:iagree:

Down here, Nissan's (Nissan+Infinity) positioned itself in the 3rd slot, car-sales-wise. BTW, Toyota's (Toyota+Scion+Lexus) STILL número uno, and GM's 2nd (Buick+Chevrolet+Pontiac+GMC combined).

I disagree, Toyota's sales are up 40%

Might need to correct the headline on the thread a little. According to this chart, 370Z sales are down more than 40% year on year. Ouch.
http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/...pril2010-1.png

What? This thread is about Nissan as whole, not specifically about the Z.
Read comprehension fail. :facepalm:

My bro owns an Xterra. I know some folks are divided on those, but hey. It sits on a truck frame. It's a high seating position. You feel every bump. But let me tell you, this last winter in MD with 3 ft of snow, guess which vehicle was more than roadworthy.

I like much of Nissan's lineup, although I agree with the sentiment that poor Z sales enhances the exclusivity of our rides. Not by much, however. I've seen at least 5 since the beginning of the '09 model year, including one sweet red roadster this morning in Linthicum.

Eh, never even looked at Nissan before the 370z came out.

Z's sell slow because nissan wants to believe the Z has no competitor. In a stat book, that's true. In the book of life, people will cross-shop miatas, honda S2000, etc. Reason being. Finances, interest financing.

Most of you enjoy the exclusive crap and think low sales are good but what you fail to see is this. Affordable sports cars not selling means one thing. Sports car development for the affordable sports car market is pulled and there could be a decade long dry spell or longer without a valid affordable sports car. The more rare your car is the more likely you will be the victim of GTA or carjacking. Your parts become more valuable. And god forbid 5 years from now somone smacks into your precious 370z, then you want to replace your sports car. There will be notthing in the affordable sports car segment to obtain.
So be careful what you wish for and really think about what "exclusivity" will result in the long term. From 1996 to 2002 the only RWD sports cars that were affordable were mustang and camaro. Then 2003 to 2008 it was Z,G, rx8 and mustang. GTO from 04 to 06. Everything else sporting was a roadster (which is not as sporting as a coupe). Compared to the 80's and 90's. This list is garbage. The 80's and 90's had more sports cars than I don't know what.
Keeping the hobby alive and sports car culture vibrant I consider way more important than, "hey look at me, I drive a rare $38,000 sports car. I can understand not wanting to be the japanese mustang but 10000 Z units should be able to sell quick. 20000 units would be a sign that the sports car market will stay for sure. I'm scared for the sports car future with these low sales numbers.