If Infiniti Doesn't Come Up With Another High Volume Seller Like the G-Series, Are They The Next Company To Sink?

If Infiniti Doesn't Come Up With Another High Volume Seller Like the G-Series, Are They The Next Company To Sink?
OK, let's admit it.

We've all been on a high in amazement because of the Infiniti Essence surprise at the Geneva Motor Show last week.

That was one stunningly beautiful concept and we learned it will make it to the marketplace in 2010.


But it certainly won't be a high volume seller for them.

So it got me thinking as I thought of the Infiniti brand as a whole, what does Infiniti really have outside of the successful G-Series lineup to keep them above water?

Yes, they have the M, FX, EX and QX but NONE of those are really setting sales numbers on fire.

And in THIS economy, these model sales are really showing their vulnerability.

The G-Series is really the ONLY high volume product anchoring the brand.

God forbid that those sales take a nosedive.

So our questions today are:

1. What other products do they have coming that WILL sell in volume
2. And if they don't, could they find themselves in serious trouble six or 9 months out if things don't turnaround?

They announced everything in their lineup will go hybrid but will they sell in large quantities or will they get to dealers fast enough to make a legitimate impact?

Sound far fetched?

Not in this brutal economy.

ANYTHING is possible.

Let us know your thoughts...

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DodgeyaussieDodgeyaussie - 3/7/2009 11:37:00 PM
+9 Boost
Expect the EX to be heavily modified at it's first re-do. The Infiniti higher ups were expecting the EX to be a hit, and have been thoroughly disappointed by it's sales. It is a thoroughly impressive vehicle.

The biggest change will be rear leg room, and overall utility.

There should be a new M soon, expect M37 and M50 (390HP). The current M although long in the tooth now, is a very impressive vehicle, consistently beating the likes of the E Class and 5 series in comparo's.

One thing i think Infiniti really need is a G sedan, coupe and convertible range with a 2.5lt V6 that gets 30MPG+, and around 230-240HP. The Majority of 3 series sales are 328's, not everyone needs or wants 300+HP. 240HP with the 7 speed auto would be an instant hit i think.

Contrary to your post, the Q has not been sold in the US since '06, and while i think they need another Q to take on the likes of the 7 series and A8, the current market hardly justifies it unfortunately.


Agent001Agent001 - 3/8/2009 12:00:53 AM
+1 Boost
Sorry, meant QX.

Changed.

Thanks for the heads up mate!

001


downtoearthdowntoearth - 3/8/2009 12:24:58 PM
+8 Boost
— Staarr:

> Infiniti is doing reasonably well with the G, M, EX, and FX,
> considering the economy. Everyone is having terrible sales.

It's actually true.

The G, as we already know, sells quite well: [1]

Entry-Level:
1. 3 - 6,414
2. C - 3,990
3. CTS - 3,259
4. G - 3,045
5. A4/5 - 2,696
6. ES - 2,575
7. TL - 2,490
8. IS - 2,147
9. MKZ - 1,145
10. 9-3 - 414
11. S60 - 273

The EX is the second bestseller in its class. [1]

Entry CUV:
1. GLK - 1,918
2. EX - 880
3. RDX - 709
4. Q5 - 627
5. X3 - 267
6. XC60 - 235

In January 2009 BMW shipped 3500 SUVs [2]. Infiniti shipped 2400. [3]

Infiniti sold 1400 FX SUVs in January 2009 [3]. Mercedes sold 1350 of M-class [4].

The only cars that sell significantly below expectations are the M and the old fat obsolete whale, also called the QX.

You also have to take into account M and G are sold on Japanese market as Fuga and Skyline, respectively, which certainly increases their ROI.


