Nissan Could Make Auto Industry Sales History in 2004

Nissan North America Inc. could make history in 2004: It may see its U.S. sales increase an astounding 200,000 units from 2003.

So far the biggest year-to-year gain by a non-Big Three company is a 180,005-unit jump by Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. in 1977.

Nissan North America ended 2003 with 794,784 unit sales, its second best ever behind the 830,767 vehicles it sold in 1985. But back then, half of its sales were low-margin small cars.

Nissan's potential surge in 2004 would come from its Titan pickup, among other new product offerings, including those from the luxury Infiniti brand.

In 1999, French auto maker Renault took control of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.