Figures show that the carmaker was the number one Asian car brand in February in the UK, France, Spain, Belgium and Hungary. Nissan also announced that it recorded market share growth in Europe in February 2013, increasing by 0.3% to 4.2%. This was spearheaded by strong fiscal year-to-date market share in 21 of Nissan's major European markets, contributing to the 49,114 units sold during the month.

February 2013 market share was also the highest recorded this fiscal year in seven European markets including Russia and the UK – countries where Nissan has a strong industrial footprint – as well as Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Hungary and Ireland.

Sales of the LEAF were up 132% compared to this time last year, with flagship crossover models like the Qashqai and Juke also continuing their strong performance.  Sales of the Nissan Qashqai were up 8% this month compared to February 2012 and have risen each year since the car’s launch in 2007, bucking the industry trend.

This year will see Nissan embark on a product onslaught for Europe with the refreshed B-segment Nissan Note to arrive first as well as the new 100% electric Nissan LEAF, both of which were revealed at the Geneva Motor Show this month.  

Commenting on Nissan's sales performance and ambitions for 2013, Guillaume Cartier, Nissan vice president for sales operations in Europe, said: ‘We expect 2013 to be a strong year for Nissan in Europe. We have a high-performing manufacturing base in Europe and a strong pipeline of exciting products that will bring even more buyers to Nissan dealerships across Europe in the coming months.’

He added: ‘Despite the economic downturn, Nissan's ambitions in Europe remain stronger than ever and we aim to expand our European presence by increasing localised manufacturing and investment in the region.’