Passport Nissan

Nissan's two Japanese-based rivals, Honda and Toyota, may have sold more vehicles in 2010 than Nissan and remain larger retailers. But, Nissan grew at a much faster pace in 2010. While both Toyota and Honda struggled to keep pace with recovering U.S. auto sales in 2010, effectively losing market share, Nissan actually gained share.

Nissan North America closed the month of December 2010 with vehicles sales running nearly 30 percent higher than 12 months prior. The strong finish to the year boosted Nissan's overall, annual growth rate to 18 percent.

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported record December U.S. sales of 93,730 units versus 73,404 units a year earlier, an increase of 27.7 percent. Nissan Division sales were up 26.3 percent for the month, also a December best. Sales of Infiniti vehicles rose 37.3 percent over the prior year.

For 2010, NNA full-year sales finished up 18 percent, at 908,570 units. Nissan Division sales finished at 805…