Nissan yesterday (April 22nd) posted encouraging profits, registering sales volume growth in every major region excluding Europe.

Global vehicle sales rose 6.7 per cent to 2.77 million units in 2002/03, falling slightly short of the estimate the company made in October.

Nissan has also predicted that the current business year will see further growth, with the automotive firm estimating that global vehicle sales will grow 9.7 per cent to more than 3 million units.

Sales in the United States alone are forecast to grow by 17 per cent to 852,000 units.

However, despite the positive results analysts have advised caution regarding the estimates, with many still concerned about the health of the American economy and pessimistic consumer sentiment.