Nissan expects a slowdown in growth in Europe

Nissan Motor expects increases in sales in Europe in 2008/2009 slightly lower than around 11% recorded during the fiscal year that will be closed at the end of March, said a leader of the Japanese automaker.

"We always work on the budget (for the fiscal year which starts in April), but we expect a growth a bit lower (than 2007/2008), but comparable," said Brian Carolin, Sales & Marketing Nissan Europe in an interview with Reuters.

Nissan, the third Japanese automaker owned 44% by Renault, said its sales volume grew 11% over the fiscal year 2007/2008 to reach 600,000 vehicles, including fifth marketed in Russia.

Carolin said not to expect a growth in the mature markets of Western Europe this year but to a strong demand in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia.

Nissan is currently building its first factory in Russia, near St. Petersburg, which is scheduled for release at the beginning of next year 50,000 vehicles, 4x4 X-Trail and Teana sedans assembled exclusively for the Russian market.

In Western Europe, Nissan expects "some growth in volume, mainly due to the success of the 4x4 Qashqai which led him to add a third shift of production at its plant in Sunderland UK.

"We have 70,000 customers still waiting for this car (in Europe)," said Carolin