Tuesday 25th April 2006

Nissan to bring Infiniti to UK

Could it spell the end for the 350Z?

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Infiniti G35 coupe

Nissan has announced that its Infiniti brand, consisting mostly of upmarket cars, will arrive in Europe in 2008 -- and it could mean the end of the sporty and well-received Nissan 350Z. The announcement was made in Tokyo by company boss Carlos Ghosn, during a press conference for the 2005 fiscal year results.

Full details of the final product range, ownership experience and business structure will be disclosed closer to launch. That could mean the 350Z coupé -- probably Nissan's most interesting vehicle on sale in the UK -- becomes subsumed into the Infiniti range, since Nissan sells a very similar and related model, the Infiniti G35. It comes in both coupé and saloon formats and is seen as a 3-Series competitor, so that could see the end of the 350Z as a standalone sports car in the Nissan range.

And the rest of the range? It consists mainly of SUVs, crossover vehicles and technology-stuffed luxo-barges. Infiniti will be distributed in Europe through a dedicated sales and service network that will start operations during 2008.

About Infiniti

Launched in the US and Canada in 1989, Infiniti is currently sold across North America, Taiwan, the Middle East and Korea. In 2006, Infiniti will be launched in Russia followed by China and Ukraine during 2007.

"In 1999 we made the decision to re-invest heavily in the Infiniti brand, focusing on outstanding products and a premium ownership experience," said Ghosn. "That investment has made Infiniti the fastest-growing luxury brand in the US 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."

As a result, according to Nissan, sales in the US grew from 72,637 vehicles to 136,401 vehicles in 2005, an 88 per cent increase.

"This is the ideal time for Infiniti to launch in Europe," said European sales chief Brian Carolin. "This timing allows us to bring the next generation of Infiniti models, including a fully competitive line-up of petrol and diesel engines, specifically designed for the demanding needs of our European premium customers."

In Europe, Nissan employs 12,000 people in its design, research and development, manufacturing, logistics, and sales and marketing operations. In 2005, the company produced a total of 508,901 vehicles in its British and Spanish plants and sold 540,954 vehicles in Europe. Nissan Europe's headquarters is based in Trappes (Paris), France.

• More about Infiniti's range

[targarama]

Infiniti sell some very nice looking large saloons in the US. I think they would sell reasonably well over here. The Inifinti Coupe is quite nice looking too - kind of a slightly more grown up 350Z.