Nissan Reports Lower Global Production and Sales in H1 2026 as US Operations Buck Downward Trend

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has reported declines in its global vehicle production and sales for both June and the first half of 2026, as weaker demand and lower manufacturing output in key markets, particularly China and Mexico, weighed on its overall performance despite strong growth in the United States and rising exports from Japan.

The Japanese automobile manufacturer released its latest production, sales and export figures, showing that while its domestic operations remained relatively resilient, overseas performance continued to face significant headwinds.

Global production in June stood at 214,040 vehicles, representing a 14.5 per cent decline compared with the same month in 2025. The company attributed the overall decline to weaker production outside Japan, where output fell 18.3 per cent year-on-year to 164,418 vehicles.

Production within Japan, however, recorded a modest improvement, rising 1.3 per cent to 49,622 vehicles, reflecting stable manufacturing activity at home.

For the January to June period, Nissan produced 1.32 million vehicles worldwide, down 6.8 per cent from the 1.44 million vehicles manufactured during the corresponding period last year.

Production in Japan slipped 1.2 per cent to 288,212 vehicles, while overseas production dropped 8.3 per cent to just over 1.03 million vehicles.

Among Nissan’s manufacturing locations, the United States delivered the strongest performance. Production in the country increased 39.4 per cent in June to 47,586 vehicles, while cumulative output for the first six months climbed 24.2 per cent to 303,677 vehicles.

Mexico, by contrast, experienced a significant slowdown, with production falling 18.6 per cent in June and 25.8 per cent during the first half of the year.

China remained Nissan’s weakest manufacturing market. Output there plunged 49.7 per cent in June to 28,226 vehicles, while first-half production declined 16.3 per cent to 224,070 vehicles.

In the United Kingdom, production declined 7.1 per cent in June but edged up 0.3 per cent over the six-month period to 133,605 vehicles, indicating relatively stable manufacturing performance.

The company’s sales figures also reflected a difficult trading environment. Global sales in June totalled 240,345 vehicles, an 8.3 per cent decline from the previous year, while first-half sales fell 6.7 per cent to 1.51 million vehicles.

Sales outside Japan dropped 10.6 per cent during June and 7.5 per cent over the first six months of the year, highlighting weaker consumer demand across several international markets.

Within Japan, Nissan recorded mixed results. Total domestic sales, including minivehicles, increased 6.5 per cent in June to 37,324 vehicles, supported by a sharp 21.8 per cent rise in minivehicle sales.

However, sales of registered passenger and commercial vehicles in Japan declined 3.6 per cent during the month.

For the January to June period, overall domestic sales, including minivehicles, eased 1.4 per cent, although minivehicle sales remained a bright spot with a 13 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025.

The United States continued to provide encouraging results for Nissan’s retail business.

June sales in the US rose 8.1 per cent to 77,715 vehicles, while cumulative sales for the first half increased marginally by 0.3 per cent to 489,809 vehicles, making it one of the few major markets to post growth.
Elsewhere, market conditions remained challenging.

Sales in Canada fell 14.9 per cent in June and 13.9 per cent during the first half.
Mexico recorded an 8.6 per cent decline in June sales, while cumulative sales dipped 0.8 per cent.

European sales contracted 9.4 per cent in June and 12.4 per cent for the January to June period.

China also continued to experience weak consumer demand, with June sales dropping 30.2 per cent to 37,591 vehicles, while first-half sales declined 15 per cent to 237,458 vehicles.

Despite the softer production and sales performance, Nissan recorded positive export results from Japan.

Exports increased 19.4 per cent in June to 28,783 vehicles, reflecting stronger overseas demand for vehicles produced in Japan.

North America remained the principal destination for Japanese exports, with shipments surging 93.8 per cent in June to 12,653 vehicles.

Exports to Europe, however, declined sharply by 62.7 per cent, while exports to other global markets rose 3.5 per cent.

For the first half of 2026, total exports from Japan reached 169,388 vehicles, representing a 6.6 per cent increase over the same period in 2025.

Shipments to North America climbed 22.2 per cent, reinforcing the region’s importance to Nissan’s export business, while exports to Europe fell 51 per cent. Exports to other destinations increased 6.2 per cent during the six-month period.

The latest figures illustrate the uneven nature of Nissan’s global operations, with sustained growth in the United States and stronger exports helping to offset continuing weakness in China, Europe and Mexico.

As the company navigates shifting market conditions, its ability to strengthen performance in key overseas markets will remain central to its recovery strategy during the remainder of 2026.