A string of new models have boosted Nissan's profits

The success of new models, including the small 4X4 Qashqai, outweighed rising costs and shrinking demand in its home market.

Net profit was up 26.6% to 132.1bn yen ($1.2bn; �623.2m) in the three months to December, from a year earlier, on sales up 18.2% to 2.7 trillion yen.

The firm remained upbeat on its future despite economic "headwinds".

"Despite the headwinds that affect our industry, Nissan has benefited from the success of the new products launched during the past 12 months," said Nissan president and chief executive Carlos Ghosn.

New models

More than 130,000 of the firm's Qashqai vehicles have been sold in Europe since their launch in March 2007.

Earlier this week, the firm said it would be increasing production at its plant in Sunderland to meet growing demand.

Some of the other new models Nissan introduced last year include the Altima, Infiniti G37 coupe, Rogue, and GT-R.

Surging demand in Russia, China and the Middle East also helped Nissan book healthy earnings for the quarter.

But the firm also won customers in the US - up 5.1% - where spending on discretionary goods has sharply tailed off due to troubles in the world's largest economy.

Sales were up 12.5% in Europe, but fell by 0.9% in Japan.