Nissan design is no longer dull, but do buyers like the new look?(Cover Story)

Byline: Wim Oude Weernink Automotive News Europe

Japan's carmakers managed their biggest one-year market share gain in Europe for more than a decade in 2002. But not all Japanese companies were part of the upsurge.

Combined share in western Europe rose one percentage point to 11.4 percent. Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Suzuki were big winners. But Mitsubishi was down because it dropped several models from its European lineup.

And Nissan was hurt by a disappointing European launch of the new Primera. A key reason for the Primera's slow start: too many customers don't care for ...