Nissan China sales hit 48,082 units in May

In the first five months of 2008, the auto giant sold 228,828 units in China, compared to 186,339 units in the same period last year, while production was 140,231 units, compared to 115,662 units in Jan-May 2007. The company has increased its production in China, so as to meet the growing demand for vehicles. 

"While high oil prices are killing demand for mid- and large-size cars in many markets, China remains the exception,'' said Yokoi Hirofumi, a Tokyo-based analyst at consulting company CSM Worldwide.

In March this year, Nissan launched its first crossover vehicle, Qashqai, in China, which is manufactured by its Chinese partner Dongfeng Motor. With the Chinese name "Xiaoke", the crossover is expected to bridge the gag between the hatchback and growing SUV markets. 

Nissan's global production of cars and commercial vehicles rose 5.1% in May and 11.1% in Jan-May 2008 to reach 1.523 million units.

Nissan's biggest rival, Toyota, is also planning to open a second production line next year at its plant in Southern China's Guangzhou province in a bid to gain a bigger share in the booming Chinese market. It expects China sales to increase 40% this year, according to sources.