(September 7, 2012) ROLLE, Switzerland — Nissan has announced European sales of 41,832 units in August, recording a market share increase for the third successive month. Despite challenging conditions in some European markets, continuing strong demand in Russia and the UK means Nissan remains ahead of what was a record 2011 by 4 percent in overall volume terms, calendar year-to-date.

Market share is also up year-on-year with an average 3.9% achieved for the first eight months of 2012 compared to 3.6% in 2011.

In August Nissan's sales increased by 3.1% versus 2011, despite a 4.7% drop in overall customer demand in Europe.

Nissan's family of crossovers supported this performance with all models posting year-on-year monthly sales increases — Qashqai up 13.8%, Juke up 5.9% and Murano up 30.8%.

Russia, where Nissan now holds 5.5% of the market, recorded a notable 23.0% jump in August through brisk crossover sales and also of the popular X-Trail SUV, manufactured in St Petersburg.

From early 2013 Nissan's continuing expansion in the Russian market will be supported by the all-new Nissan Almera sedan unveiled at last week's Moscow International Auto Salon.

The UK also had a strong month in August achieving a 29.1% increase in sales volume, mainly through demand for the Sunderland-produced Juke, Qashqai and Note.

Nissan Vice President for Sales Operations in Europe, Guillaume Cartier, said: "Although overall demand is down in some parts of the region, Nissan is enjoying another successful year due to our expansive and innovative product range, the majority of which is produced locally.

"Importantly, we have a strong industrial presence in key markets including the UK and Russia — where we are already established as the largest Japanese brand - and where our manufacturing plants in Sunderland and St Petersburg are increasing volume and attracting new models, as are our facilities in Spain.

"Although the remainder of the year will be challenging for all manufacturers in Europe, Nissan is very well positioned to maintain high sales, and also production volume, within the region."