Infiniti Europe 2008: 20 Years in the Making

Go Nissan!!!

What's wrong, BMW3series, a little hurt because Nissan is actually stealing sales from BMW? Don't worry. BMW is still the benchmark. Nissan just likes to tease it now and then. This is actually a good thing for BMW. It keeps it on its toes...

No it can't beat the M3 or 5 Series. You're right. Infiniti is just aiming at BMW's bread & butter: The 3 Series!! And it's been doing quite a number on it...

But, like I said before, you should be thanking Toyota/Lexus and Nissan/Infiniti because if it wasn't for them, BMW would have still been a laid back carmaker like they were back in the late 80's and early 90's. They were too comfortable making cars that were good enough to beat the rest... Now, they strive to be the best because they actually have some tough competitors out there.

You're getting this the wrong way, buddy. I like BMW just like the next guy. I've just always had a thing for the underdogs (meaning in this case, Infiniti).

ErichHartmann. Globally, does not only mean Europe. Infiniti may not be sold in many countries but is still "known" globally. For example, the Nissan GTR has never been sold outside Japan and it's surrounding countries but is "recognised globally". Before the current GTR Nissan was sold globally, there was a hugh grey market for them here in the US and Europe. As for infiniti, they are very popular in the UK and many magazines list the FX and G-series as one of the many cars they wish the could have in the UK. My younger brother who lives in England (has never lived in the US) drives an infinity FX35 in London. He bought it here brand new $36k (18000 british pounds)in 2004 which to him was the equivalent of buying a Ford Escape (Marverick) in London! He loves it and gets a lot of attention but the gas mileage is worse than his M3, so he drives the M3 daily!!

I have also seen lots of G35s in Dubai and in West Africa and they are all imported from the US. So i believe Infiniti will do well globally, but to succeed long term in Europe, they will need spectacular diesel engines especially in the G37 series.

Promoting? Hmmm...oh yea! He's the CEO, maybe he should back up his own company, that would be a good idea!

But the fact is that as an Englishman I have only heard of Infiniti because I make frquent trips to the US. The average man on the street here has no idea who or what Infiniti is!

I love Infinitis products by the way. Some of the best looking vehicles in North America.

I agree with you Erich, Ghosn's press release is overblown, but you know, most of that stuff is directed to Nissan/Renault shareholders. Not to you and me. We know better than the shareholders, which is quite a shame.

If Infiniti goes on sale in Europe, I hope they sell a G27 in addition to their G35. The gas mileage is horrible for the G35, and by the way, also bring it to the U.S.

Infiniti is an up and coming brand. However, Infiniti really needs a top level flagship sedan to promote the brand if it wants to go global. And until they do that, they won't be considered a Tier 1 luxury brand.

Complete propoganda. There was in interesting article in Autoweek in 07 concerning Nissans approach to making Infiniti a global brand. It was selling very well in Russia last year. It stated the Global Manager has a daunting task to make Infiniti a "brand" globally. In a lot of places they are badged Nissan. Good luck. People in Europe are a tough bunch particularly concerning automobiles!