(June 13, 2011) Nissan has announced European sales of more than 294,000 units for the January to May period, an increase of 35 percent compared to 2010.

In May Nissan sold over 58,000 vehicles, representing a 37 percent year-on-year increase, and in percentage terms nearly three times the rise in overall customer demand within the region last month.

Locally-produced models continue to drive this demand, including the Qashqai crossover and Note mini-MPV — both manufactured in Sunderland, UK — and the Barcelona-built Navara pickup and NV200 small van.

Nissan Qashqai

All these models posted significant year-on-year sales increases contributing to Nissan's 3.5 percent European market share for May. Calendar year-to-date, Nissan now has a 3.7 percent share of the market.

Bernard Loire, vice president Sales Operations Europe, said: "We sold nearly 16,000 additional vehicles last month compared to May 2010, which is outstanding."

"The last few months have been particularly challenging for the industry. At Nissan we have prioritized supplying vehicles to our customers as quickly and efficiently as possible, and we are now seeing the reward for this effort."

Top performing markets in May included Russia where sales more than doubled year-on-year to nearly 12,500 units; France, up 38 percent and the UK, where yesterday it was confirmed Sunderland plant will produce the next generation Qashqai crossover.