Nissan, ETCM optimistic

NISSAN and its local distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) are expecting for another sales high this year.

"ETCM is confident that Nissan, a brand that the company has helped grow in Malaysia since 1957, will continue its stellar performance this year," ETCM executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng said.

Ang's optimism matches that of automotive analysts, who believe ETCM can sell much more than the 34,966 units it recorded last year.

OSK Research Sdn Bhd, for example, has revised its 2013 sales forecast to 57,000 units on stronger demand of Nissan Almera.

"We expect sales of the Almera to remain robust in the first half of 2013 ahead of Toyota's anticipated launch of the new Vios in the second half.

"To account for the strong demand for the Almera, were have revised our 2013 Nissan sales forecast to 57,000 units from 50,000 units," the firm noted in its report yesterday.

The 34,966 sales units, its highest since 1957, push Nissan to number two in the non-national car segment, with a 13.7 per cent market share.

OSK Research noted that the Almera bookings are continuing to build at about 3,000 units per month.

"Only 5,635 units of the Almera were registered in the fourth quarter of 2012, suggesting that many buyers have deferred the registration of their new car to 2013," it added.

Nissan and ETCM kick off their 2013 model launch with the updated Teana 2.5 sedan.

Priced at RM173,100, the car is the first in the D-segment to feature the Blind Spot Warning System.