On a constant currency basis, operating profit rose 31.5 percent to 519.5 billion yen, equivalent to an 8.5 percent profit margin. This reflects demand for core products, particularly in North America and benefits of continued cost-discipline, on-going product introductions and Alliance strategy.

“These solid results were achieved despite recent currency headwinds and continued challenges in Japan and emerging-markets,” said Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

In the first half of the fiscal year, Nissan’s total unit sales were 2.61 million units.

In the U.S., Nissan’s sales rose by 3.7 percent to 783,000 units, equivalent to a market share of 8.7 percent, amid strong demand for the Altima, the Rogue and the Maxima.

Nissan unit sales in China, which reports figures on a calendar year basis, rose 3.8 percent to 610,000 units, equivalent to market share of 5.0 percent. In Europe, excluding Russia, Nissan’s sales rose by 4.4 percent to 319,000, which resulted in a market share of 3.6 percent. The Qashqai SUV and X-Trail helped drive demand in the region.

Nissan’s performance in these key markets helped compensate for a decline in the Japanese market where Nissan was impacted by the suspension of Dayz/Dayz Roox minicar sales.

Total unit sales in the quarter for Japan were 211,000 units, representing a market share of 9.2 percent. In other markets including Asia and Oceania, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, Nissan’s sales decreased 4.9 percent to 382,000 units.