Japanese automaker Nissan has increased its sales in the Middle East by 18 percent in 2004, due to the introduction of new models in the region, President of Nissan and Renault Carlos Ghosn said saturday.

"During the past 18 months, Nissan introduced 10 new models of luxurious Infinity and four-wheel-drive. This reflected in (better) sales," he said.

"Our sales increased by 18 percent in 2004," he said during the inauguration of Nissan's world-largest showroom in Muscat.

The three-storey showroom, which took eight months to construct with a total cost of 50 million dollars, can accommodate 70 cars in each floor, an AFP journalist reported.

"This showroom offers an ideal environment to exhibit the new collection of Nissan and Infinity which we supply Oman's market with," Ghosn said.