[1] http://www.autospies.com/news/February-2009-Luxury-Car-Sales-41624/
[2] http://www.autospies.com/news/BMW-Sales-Drop-15-5-In-January-Mini-Sales-Fall-15-4-40597/
[3] http://www.autospies.com/news/Nissan-Sales-Implode-31-2-Infiniti-Slides-20-9-In-January-40600/
[4] http://www.autospies.com/news/Mercedes-Sales-Plummet-23-5-For-February-While-SMART-Sales-Leap-By-28-5-41607/


DoctorInfinitiDoctorInfiniti - 3/8/2009 5:46:13 PM
0 Boost
apparently business must be slow in the 'online article writing business'.
Infiniti's business model is to be the least expensive vehicle offering in every category they compete in,....
There is no lost time fulfuilling that roll!
Wait till the luxury demographic of Infiniti buyer's get a lil grey-er, (avergae age of Infiniti buyer's is 39.)
Infiniti will kick ass and take names next fall when every modfel they build is offered as a "performance hybrid".
Now there's an untapped market waiting to be filled!!!!!

Bonzai !!!


B7FANB7FAN - 3/9/2009 7:44:24 AM
0 Boost
you know what Teknik....what cars do you like i only see you killing BMW while you drive a a suzuki weekend special...lolol...try to be a car enthusiast not a BMW trashing enthusiast because your words mean nothing if you can only talk trash about 1 company. grow up and get out of your moms basement and get your self educated. you probably talk in the 3rd person.....they have places for people like you her it is http://www.sesamestreet.org/home and you elmo,grimace,bert,ernie and big bird can trash talk any thing you want.


dlindlin - 3/8/2009 1:18:59 AM
-2 Boost
Although last Skyline in Japan came w/ choice of 2.5L V6, it doesn't for this generation. You have to remember G is almost the size of 5 series, and a smaller engine doesn't make sense in terms of performance, which is the selling point of INFINITI. A smaller displacement only makes sense if it's forced induction or can rev up to 8000+ rpm, though the latter unfortunately being nearly extinct.

Back to the post, they should focus on M as volume seller and core of brand. Current M is a great car, but it needs a better exterior design. The one now looks even more boring than AUDI.


rumnycrumnyc - 3/8/2009 6:14:10 PM
0 Boost
G is the size of 1 series. Its smaller than a 3 series in interior room let alone a 5 lol...


dlindlin - 3/9/2009 3:39:45 PM
+3 Boost
Are you referring to the coupe? I know it has less headroom than 1 series, but furtunately that's why it looks way sexier than midget 1.

The sedan is only 1 cu ft less than a 5 series, 5 cu ft more than 3.


1evlaudi1evlaudi - 3/8/2009 1:41:43 AM
-6 Boost
For once, 001, i think you are onto something. The VQ engine is outdated for this market. They need to rethink their strategy for the US market. Audi is creeping up on them, look at sales numbers last month, the A4 sedan outsold the G37 sedan, a first on the US market.
I think that besides the obvious; Saab, other brands are in danger of survival on the US market.
If GM goes bankrupt, Saturn and Buick have little chances of surviving a restructuring. Volvo is also a brand in danger of extinction, they have nothing to put out on the market pass 2012, certainly if Ford unloads them. Jaguar's sales on the US market are dismal and if the economy doesn't pick up they might not make it.
It is however possible that brands like Acura and Infiniti, and even Audi could benefit of those failures or disappearances.


JMB1013JMB1013 - 3/8/2009 4:41:47 AM
+5 Boost
I am surprised at how ridiculous your comment was:

Firstly, the VQ engine is not outdated. I am not a big Nissan/Infiniti fan, but they have been continuously refining that design and consistently improving its performance. It's like saying the 911 is outdated; it works and keeps getting better each year.

secondly, saying that the a4 beating a car in numbers one month is a sure sign of nothing. I love audi and their new designs, but one month is one month.

Thirdly, Buick has little to worry about next to Saturn, Saab, etc. Do you know what one of the (if not the most) popular brand(s) is in China? Buick. They love them. Buick isn't going anywhere while a country with 2 billion people love it for some reason.



NostradamusNostradamus - 3/8/2009 3:54:36 AM
+14 Boost
The funny thing here 001 is that you're not asking that if BMW keeps saturating the market with automotive answers to questions that no one asked (X6/5 series GT/M5M) will they BE THE NEXT COMPANY TO SINK! Your bias becomes more transparent with every new thread.


