Franklin-based Nissan North America joined the big three American automakers in posting double-digit gains for 2010. Nissan had a record sales month for December, up nearly 28 percent from a year prior.
Year-end gains put the Japanese automaker on par with GM, Chrysler and Ford. Nissan sales were up 18 percent.
It was a strong year for Nissan’s compact sedans, as well as the Altima and Frontier truck – both built in Smyrna.
The vehicle that’s gotten the most attention in recent months didn’t do much in showrooms. Nissan reports 19 of its all-electric Leafs sold in December. However, the automaker has pre-sold 20,000 of them.
Meanwhile, the biggest of the Japanese automakers – Toyota – reports flat sales for 2010 and a slight decline in December.
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