Nissan is reporting improvements in residual values as a result of changes to its fleet strategy over the past 12 months.

Reducing its short-cycle business has changed its sales mix which, according to the company, has increased residual values on both the X-trail and Micra, with future values of both the new Pathfinder and Murano also looking positive.

According to EurotaxGlass’s, the Nissan X-trail has a better residual value than the Land Rover Freelander and Hyundai’s Tucson. After three-years/ 60,000-miles, it is worth 50.9% of its cost new, compared to 46.9% and 44.4% for the Freelander and Tucson.

CAP Clean residual value figures for October showed that the Micra 1.2S is worth 64% of its original value after 12 months and 10,000 miles. That puts the Nissan just behind the Polo and Yaris in the residual value stakes and well ahead of the Citroën C3, Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.

Dave Murfitt, Nissan fleet sales director, says: "Stronger residuals also mean lower contract hire rentals, so we are seeing our cars become more competitive in this market as a result of our new sales strategy."