Infiniti
Infiniti is the luxury car brand created in 1989 by Nissan for the North American market. Since entering the US, the brand has been exported to 15 other countries including Mexico, the Middle East, Russia and China. Initially the brand was not successful and faced closure by 2000 as Nissan, the parent also struggled. Nissan entered into a cross-sharing deal with French giant, Renault who effectively took Nissan over and reinvigorated the Nissan brands including Infiniti. Infiniti commenced marketing and sales operations in Europe in 2008 as part of a further reorganization of operations since Nissan was acquired by Renault.
In the late 1980;s, Japanese car makers established separate, luxury car brands to market into the US. In 1989, Infiniti was launched as Nissan’s luxury car brand and commenced operations in America. Initially, Infiniti was successful and rapidly spread into Mexico, the Middle East and China but by 2000, the brand was facing closure due to lackluster sales and profitability issues. Nissan itself was under intense pressure and entered into a deal with French car giant, Renault who effectively took the company over and rejuvenated the brands, including Infiniti.
Today, Infiniti is marketed worldwide with the announcement in 2008 of Infiniti Europe commencing operations. The company provides a range of sedans, coupes, sports models and the flagship QX56 SUV. The CEO of Renault and Nissan, Carlos Ghosn, has stated his intention is to split Infiniti from Nissan and establish Infiniti as a separate and independent, luxury car maker.
Infiniti models are based on Nissan platforms with the center of the engine placed immediately behind the front wheels to provide even weight distribution and improve acceleration, braking and handling characteristics. The model range includes sedans and coupes (including sports models) and the QX56 which is the flagship SUV model of the range. The CEO of Renault and Nissan, Carlos Ghosn has stated his objective is to break Infiniti away from the Nissan brand and operate the company as an independent luxury car maker.
