Nissan Australia has claimed fourth place in the Australian automotive industry, with a total of 63,654 vehicle sales during calendar year 2004.

In a growing market which saw total industry sales for the year increase 5.0% to 955,229, Nissan claimed 8.7% growth during the year and a market share of 6.7%, the highest annual market share for thirteen years.

Nissan’s commercial vehicle range, which includes the Patrol line-up, Navara 4x2 and 4x4 pick-up range, Pathfinder and the X-TRAIL, achieved its best ever full year result with 37,843 sales – an increase of 3.5% over 2003.

Specifically, the Nissan X-TRAIL recorded the best full year result ever with 13,050 vehicles sold (up 3.0% on 2003), as did the Navara 4x4 range with 10,604 sales (up 28.8% on 2003).

At the same time, Nissan’s passenger vehicle range recorded an outstanding result, with 25,811 vehicles sold during 2004 – up 17.3% on calendar year 2003.

Star performers included Nissan’s prestigious Maxima sedan with a total of 5,329 vehicles sold for the year, up an astonishing 315% on 2003. In addition, the Pulsar sedan and hatch recorded an increase of 3.0% over 2003 with 19,531 sales for the year.

Mr Shinya Hannya, Nissan Australia’s managing director and chief executive officer, commented on the company’s year-end result. “Nissan Australia has seen strong but steady growth over the past few years, fuelled by the introduction of stylish and attractively priced vehicles such as the Maxima sedan, 350Z coupe and roadster and the new model Patrol.”

“In 2005 we are expecting the arrival of even more exciting vehicles, including the all-wheel drive Murano and the seven-seat Pathfinder, and with the continued support of the Australian Nissan dealer body, we can look forward to more successful sales results,” Mr Hannya said.