Nissan Motor reportedly posted a lower than expected 6.4% rise in operating profit for the December quarter but said it would maintain its annual outlook as a more profitable product mix offset a lower full year vehicle sales forecast.

According to Reuters, operating profit was JPY141.6bn (US$951.80m) for the three months to 31 December, compared with an average estimate of JPY179.8bn in a poll of nine analysts.

The forecast of JPY620bn for the current financial year was maintained.

The full year retail sales outlook for the current financial year was revised down to 3.55m vehicles from 3.7m due to lower forecasted sales across markets, Reuters said.

This reflected challenges such as intensifying competition and logistics issues around key markets, including China.