Nissan Qashqai Shifting C-Segment

Nissan Qashqai off to a Strong Start: Orders close to 50,000

The QASHQAI, Nissan Motor's new compact crossover which went on sale in March, is off to a strong start. As of today, total orders for the vehicle are approaching 50,000 units. As of the end of April, sales totaled 23,551 units. Nissan originally announced plans to produce 130,000 units at its Sunderland plant in UK but due to the very encouraging high demand Nissan is studying ways to increase volume at the plant. Not only is this launch off to a promising start in terms of sales but it's also in line with Nissan's strategy to attract new customers. Indeed, QASHQAI is attracting younger-than-average customers and the majority of early QASHQAI buyers are migrating from the C Segment. In March, 69% of sales were conquests from other manufacturers which is consistent with Nissan's forecast. "QASHQAI is a charismatic crossover that's ready to SHIFT_ the C-segment market," says Brian Carolin, senior vice president and marketing sales at Nissan Europe. The Nissan QASHQAI combines the best attributes of a traditional family hatchback with the option of advanced 4x4 capability. The vehicle is available in three trim grades and four engines options - a 1.6 and 2.0 litre petrol engine, a 1.5 diesel engine and an all-new 2.0 diesel engine, which joined the line up in April. The 2.0 diesel version is available in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive. Fifteen percent of all QASHQAI orders already received are for this version. As previously announced, the QASHQAI will be exported from Sunderland to Japan - where it will be named "Dualis" - at the end of May as well as to the Middle East and other overseas markets later this year.