Nissan aims to make Europe core market for car sales: FT report

NISSAN Motor aims to increase car sales in Europe and make the region one of its four core markets, the Financial Times reported on Sunday (Feb 12), citing an interview with a senior executive.

The carmaker will raise Europe to the same level of importance as Japan, China and the US after gaining market share in the region in recent years, Nissan chief operating officer Ashwani Gupta said in the interview. 

Nissan had cut back on investments in Europe but will reverse earlier plans to reduce its range of models in the region, said the report. The Japanese company recently revamped its often-fraught business relationship with French carmaker Renault and set up new collaboration projects, including some in Europe. 

Nissan now plans to introduce an entry-level electric vehicle (EV) model for sale in Europe, and will increase the portion of hybrids and EVs in its Europe car lineup to 98 per cent by 2026 – a boost from the previously announced 60 per cent, said Gupta. BLOOMBERG