Nissan continues to consolidate its position as the leader in crossovers in Portugal, with sales in 2017 increasing compared to 2016 by around 14.2% (data until October). In other words, this year there are already more than 7300 crossovers sold, with Nissan achieving a leading share of 20.5%. Another successful year, which amount to more than 59 thousand units sold in the last 11 years.
Success that the brand decided to celebrate, taking the opportunity to present the latest news, organizing another edition of the Iberian event Nissan Crossover Domination . In the four previous editions, Nissan crossovers have moved to the ends of the peninsula: Cape Finisterre and Trafalgar in Spain.
The 5th edition, in which we had the opportunity to participate, took the Japanese crossover to the western end of the Iberian Peninsula — and also the European continent — which is located in our Portugal, at Cabo da Roca.
Qashqai and X-Trail renewed
The crossover fleet for the Nissan Crossover Domination consisted entirely of the Qashqai and X-Trail , which have been recently updated. Both models have been re-styled, particularly noticeable on the new fronts — the more prominent V grille stands out — and on the rear bumper. The interior was also revised, highlighting the new steering wheel and revealing greater care in selected materials, construction and soundproofing.
Equipment levels have also been boosted, with the inclusion of new Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies — for example, automatic emergency braking and even ProPILOT, autonomous driving technology.
Qashqai, the king of crossovers
The Nissan Qashqai celebrates 10 years of life and we can say that the era of dominance of the Nissan crossover is due to it. It wasn't the first crossover, but it definitely became the king of crossovers, both in Europe and in Portugal.
It is currently the 5th best-selling car in Europe — in September it was the second best-selling car behind the VW Golf — and in Portugal it is the best-selling crossover in its segment . Until October of this year, in Portugal, Qashqai had achieved a share of 27.7%, corresponding to 5079 units sold, a long way from the second-placed Peugeot 3008, which has only a 9% share. Its commercial performance is still surprising, given the exponential increase in competitors in recent years, with the brand estimating a 20% increase in sales by the end of the year in national territory.
Nissan achieved a growth of 14.5%.
More impressive is if we look at the C-segment as a whole — crossovers and five-door saloons — and it turns out that the Qashqai is the second best-selling car in the segment in Portugal, behind the Renault Megane, and also the second best-selling in Europe, behind the Volkswagen Golf. A performance that no Sunny or Almera would ever dream of craving.
X-Trail and Juke are also synonymous with success
THE X-Trail it has also known an upward march, being also the leader in its segment in Portugal, with 504 units sold. THE juke , on the other hand, is already on its way to eight years of life — its successor should appear in 2018 —, having been one of the pioneers in urban crossovers. It would be asking too much to continue to lead when there are many more competitors, with the Renault Captur being the current leader.
Even so, sales remain at a high level — around 1767 units until October this year — and is currently the fourth best-selling segment in Portugal.
The future
Despite the demonstrated dominance, Nissan knows that there is not a moment of rest. The Nissan crossover will evolve and at the last Tokyo Motor Show it introduced the IMx, which integrates the big changes that affect the industry: electrification, connectivity and autonomous driving . And, of course, it reveals the way forward for the brand in the chapter on exterior and interior design, which will ultimately influence the brand's future crossover generations.
