Cherfan is fluent in Arabic, French and English Dubai - Arabstoday Japanese automaker Nissan has appointed Samir Cherfan as the new Managing Director of its Middle East operations, Emirates247 has reported. Cherfan, previously Director of Sales & Marketing, has been given responsibility for both Nissan and Infiniti brands in the Middle East region. In a statement, the 45-year old said: "It is a privilege to be appointed to this position and I pay tribute to my predecessors who have made Nissan one of the leading automotive brands in the region with a proud heritage and reputation for quality, reliability and durability. "Our innovative and exciting model range, ever strengthening brand momentum and excellent retail network puts Nissan in a strong position to reach new levels of success. "I look forward to facing the challenge of leading such a strong brand in a market which is of great significance to Nissan's global growth strategy. On a personal note, it is also particularly pleasing for me to lead Nissan in a market in which I have such a strong cultural link." Cherfan succeeds Atsuo Kosaka who held the Managing Director position for over four years. Last week, Nissan Middle East confirmed that 2012 was the best year for its four-wheel vehicle Patrol since its launch in 2010, with more than 14,000 units sold last year. A 66 percent increase in sales gave the Nissan Patrol a record market share of 22 percent in the Gulf market.