(November 4, 2014) YOKOHAMA, Japan — Nissan today reported a slight increase in second-quarter profit as record sales in the U.S. dulled the impact of a slowdown in China. Operating profit rose to $2.54 billion for the first half of the 2014 fiscal year, representing a 5.1% margin on net revenues that climbed 8.2% to $49.95 billion for the period.

Sales fell in each month in the quarter in China, the world's biggest auto market, where a slowing economy and lingering anti-Japanese sentiment is leading to fewer passenger cars and commercial vehicles leaving showrooms.

In spite of volatile economic conditions in several markets, Nissan benefited from strong demand for new products, rising sales in the key North American market, and the favorable impact of the yen correction against the U.S. dollar.

"Nissan successfully overcame challenging market conditions in the first-half of the fiscal year, delivering solid revenues and profitability amid encouraging demand for our latest models," said Carlos Ghosn, president and chief executive officer.

"Nissan is on track to deliver its full-year net income guidance, reflecting the benefits of our continued product offensive, financial discipline and synergies from our Alliance strategy."

During the first half of FY14 Nissan sold 2.58 million vehicles globally, a 5.8% rise year-on-year.

Sources: Nissan, Reuters news service