Nissan has said it expects its positive outlook to continue to the end of its financial year after it reported a 3.6% rise in profits for its third quarter.

It posted a $1.07bn net profit from its October to January global trading, up from $1.03bn a year earlier.

It sold 1.2 million vehicles worldwide during the quarter, and reported a 19.5% rise in sales.

"Significant external headwinds, such as the abnormally strong yen and floods in Thailand challenged us during the third quarter,'' said chief executive Carlos Ghosn.

"Nissan responded decisively to these challenges, boosted by the strength of our product.''