Infiniti
Parent Nissan | | |
Website | infiniti.com |
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Infiniti (インフィニティ, IPA: As of 2020, there were 25 markets served by new car dealers. The main markets are North America, China, Taiwan, and the Middle East.
According to the company, the Infiniti badge has a double meaning, as a stylized representation of both a road extending into the horizon and of Mount Fuji, reflecting its Japanese origins.[4]
History
The beginning
The Infiniti brand was introduced in the United States in 1989 to target the premium vehicle segments in the United States that would not have otherwise fit in with Nissan's more mainstream image, and partially influenced by the
The Infiniti
A second model was introduced in November 1989, the two-door
Infiniti did not offer a
1990s
In September 1990, Infiniti introduced a third model, the
In 1992 for the 1993 model year, Infiniti introduced a
Infiniti sales were slow. The company's initial campaign aimed to bring about brand awareness with
By the mid-1990s, Infiniti was lagging behind
In late 1996, Infiniti released the
Infiniti replaced the J30 mid-sized rear drive sedan with the second-generation JDM
2000s
By 2000, large Japanese companies were feeling the effect of the
The release of the sport-tuned
Nissan Motors President and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, developed a business strategy to break Infiniti away from its Nissan roots. The G series helped re-define Infiniti as the "Japanese BMW", as it was aimed directly at the BMW 3 Series of sedans and coupes.[8] The M35/M45 garnered acclaim from the automotive press, winning an eight-car comparison test in Car and Driver, and the model was named the best luxury sedan by Consumer Reports.[citation needed] The M45 model featured the same engine as the Q45, and the M45 became the flagship model after the Q45 was discontinued. The Infiniti M (2002–2005) and the Infiniti G (starting in 2002) were known in Japan as the Nissan Gloria and the Nissan Skyline.
In November 2006 for the 2007 model year a redesigned version of the G35 sedan was launched, followed in August 2007 by a new version of the company's G coupe, the G37. The coupe was first unveiled at the
Carlos Ghosn unveiled Infiniti's arrival in Europe at the
2010s
At the
In August 2010 Infiniti unveiled its new performance division named
As of 2011, the
Nissan announced the return of
In 2012, Infiniti moved its global headquarters from the Nissan corporate building in Yokohama and incorporated in Hong Kong as Infiniti Global Limited, with Carlos Ghosn intending for Infiniti to have a greater focus on the burgeoning luxury market in mainland China as it forecast the country to become the largest luxury car market.[17] Nissan appointed Roland Krüger, former head of BMW's Asian division, as president of Infiniti in September 2014.[18]
In mid-2013 Infiniti announced their Q30 Concept car would get its world premiere at the
In August 2013 Infiniti announced that Simone Piattelli Palmarini would take up the role as head of public relations for Infiniti EMEA. Known to many in the media, Simone had previously worked for Pirelli and Ferrari.[21]
With its
Johan de Nysschen was appointed to head the Infiniti division in 2012.[22] De Nysschen left the company as of August 2014 to become CEO of Cadillac. Infiniti Chairman Andy Palmer assumed de Nysschen's responsibilities.[23] Nissan appointed Roland Krüger, former head of BMW's Asian division, as president of Infiniti after the chairman of the marque, Andy Palmer, resigned to join Aston Martin in September 2014.[18]
In January 2018, chief executive Hiroto Saikawa announced that the Infiniti brand would be transformed into an electric brand, with all new vehicles either being hybrid or all-electric by 2021.[24]
In 2019, Infiniti announced that the brand would be leaving the Western European market. This is due to a combination of poor sales and the uncertain Brexit outcome. Furthermore, Infiniti was lacking brand equity and remained a niche player in the premium car market dominated by the longtime three German luxury marques (Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz).[5][25][26] Infiniti stated its intent to focus on the Chinese (excluding Hong Kong and Macau), Middle East, and North American markets instead, where most of the brand's sales come from. Subsequently, the QX30 and Q30 produced at the Nissan factory in Sunderland were to cease production.[27][28][29] Similarly, on September 3, 2019, it was announced that Infiniti would leave Australia and New Zealand due to slow sales in the region.[30][31]
Accordingly, Infiniti left the European (with the exception of Caucasus, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine), South African, Australian, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysian, Singaporean, South Korean, and Vietnamese markets in 2020. In South Korea, sales of Nissan and Infiniti had dropped after "consumer sentiment against Japanese products intensified", leading to both marques being discontinued there, as the Nissan Motor Company never made a profit in South Korea during its tenure in the South Korean auto market from 2005 until its exit in 2020, due to the Korean opposition towards everything associated with Japan.[32] It also relocated its headquarters from Hong Kong to Yokohama, Japan, where parent company Nissan is located.[33]
