 The Beijing auto show saw Infiniti make inroads to becoming the luxury brand for China and Southeast Asia, debuting cars and pledging to launch production on the mainland in 2014.
Infiniti has already announced the shift of its global headquarters to Hong Kong, and now looks to make two models in China, as well as hike mainland sales outlets to 90 by the end of this year.
Only one year ago Infiniti had but 25 dealerships, and Executive Vice President Andy Palmer says the Chinese push has been a step-by-step strategy.
"We're doing this step by step. First of all, establish the brand, establish then the brand in China as you would like it to be. It's basically a challenger brand, a full brand for young luxury customers," said Palmer.
"Then, we move our headquarters - make sure that you understand the customer requirements in detail, and then start to bring cool cars like this Infiniti M long-wheel base, which is specific to Chinese customer requirements. Naturally, that's the time to start thinking about localization, where you can preserve the brand value, while at the same time grow the market. Clearly, our intention is to be globally at 10% market share in the luxury TIV."
 Underlines brand's long-term commitment to the growing Chinese luxury market
"Important milestone for Infiniti's growth strategy" - Andy Palmer, EVP
Two models to be manufactured by JV company, Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. by 2014
Infiniti will significantly raise its presence in China as it was today confirmed that two Infiniti models will be manufactured locally in China from 2014.
The Infiniti brand was first introduced to China in 2007, and continues to strengthen its product lineup and expand its sales network to satisfy customers in the growing Chinese luxury segment. Local production will allow customers increased access to Infiniti's high-quality products, contributing to further growth in brand awareness and market share.
"The expansion of the Infiniti business is a key pillar of the Nissan Power 88 mid-term plan," said Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President of the Global Infiniti & Luxury Business Unit. "This is an important milestone for Infiniti's growth strategy, and for the brand to reach its aggressive sales target of 500,000 units by 2016, local production in the world's largest automobile market is not an option but a necessity to our success," he added.
 Innovative 2nd Row Seat, Premium Materials and Meticulous Craftsmanship Cited in First of Many Expected Awards for Recently Introduced 7-Passenger Luxury Crossover
The all-new 2013 Infiniti JX luxury crossover has been on sale in the United States for less than a month but it has already picked up its first major media award - being named to WardsAuto.com and WardsAuto World magazine's prestigious Ward's 10 Best Interiors list for 2012.
"The Infiniti JX carries over and improves on the excellent interior design language we saw in the M sedan a few years ago and in the QX SUV last year. The WardsAuto editors find the JX to be an ideal blend of premium wood, sumptuous leather and judiciously applied brushed aluminum trim. The entire interior feels meticulously crafted," Ward's editorial staff wrote in announcing the selection of the Infiniti JX.
The Infiniti LE Concept was awarded "Best Tech" at the 2012 New York Auto Show by Laptopmag.com. Laptop contributor, Dan Howley shared, "While the New York Auto Show had quite a few intriguing concept vehicles, Infiniti’s LE Concept blew us away." Click here to read the article on Laptopmag.com
Making its world debut during a press conference at the 2012 New York International Auto Show at New York's Javits Center, the Infiniti LE Concept combines an advanced electric vehicle drive train and wireless charging system with signature Infiniti luxury style and Inspired Performance. A production version of the LE Concept is expected to reach Infiniti showrooms in near-similar form within the next two years. "In a future that holds an increasing consumption of natural resources, we will advance our sustainable mobility leadership and expand our EV market penetration with new electric vehicles such as the Infiniti LE Concept," said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn, speaking at the media reveal. "No other luxury brand has the corporate EV experience, the advanced battery technology, or the sustainable product credibility to claim a leadership position in zero emission luxury. No one except Infiniti." The Infiniti LE Concept will be on display, along with the all-new 2013 Infiniti JX luxury crossover and the complete line of 2012 Infiniti vehicles, until April 15 at the New York Show. Click here to watch the Infiniti LE on YouTube.
 We're moving to serve you better! Pepe Infiniti will be closed on Sunday, April 15th, 2012 to move to our brand new location at 300 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY. The same great staff will be at the new location to serve you on Monday, April 16th. Stop by and see the new building, which is less than a mile away from our current location at 15 Water Street. Driving directions:- Go west on Water Street toward North Lexington Avenue.
- Take the first left into North Lexington Avenue.
- Turn right onto Hamilton Avenue/RT-119 West.
- Turn left onto RT-100/Central Avenue.
- 300 CENTRAL AVENUE is on the right.
Click here for a turn-by-turn map.
Infiniti’s plug-in LE concept, was unveiled last week at the New York International Auto Show, and now there’s talk that parent company Nissan will build the vehicle alongside the Leaf, when it begins assembly at the Smyrna plant in December. Two spokespeople for Infinti didn’t confirm this information, but they did say the Smyrna plant would a logical choice. If this happens, that would make the LE the second Infiniti that Nissan builds in the U.S. Through March, Infiniti accounted for 8.1% of all Nissan sales in the U.S. Nissan currently builds Infiniti’s lineup in Japan, but doesn’t market its there. Instead, it removes certain features, in order to sell most cars under the Nissan banner. “You’re going to be seeing soon some major Infiniti sourcing to be moving out of Japan in order to allow the brand to be, in a particular way, not dependent on the variation of one currency,” CEO Carlos Ghosn said at a media roundtable Thursday during the New York Auto Show. Ghosn did not reveal where Nissan plans to move production, but he named China, where Nissan expects to sell 1.2 million cars this year.Nissan recently announced establishing an Infiniti headquarters in Hong Kong. “If you follow our logic, we should produce the cars where we sell them,” Ghosn said. “North America is a potential base for Infiniti. … We don’t want to find ourselves in a situation where you’re producing in a country with a strong currency and selling in a country where a currency is much weaker.” So the big question is, what happens when Nissan starts producing LEAFs from its Smyrna plant? Ghosn happily answered that question. “The price of the LEAF will drop, [that's] one option,” Ghosn said, chuckling. “Second option, the profit of the LEAF will go much higher.” CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS AND MORE ON THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE'S WEBSITESource
 Start enjoying the benefits of Infiniti Connection now. This video provides a step-by-step guide to the simple enrollment process for Infiniti Connection, the new connected car solution combining safety & security features with personalized convenience and concierge services.
 Experience the benefits of motion control. Infiniti engineers complimented the power and size of the QX with innovative technology to augment cornering. The Hydraulic Body Motion Control system monitors force and distributes variable pressure to either the outer or inner suspension. The result is one you'll feel with minimized body lean and a smoother ride at all speeds.
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