Qashqai exceeding sales expectations

The Nissan Qashqai has exceeded global sales expectations in the year after its launch.

The Japanese manufacturer has now sold over 100,000 of the vehicles in Europe alone, with Britain, Russia and Italy proving to be the key markets, recording sales of 17,554, 15,376 and 10,746 units respectively since launch.

Austria, Holland, Portugal, Greece, Slovakia and Norway have also dramatically exceeded expectations in terms of sales.

According to a statement from Nissan: "Initial European customer feedback shows buyers like the Qashqai for bringing something new to the market; for its strong, distinctive design which sits between a traditional hatchback style and a more robust, elevated SUV shape."

To meet demand for the vehicle Nissan has increased production at its Sunderland plant by 20 per cent, while moving Asian production to facilities in Japan to free more space.

"Qashqai buyers have consistently cited the premium quality interior and overall design as key factors in changing brands to Nissan," added the car manufacturer.

Nissan builds around 850 of the vehicles a day at Sunderland, with 920 combinations built to date.

At present it takes 10.5 man hours to build a Qashqai and it contains 2,750 components (depending on specification).