Infiniti Announces Two Vehicles for Production in China
Long wheelbase versions of Q50 sports sedan and new QX50 crossover to be built in China
Production to be based at Xiangyang plant in Hubei Province
Asian debut of Infiniti Q50 Hybrid at 2013 Shanghai Auto Show
Infiniti Red Bull Racing F1 car with new livery for 2013
SHANGHAI – Infiniti’s premium product portfolio expansion and growing production footprint continues. Johan de Nysschen, President, Infiniti Motor Company Ltd., announced at the Shanghai International Auto Show a long wheelbase version of the Q50 premium sports sedan and all-new QX50 crossover specifically for the Chinese market.
Both vehicles will be built at the Xiangyang plant in Hubei Province, China. The plant is operated by Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd., Infiniti’s partner in China. Production is slated to begin in 2014.
“China is a key market in Infiniti’s growth strategy,” said de Nysschen. “The decision to offer two vehicles specifically designed for the Chinese market and produce them locally, is further evidence of our globalization strategy.
“Last year, we established our global company headquarters in Hong Kong in order to be even better positioned to serve China, the world’s largest luxury market. We are expanding our product portfolio with two new models especially for the Chinese market in 2014 and plans are underway to significantly increase the dealer network from currently 60 to 80 dealers in 2014.”
China is Infiniti’s second biggest market and is crucial to the company’s quest to expand its presence in the premium automotive sector.
This announcement further underlines Infiniti’s strategy to expand its product portfolio, offer targeted vehicles for local markets and manufacture locally. It comes on the heels of the unveiling of the four-cylinder diesel-powered Q50 for Europe last month, and an earlier announcement to commence production for European markets in 2015.
At the Shanghai Auto Show, Infiniti also had the Asia premiere of the new Q50 Hybrid. This premium sports sedan reflects Infiniti’s commitment to efficient performance.
The technologically advanced V6 3.5 liter petrol-electric hybrid is capable of 0-100km/h in around 5 seconds.
In addition to the hybrid powertrain, the petrol-engined 3.7 liter Q50, which had its world premiere at the Detroit Auto Show in January, will go on sale in China in the spring of 2014.
Emotive styling, world-first technologies such as Direct Adaptive Steering, and unprecedented levels of craftsmanship in conjunction with renowned Infiniti performance attributes, are the distinguishing qualities of the Q50.
The Q50 also features Infiniti InTouch™, Infiniti’s next-generation communications technology. Dual touch-screens, a first in the class, de-clutter the control layout and ensure totally intuitive operation of all functions, features and custom apps.
Also on display for the first time in China was Infiniti’s LE Concept – the company’s first fully electric concept vehicle with features such as wireless charging technology.
Infiniti’s Shanghai display also featured the epitome of inspired performance – the RB9 Formula One car of three-time world champion Sebastian Vettel in its 2013 livery to reflect the new team name – Infiniti Red Bull Racing. Vettel was announced at the New York International Auto Show last month as Infiniti’s Director of Performance.
Having been part of the testing and development program for Q50, Vettel will play a pivotal role in the performance dynamics of Infiniti’s future model line-up.
Infiniti is now represented in 47 countries worldwide. Global sales rose by 12.1% per cent last year.
About Infiniti
Infiniti, the premium automotive brand, reflects its brand promise “Inspired Performance” with a model line-up of saloons, coupés, SUVs and crossovers featuring exhilarating performance, emotive design and cutting edge technology. Infiniti continues to launch across the globe through a dedicated network of Infiniti Centres that share a commitment to exceptional hospitality throughout the entire period of ownership.
Infiniti was launched in 1989 in the United States. Infiniti’s global footprint expanded into Canada in 1990, Taiwan in 1997, the Middle East in 2004, Korea in 2005 and Russia in 2006. Global expansion continued in 2007 with Infiniti Centres opening in the Ukraine and in one of the world’s fastest growing luxury automotive markets, China. In 2008 Infiniti launched in Western and Central Europe which has added 19 additional markets. Infiniti is sold globally in 47 markets to date.
Since May 2012, Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.’s new global headquarters is situated in Hong Kong, headed by Johan de Nysschen as President of Infiniti.
Since the 2011 season Infiniti has been a major partner of the Red Bull Racing Formula One team. The team will be known as Infiniti Red Bull Racing from the 2013 season as the relationship evolves to make Infiniti the title partner and lead technical partner with a shared engineering expertise that delivers benefits for the race track and the road. Earlier this year, three-time world champion Sebastian Vettel was appointed Infiniti’s Director of Performance.
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