Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan, celebrated its official launch in Russia today at the Moscow International Motor Show. The initial line-up of Infiniti vehicles, which go on sale this fall, includes the sporty crossover FX and the M luxury performance sedan, both offered in 3.5l V6 and 4.5l V8 versions and available at dealerships in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Infiniti also disclosed its future Russian product line-up including the G35 sport sedan and QX56 full-size SUV and provided a hint at the future with the Infiniti Coupe Concept. During its press conference, Infiniti also announced its new European headquarters would be established in Switzerland.
Infiniti's entry into the Russian market is part of the global expansion of the brand as part of the company's three-year plan called NISSAN Value Up. Launched in the US and Canada in 1989, Infiniti is currently sold across North America, Taiwan., Korea and the Middle East. Further launches of the Infiniti brand are planned for China and Ukraine in 2007.
“Today, we celebrate Infiniti's expanding presence as a globally recognized luxury brand, a brand that offers a unique combination of serenity, silky design and driving pleasure,” said Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President, Product Planning and Corporate Strategy, Nissan Motor Co. “We believe that in Russia, as in other Infiniti markets, our customers will be those looking for this new, very personal style of luxury and respectful treatment,” continued Tavares.
Infiniti also disclosed details about the future Infiniti product range in Russia. “In the course of 2007, the Infiniti FX crossover and M luxury performance sedan will be joined in dealer showrooms by two additional products: the all-new G35 sport sedan and the QX56 full-size luxury SUV,” Tavares added. The range of products on stage at the Moscow International Motor Show was completed by the Infiniti Coupe Concept, “a hint at the future embracing the continuous advancement of Infiniti design with a unique combination of passion, imagination and creativity,” said Tavares.
At launch this fall, Infiniti will be supported by a dedicated sales and service network consisting of two dealerships in Moscow and one in St. Petersburg. The dealer showrooms will incorporate the new Infiniti Retail Environment Design Initiative (IREDI) design standards, a dynamic global dealership design standard for Infiniti retailers around the world. The IREDI program is one of the key pillars of the Total Ownership Experience (TOE), a customer-centric philosophy dedicated to building lasting relationships that go beyond product and embraces Japanese luxury.
Infiniti also announced the establishment of a regional headquarters for Infiniti Europe operations to be located in Rolle, Vaud canton in Switzerland, “a natural home of luxury brands in Europe,” noted Tavares. Infiniti will be distributed in Europe through a dedicated sales and service network that will begin operations during 2008.
