Infiniti to launch in Europe

[wltsm]

Nissan is going to take on BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Japanese rival Lexus by launching its Infiniti luxury brand in Europe in two years' time.

The firm's president Carlos Ghosn announced the plan at the firm's press conference to announce its financial results. 'In 1999 we made the decision to re-invest heavily in the Infiniti brand,' he said, 'focusing on outstanding products and a premium ownership experience. That investment has made Infiniti the fastest-growing luxury brand in the United States 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.'

Nissan says that Infinitis will be sold through a dedicated sales network. It has yet to announce a model range, although it has potential 3- and 5-series rivals in its US line-up, as well as an SUV.

Source = Autocar

 

[MikeJ]

This is something they have been talking about for quite some time. I think the latest is that they're going to launch in Russia this year and Western Europe in 2008 or so. It'll be interesting to see if they can beat Lexus.

 

[wltsm]

In the USA, is Infiniti any good, does it worry BMW or MB?

PS I remember HOH having a love affair with the brand!

 

[Osnabrueck]

Lexus has been fighting this battle for a very, very long time and is winning converts literally one at a time. It a battle of inches for the Japanese luxury marques, and I think Nissan will quickly see that a dedicated sales force will be both expensive and difficult to manage.

I wish 'em the best, but they're jumping head-first into an automotive shark pit.

 

[Merc1]

It amazes me how much bs all auto execs are capable of giving. How the hell can a brand that is only sold in the U.S. be recognized around the world for anything? Doesn't make sense. I think Infiniti will have an even harder time than Lexus in Europe. Lexus doesn't seem to grasp that the European market is dominated by diesels.

Infiniti might give BMW a fright in the U.S. from time to time from purely car to car basis when it comes to overall sporting character but saleswise neither MB or BMW have much to worry about from Infiniti. Though Infiniti has been attacking BMW pretty hard lately with the new M and when the G came out back in 2003. The Infinitis are able to put up the proper numbers but the feel and luxury isn't there especially with the G35 which has a cheap interior compared to a BMW, MB or Lexus. The M35/45 twins on the other hand have a pretty good read on the 5-Series is you like automatic transmissions only.

M