Nissan Reaches 100 Million Vehicle Mark Amid Recall Of Over 135,000 Vans

Despite a recent slump in output, and the recall of more than 135,000 vans, Nissan announced today that in June the company produced its 100 millionth vehicle.

Nissan, the second Japanese automaker to reach the milestone after Toyota, has recently reduced production at two domestic assembly plants because of sluggish sales.

It said Monday that its June production fell 10.5% to 277,435 vehicles, the sixth consecutive monthly drop. Domestic output fell 13.3% to 108,568 units in June, while overseas output decreased 8.6% to 168,867 vehicles.

The Tokyo-based automaker started out in 1933 as Jidosha-Seizo Co., or Automobile Manufacturing Co., after taking over the operations of small Datsun passenger cars from Tobata Casting Co. Jidosha-Seizo's first car was called a Dustan Type 12 and the company name was changed to Nissan Motor Co. in 1934.

Nissan also announced today that it is recalling more than 135,000 Largo vans due to defective rooftop windows.

The faulty installment of rooftop window above the front seats may loosen screws during use and could cause rattling of the window. In worst cases, the roof could come off, the company said.

No Largo vans are sold overseas, and there have been no reports of injuries, according to a Nissan spokeswoman.