaining 13 percent to more than 825,000. Nissan's U.S. market share has increased by 0.6 points so far this year, making it one of the industry's fastest-growing automakers.

Nissan's North American sales success extends beyond the U.S. In Mexico, Nissan has been the market leader for 62 consecutive months, with 25.3 percent share so far in 2014. In Canada, Nissan is on a record pace with sales up 29 percent, driven by strong sales growth of new models.