Nissan’s European growth strategy talks crossovers, EVs and autonomous tech

Nissan has confirmed its European growth strategy which sees crossovers, electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous drive technology as central to this aspiration.

Over the past 12 months the Japanese carmaker has released 12 new models in Europe and sold more than 724,000 vehicles.  Meeting surging demand for the crossover segment with new versions of the Nissan Qashqai, Juke and X-Trail, the company has also seen good demand for its line-up of EVs.

At the Geneva Motor Show, which opened yesterday, Nissan revealed the new Sway concept which previews the next-generation Micra, which is slated for launch in 2016.

"We have grown for our fifth consecutive year in a row. Our approach to strengthening the Nissan brand, products, and service is clearly working. We continue to invest in our strong manufacturing footprint in Europe and we are well positioned to grow in Europe," said Paul Willcox, chairman of Nissan in Europe.

He added: "We have seen the best-ever European sales with a 50 percent increase in five years and new versions of the pioneering Qashqai, Juke and X-Trail, reinforcing Nissan's crossover leadership with sales exceeding 410,000."

Nissan's strong manufacturing footprint in Europe continues to fuel the company's growth, enabling Nissan to gain market share in more than 65 percent of the European markets in which it operates.

Colin Lawther, senior vice-president (Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management and Purchasing in Europe), said: "We have produced more than 675,000 Nissan vehicles in the UK, Spain and Russia in the last financial year. We are a force to be reckoned with in key markets across Europe and our sales figures support this."

Nissan has notched much success in the electric vehicle segment with 15,000 Leafs sold in Europe in 2014. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Nissan Leaf and new additions to Nissan's EV offering this year will include a seven-seat version of the e-NV200 and a special edition Leaf.

The company says it is committed to bringing autonomous cars to market by 2020, with a differentiated offering built on simplicity, safety and accessibility.  Many of these innovations of tomorrow are already available today, most notably through technologies that Nissan has led, including Lane Departure Warnings, Distance Control Assist, Around View Monitor and Blind Spot Intervention.

The company has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 14,500 staff across locally-based design, research and development, manufacturing, logistics and sales and marketing operations. Last year Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced more than 635,000 vehicles including mini-MPVs, crossovers, SUVs, commercial vehicles and the Leaf EVs. Currently, it has 24 products for sale in Europe.