Nissan has been a big beneficiary of Europe's growing affection for SUVs and crossovers. Led by the Qashqai, Europe's best-selling crossover, SUVs and crossovers accounted for 71 percent of Nissan's sales in the region through six months, up from 66 percent the year before, according to half-year data from JATO Dynamics. Nissan Europe sales boss Guillaume Cartier says SUVs and crossovers, which commanded 22 percent of the European market last year, will soon outsell hatchbacks, sedans and station wagons in the region. He explained why in an interview with Automotive News Europe Managing Editor Douglas A. Bolduc.
Do you foresee SUVs and crossovers outselling traditional hatchbacks, sedans and station wagons in Europe before 2020?
It will happen well before 2020.
How soon?
I would say 2017 or 2018.
What percentage of Nissan's annual sales in Europe are SUVs and crossovers?
About 70 percent.
What is driving this?
If you ask me where our sales of Qashqai are coming from I would have some difficulty answering you. Why? Because they're coming from everywhere. That means this concept is answering the needs of most people. And, you have some segments, such as the D-segment sedans, which are shrinking like never before.