Nissan president and chief executive Carlos Ghosn has announced that the Japanese company’s Infiniti brand will soon be launched in Russia and China and should have pan-European representation by 2008. Is the premium brand en route to SA?
Nissan president and chief executive Carlos Ghosn has announced that the Japanese company’s Infiniti brand will soon be launched in Russia and China and should have pan-European representation by 2008. Is the premium brand en route to South Africa?
Launched in the US and Canada in 1989, Infiniti is currently sold across North America, Taiwan, the Middle East and Korea. Since 1999, Infiniti’s sales in the ‘States grew from 72 637 vehicles to 136 401 vehicles in 2005, an 88 per cent increase.
“In 1999 we made the decision to re-invest heavily in the Infiniti brand, focusing on outstanding products and a premium ownership experience,” Ghosn said during a press conference for the 2005 fiscal year results.
“That investment has made Infiniti the fastest-growing luxury brand in the US and one that is recognised globally for its blend of design, performance and luxury. We are now ready to bring this unique brand to consumers in Europe,” Ghosn added.
Infiniti will be distributed in Europe through a dedicated sales and service network that will start operations during 2008. Full details of the European-final product range have yet to released, but models such as the sporty 2007-model G35, the second generation of Infiniti’s G series saloon, complete with sculpted grille blades, iconic head- and taillights and the eye-catching side profile that emphasizes the G’s aggressive rear-wheel drive appearance.
Powered by a 225 kW-plus “next generation” VQ-series 3,5-litre V6 mated with either a 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode and Downshift Rev Matching or close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, the top-of-the-range G35 models will also be offered with an Infiniti “intelligent” all-wheel drive system. Other models are likely to reach the European market are the M saloon, the Q45 and the coupé version of the G35 (pictured right).
“This is the ideal time for Infiniti to launch in Europe,” said Brian Carolin, Nissan Europe’s senior vice president for sales and marketing. “This timing allows us to bring the next generation of Infiniti models, including a fully competitive line-up of petrol and diesel engines, specifically designed for the demanding needs of our European premium customers”.
Could we deduce from Ghosn’s announcement that the Infiniti brand would also be introduced in South Africa in the near future? We asked Nissan SA media relations manager Veralda Schmidt.
“Nissan SA is not considering this (the introduction of Infiniti) at the moment,” Schmidt said on Tuesday, “but decisions will be taken at a later stage based on discussions with (the Rosslyn-based company’s) parent company”.