Nissan Middle East has announced that its Nissan Altima market share has reached a record high across the Gulf, achieving 23 per cent of all sales in the D/E class this September.

The result was achieved in the same month as the regional launch of all-new 2013 Altima which boasts class-above design, a rewarding driving experience and segment defining technologies, a statement from Nissan said.

All-new Altima’s features include world firsts and options unique to Nissan’s mid-size sedan in this class, such as the remote engine start which has previously only been seen on luxury vehicles, the statement said.

“Nissan Altima has consistently been a strong challenger for the position of best selling mid-size sedan in the Middle East throughout all its generations, and September sales prove its appeal is only growing,” said Samir Cherfan, sales & marketing director, Nissan Middle East.

“In all-new 2013 Nissan Altima, we have redefined what buyers should expect from cars in this class with game-changing technologies and features, adding to the essential ownership demands of build quality, durability, safety and running costs. Nissan standards, a highest possible safety rating and commitment by us to keep service and maintenance costs 20 per cent lower than our competitors, makes us confident all-new Altima sales will increase by 50 per cent over the next three years.”

The new Altima’s targeted best-in-class fuel efficiency, which reduces fuel consumption by 18 per cent compared with the previous generation, is the first of several cost-saving advantages over its competitors, the statement said.

Additionally, Nissan Middle East has conducted its own survey which highlighted maintenance parts for Altima are typically 20 per cent less to buy than those of its competitors.

In combination with its class-above technologies and features, Nissan has set a sales expansion target for Altima of 50 per cent growth over the next three years. A key element of this will be via conquest sales in the business and fleet market, where the 2013 Altima’s competitive running costs, strong residual values and Nissan’s extensive dealer and service network are expected to be highly valued.

Retail customers can also expect improved value for money over the previous generation Altima with suggested manufacturer retail prices starting at $21,798 for the entry-level ‘S’ grade rising to $31,063 for the top-of-the-range V6 model. – TradeArabia News Service