GUANGZHOU, China -- Nissan Motor's new-auto sales in China dropped 13.9% on the year to 84,200 units in July, dented partly by the Chinese stock market's drastic retreat since June. For Nissan, the leader among Japanese automakers operating in China, it was the first time in three months that sales fell below the year-earlier figure. In addition to already slumping sales of commercial vehicles, those of passenger cars -- which make up 80% of the total -- fell sharply in July. Passenger car sales came to 67,100 units, down 11% on the year. Cumulative sales between January and July reached 672,100 units, a modest 2.8% rise from the same period last year. Nissan plans to sell at least 1.3 million units this year and has said it does not plan to review the target at this stage. But depending on the market, full-year unit sales for 2015 may fall short of the previous year's record. Sales in the Chinese auto market overall fell for three straight months through June in year-on-year comparisons. Nissan aims for a rebound by introducing three new models this year, including a new Murano SUV to be rolled out Saturday.
Nissan's auto sales fell 13.9% in July China, compared to July 2014. Total sales between January and July reached 672,100 units, a modest 2.8% rise from the same period last year. Nissan is targeting to sell at least 1.3 million units this year and has said it does not plan to change its year end target at this stage. The company also announced that it will increase production of the Leaf by 10,000 cars per month for the rest of 2015.