Japan's Nissan Motors has posted a record net profit of $4.45 billion in the year to March, driven by strong global vehicle sales.
The company also forecasts further growth over the next four years with plans to boost global sales by 37% to 4.2 million vehicles by the 2007/08 business year, as it continues to expand into untapped regions and segments.
The company added that it aims to keep its operating margin "at the top level" among global car makers and its return on invested capital, above 20%.
Nissan has gone from near bankruptcy in 1999 to the most profitable car maker in the world after it slashed jobs, cut its debt, overhauled its brand image and rolled out dozens of cars globally.
Nissan's bigger domestic rival, Toyota Motor, is expected to post record profits when it reports next month.
However, rival Honda Motor, is expected to report a fall in operating profit when it announces earnings on Tuesday.