In November 2021, Nissan stated that its Infiniti brand will become 100 percent all-electric by 2030, ending production and new car sales of fossil fuel powered Infiniti vehicles by that year.[34][35]
In March 2022, Nissan withdrew entirely from Russia and Belarus as a result of the
Sales by calendar year
Year | U.S. sales[37] | Canada sales[38] | Europe sales | China sales[39] |
---|---|---|---|---|
1999 | 72,637[40] | |||
2000 | 88,351 | |||
2001 | 71,365 | |||
2002 | 87,911 | |||
2003 | 118,655 | |||
2004 | 130,980 | 7,841 | ||
2005 | 136,401 | 7,672 | ||
2006 | 121,146 | 6,779 | ||
2007 | 127,037 | 6,756 | ||
2008 | 112,989 | 8,159 | 453 | |
2009 | 81,089 | 7,081 | 1,319 | |
2010 | 103,411 | 8,233 | 2,393 | |
2011 | 98,461 | 6,936 | 3,686 | |
2012 | 119,877 | 7,993 | 2,995 | |
2013 | 116,455 | 8,947 | 2,209 | |
2014 | 117,330 | 10,082 | 3,889 | |
2015 | 133,498 | 11,300 | 5,427 | 25,467 |
2016 | 138,293 | 12,114 | 13,775 | 26,131 |
2017 | 153,415 | 12,488 | 12,571 | 27,826 |
2018 | 149,280 | 12,581 | ? | ? |
2019 | 117,708 | 10,974 | ? | ? |
2020 | 79,502 | 5,783 | ? | ? |
2021 | 58,553 | 5,838 | ? | ? |
2022 | 46,619 | 5,446 | ? | ? |
2023 | 64,699 | 5,208 | ? | ? |
Models
Infiniti's former model name designation included one letter for
In 2013, Infiniti's model designation changed to the coupes and sedans starting with the letter Q, the SUVs and crossovers starting with the letters QX, and a number reflecting the model's place in the brand lineup. The M sedan became the Q70, the G coupe became the Q60, and the G sedan became the Q50; meanwhile, the QX56 became the QX80, the FX became the QX70, the JX became the QX60 and the EX became the QX50.[20]
Concept vehicles
- Infiniti FX45 Concept (2001, 2002)
- Infiniti Triant (2003)
- Infiniti Kuraza (2005)
- Infiniti Coupe(2006)
- Infiniti EX Concept(2007)
- Infiniti Essence (2009)
- Infiniti Etherea (2011)
- Infiniti Emerg-e (2012)
- Infiniti Q30 Concept (2013)
- Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge (2014)
- Infiniti Q80 Inspiration (2014)
- Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration (2016)
- Infiniti Prototype 9 (2017)
- Infiniti QX50 Concept (2017)
- Infiniti QX80 Monograph (2017)
- Infiniti Q60 Project Black S Concept (2017)
- Infiniti Prototype 10 (2018)
- Infiniti Q Inspiration (2018)
- Infiniti QS Inspiration (2019)
- Infiniti QX Inspiration (2019)
- Infiniti QX Monograph (2023)
- Infiniti Vision Qe (2023)
Infiniti Performance Line
In August 2010, Infiniti unveiled its new performance marque named Infiniti Performance Line, or IPL.[11]
Motorsports
In 1996, Nissan launched an effort to compete in the
In 2011, Infiniti began sponsoring Formula One team Red Bull Racing,[43] which was chosen due to the team's already existing collaboration with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, with Renault supplying engines to Red Bull Racing.[44] In 2011, Infiniti signed Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel as its first global ambassador.[45] Infiniti ended its sponsorship of the team after the 2015 season.
The establishment of Renault F1 Team in 2016 by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance provided Infiniti with the opportunity to evolve its involvement in Formula One,[46] collaborating on three main projects.[47] Infiniti contributes engineering resources to Renault F1 Team for the co-development of the Power Unit's Energy Recovery System (ERS), including relocating several of their specialists to the Renault F1 Team's facilities in France.[48] In addition, the Infiniti Engineering Academy provides for engineering students to collaborate with the Renault F1 Team.[49][50] Infiniti and the Renault F1 team also collaborate on Project Black S, a road car that features an ERS inspired by the one used in Formula One.[51][52][53]
In 2020, a few Infiniti Q50s were entered into the British Touring Car Championship by Laser Tools Racing. They won the drivers' championship with Ash Sutton at the wheel that year and the subsequent year.
References
- ^ "Infiniti's Founder, Bill Bruce, Dies at 70". Infiniti. 31 May 2013. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
- ^ "INFINITI | Luxury SUVs, Crossovers, Sedans, and Coupes". Infiniti. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
- ^ "About Us - Infiniti Media Website". infinitipress.eu. Archived from the original on 2017-04-23. Retrieved 2017-05-09.
- ^ Widmar, Aaron (June 2, 2015), "Behind the Badge: Is the Infiniti Emblem a Road or a Mountain?", The News Wheel
- ^ a b "What happened to Infiniti in Europe?". jato.com. 19 July 2019.
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Infiniti water commercial". Youtube. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Infiniti Launch Commercial". Youtube. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
- ^ Cato, Jeremy; Vaughan, Michael (2012-11-30). "Luxury car shopper should consider a 'Japanese BMW'". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on 2012-12-17.
