Nissan Joins GM, Ford, DC, Toyota and Honda in Million-Vehicle Sales Club

Nissan Hits 100,000 Mark for Final Month of March

General Motors, Ford Motor Company, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota Motor Sales and American Honda have each sold more than one

Nissan has joined the ranks of automakers who have sold more than one million new vehicles in the U.S. market during a single year. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

million new vehicles in the U.S. market during a single year, but Nissan had yet to do such before a 12-month period that ended March 31, 2005. The Japanese automaker reported its feat last Thursday.

"I think that it's a milestone," Jed Connelly, senior vice president of sales at Nissan North America, told Reuters news service. "There is tremendous excitement inside with the company ... it's a real emotional boost for employees."

It took Nissan 47 years to achieve this milestone, which incidentally

Strong sales of the Titan pickup truck showed that an import automaker can make strides in the domestically dominated full-size pickup truck segment. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

included the sale of Nissan nameplate vehicles as well as the automaker's Infiniti luxury division, capped off by another record-breaking monthly sales total of 100,000 units in March.

While the Altima has long been a volume leader, and maintained that position throughout the 12-month period, strong sales of the Titan pickup truck showed that an import automaker can make strides in the domestically dominated full-size pickup truck segment if it comes to market with a competitive product.