It sold 10,854 commercial vehicles, which equates to a 4.2% share of the total light commercial vehicle (LCV) market, compared with 6,223 sales and a 2.8% market share in 2010.

Three models helped contribute to the overall sales success, the Primastar (up 201 per cent to 1,410), the NV200 (up 191% to 2,920) and the Navara (up 187% to 6,291).

Sales to the retail sector, which includes small businesses, saw the biggest sales success, with LCV sales up 203% to 4,267 in 2011, a 6.1% market share.

Fleet performance was also strong generating 6,587 sales, a 159% increase over 2010, representing a 3.5% share of the sector.

Nissan has also started 2012 extremely well with 722 sales in January, equivalent to a 5.0% market share, up from its 697 sales and 4.1% market share in January 2011.

Explaining this healthy sales success Francis Bleasdale, Nissan Motor GB’s LCV sales and marketing director said: 'A great hunger and performance from our dealer network, in particular our 57 business centre dealers, some excellent retail finance offers and a renewed interest in the Nissan LCV range from the fleet sector can all take credit for this excellent sales growth.

'This was achieved despite only launching the NV400 range at the end of 2011. The full impact of this exciting addition to the range will be more evident during 2012,' he added.

Bleasdale has high hopes of continued growth in 2012. 'There are signs that fleets in particular are starting to replace their LCVs after extending replacement cycles during 2009 and 2010 which should help fuel sales. And our dealer network is also reporting a strong demand for used Nissan LCVs.'