The all-new Nissan Pathfinder has enjoyed high levels of popularity since its launch in February with more than 1,600 unit sales in the Gulf region in March and April. Pathfinder sales have increased by 204% vs. March/April 2012 across the Middle East as the ‘Next generation SUV' gathers acclaim in the showroom and from the automotive industry with strong demand anticipated to maintain sales momentum. ”It is very evident that, with its fresh design and improved levels of standard technology, the all-new Nissan Pathfinder is not only positioned to appeal to the existing customers in the region, but is also attracting a new range of Middle East buyers looking for a stylish, premium and authentic SUV,” said Samir Cherfan, Managing Director, Nissan Middle East. “We are very pleased with the growing demand that the all-new Pathfinder is experiencing across our dealerships in the region. Our goal is for the new model not only to be the best in class but also to advance the whole SUV segment forward into the future,” concluded Samir. All-new Nissan Pathfinder defines the ‘Next generation SUV' with a modern balance of off-road capabilities with on-road refinement delivering ‘innovation that excites' to meet the needs of today's modern families with unmatched technologies and features. It also offers dynamic design, class-leading comfort, thoughtful technology, and a rewarding driving experience. SUV sales across the Middle East rose 29% in FY2012 and its mid-size class is highly competitive with 31 models in the segment. The All-new Pathfinder entered the Nissan range at a time when demand for SUVs/Crossovers in the Middle East continues to show considerable growth (29% in GCC). Nissan will now use the strong initial response from the region's SUV and crossover buyers as a platform on which to build towards an ambitious sales target of 8,200 Pathfinder sales per year in the GCC region in the next three years. All-new Pathfinder recognized for its balance of style, affordability, safety and technology has recently been awarded by one of the Middle East's respected automotive media, Automobile TV, as ‘Best mid-size SUV', as ‘Best family car' by Kelly Blue Book in the United States and among the '10 Best family cars' by Edmund.com and Parents magazine in United States. It is also one of the nominees for the Middle East Motoring Award's title of ‘Best mid-size SUV'. MEMA is the most prestigious awards of its kind for the Middle East, judged by 19 independent jury members from 10 Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The jury members are among the most influential automotive writers in the region. — SG