- ^ Madslien, Jorn (6 March 2008). "Nissan launches luxury brand in Europe". BBC News. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
- ^ Fontanelle, Anthony (26 March 2008). "Infiniti Parks In Rolle". www.amazines.com. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
- ^ a b Migliore, Greg (14 August 2010). "IPL: Why Infiniti is Now Aiming for Performance". autoweek.com. Crain Communications. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
- ^ "Red Bull boosted by Infiniti deal". BBC News. 1 March 2011.
- ^ "The most disliked cars of 2011". CNN. Archived from the original on 2012-04-26.
- ^ a b Monticello, Mike (2012-03-28). "2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD Full Test and Video". Insideline.com. Retrieved 2012-04-21.
- AutoWeek. 30 August 2011.
- ^ "Four Threes: 2013 Infiniti JX35, 2012 BMW X5, 2013 Lincoln MKT, 2012 Acura MDX - Automobile Magazine". Archived from the original on 2012-04-14.
- ^ a b c d Philip, Siddharth (January 14, 2014). "Nissan's Infiniti Says Joint Daimler Platform Is Planned". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- ^ a b Nissan's Infiniti premium brand names Roland Kruger as president
- ^ "Infiniti releases first image of sleek, seductive Q30 Concept". Fit4Talent.com. Fit4Talent. 28 August 2013. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
- ^ a b Korzeniewski, Jeremy (2012-12-17). "Infiniti queues up questionable Q and QX naming scheme". Autoblog. Retrieved 2012-12-17.
- ^ "Infiniti announces new Head of Public Relations". Fit4Talent.com. Fit4Talent. 17 August 2013. Archived from the original on 27 August 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
- ^ Elmer, Stephen (2012-06-04). "Former Audi CEO Johan de Nysschen Becomes Head of Infiniti". AutoGuide.com News.
- ^ White, Joseph B.; Murphy, Colum (11 July 2014). "GM Hires Infiniti Chief de Nysschen to Head Cadillac". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
- ^ Tajitsu, Laurence; Naomi Frost (16 January 2018). "Nissan's Infiniti vehicles to go electric". Reuters.
- ^ "Infiniti to exit Australia". caradvice.com. 2 September 2019.
- ^ "Infiniti future models and the exit from Hong Kong". jato.com. 30 May 2019.
- ^ Tisshaw, Mark (12 March 2019). "Infiniti pulls out of Europe". Autocar. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
- ^ Pattni, Vijay (12 March 2019). "Infiniti is leaving Western Europe". Topgear. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
- ^ Shirouzu, Norihiko (12 March 2019). "Infiniti is leaving Western Europe". Reuters. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
- ^ Hagon, Toby (2019-09-03). "Luxury brand leaves Australia after slow sales". news.com.au. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 2019-09-03.
- Stuff.co.nz. Stuff Limited. Retrieved 2019-09-03.
- ^ "Nissan and its Infiniti brand exit Korea after tough year". jato.com. 28 May 2020.
- ^ Yiu, Enoch (29 May 2019). "Car maker Infiniti to move headquarters from Hong Kong to Japan to be nearer parent Nissan as it pursues electric, autonomous vehicles". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
- ^ "Infiniti Teases Concepts, Pledges to be Mostly Electric by 2030".
- ^ Anderson, Brad (2021-12-03). "Infiniti Says Most Of The Cars It Will Sell By 2030 Will Be Electrified". Carscoops. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
- ^ Gibbs, Nick (12 May 2022). "Nissan writes off Russian business after financial hit". Automotive News Europe. Crain Communications, Inc.
- ^ "Infiniti U.S. sales figures". infinitinews.com. 5 January 2015. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
- ^ "Infiniti Canada sales figures". Yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 2015-12-08. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
- ^ "2013 China luxury car sales figures". gasgoo.com. Archived from the original on 2014-12-19. Retrieved 2014-01-13.
- ^ https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/060425-03-e
- ^ Oldham, Scott (August 1996). "Asia Spy Report". Popular Mechanics. 8. 173: 27. Retrieved 27 August 2010.
- ^ RainMeister (14 June 2002). "IRL: Nissan Withdraws". freshalloy com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 27 August 2010.
- ^ Alex Brownsell. "Infiniti secures F1 Red Bull team tie-up". Campaign. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
- ^ Andrew Benson (March 2011). "Red Bull get budget boost through Infiniti link-up". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
- ^ "Brand Ambassador - Sebastian Vettel : Infiniti".
- ^ "Renault launches comprehensive Motorsport programme". Renault Sport Racing. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
- ^ "Infiniti and Renault F1 Team". Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
- ^ "One Season In". Renault Sport Racing. Retrieved 15 December 2016.
- ^ "Infiniti Engineering Academy". Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. Archived from the original on 2019-05-11. Retrieved 2019-05-11.
- ^ "Infiniti launches 2018 Engineering Academy". Renault Sport Racing. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
- ^ "Project Black S". Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. Archived from the original on 2019-05-11. Retrieved 2019-05-11.
- ^ Vijay Pattni (October 2018). "Infiniti's Project Black S is a 563bhp Q60 with F1 tech". Top Gear. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Infiniti High Performance Hybrid Technology for the Road and the Track". Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. Retrieved 21 March 2016.