Agent001Agent001 - 3/8/2009 4:51:57 AM
-6 Boost
Why is this conversation about the X6?

It was never meant to be a high volume seller.

My point is companies like Audi, BMW and Mercedes have MANY high volume products plus good volume in Europe and around the world so although none are safe in an economy like this, a company like Infiniti is more vulnerable.

And did we not say the Infiniti concept was the BEST thing we saw in Geneva and that we loved the new Audi S5/A5 convertible, all-road and V10 R8?

So what is this crap that we only like BMW?

READ for once.

001


M53RM53R - 3/8/2009 6:04:07 AM
+1 Boost
Teknik

BMW sold 500 X6s last month in the US market... At least get your facts straight.


B7FANB7FAN - 3/9/2009 11:49:42 AM
-1 Boost
thats funny you said that Teknik. in your silly world this is one econobox thats doing very well....lolololol....hop off BMW D&%K they're name isn't kawasaki find something else to joyride on.

http://www.autospies.com/news/BMW-X6-SOLD-OUT-29632/

is any other truck in its class doing this well I think not.


M53RM53R - 3/8/2009 6:08:33 AM
-7 Boost
I think Infinite is in a good position in the market. All they need to do is offer a smaller engine in the G and watch how their sales would double! The same thing applies for the M.. Not everyone wants a fast luxury car. I'm sure if they make a smaller engine like a 2.5l or even a 2.0l in the G it would make a huge impact.

They also need to work on their interior quality. Although all Infinite's have nice looking interiors, their quality isn't where it should be. The interior starts falling apart quickly, heck even in the dealership the G35's interior was cracking!

Infinite could also make a BMW one series competitor. If they price is nicely, it will surely sell well.


M53RM53R - 3/8/2009 2:12:08 PM
-2 Boost
I got de-boosted? Now I understand what the fellow Japanese car fans are going through -_-.


JustaCarJustaCar - 3/8/2009 8:23:28 AM
-3 Boost
Nissan is not a company. It is a brand of the Nissan Motor Company.



movamediamovamedia - 3/8/2009 9:25:37 AM
-3 Boost
Infiniti needs to follow the path of the G-series, meaning offering a genuine competitor to German models of the same nature, but for less money and with more standard options and technology. Infiniti shines (for the most part) in that it offers a plethora of standard features on all models without a price that reflects it. A comparable BMW 3-series, for example, would cost upwards of $45-50K with the same options a base G37 has.

Infiniti has just gone a little too crazy with their design cues, especially in the FX and EX- they're just not mainstream designs, but adding Hybrid tech and AWD to some models will go along way in the future. Bottom line, I think it's safe to say that Infiniti definitely needs more high-volume sellers to keep its head above water. It's definitely no Lexus...yet.


StarStar - 3/8/2009 11:03:36 AM
-12 Boost
If Infiniti sinks I can hardly imagine that anyone would even notice or care, other than a small group of desperate fanbois. Infiniti cars are mediocre products liked only by people who cannot afford to buy German.
Better said Infiniti is sort of a "ghetto" version of a luxury maker and choosing one of their products is usually associated with bad taste.
I wish them good luck though in their battle with their main rival Hyundai and hope they will not get beaten too hard.


_43LE_43LE - 3/8/2009 11:26:22 AM
+5 Boost
Remember Star, at you not with you...

http://www.caranddriver.com/buying_guide/infiniti/m/2007_infiniti_m45/2007_infiniti_m45_sport_comparison_test+type-reviews_by_make+mode-collection+id-270.html

1st Infiniti M45
2nd BMW 550i
3rd MB E550
4th Lexus GS450h


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 3/9/2009 11:37:59 AM
+4 Boost
ignore BOTH of you.


Agent63Agent63 - 3/8/2009 11:50:41 AM
-1 Boost
In order for Infiniti to become a true luxury contender they need to rebuild their lineup. They've already had a good entry level G sedan/coupe but their midrange (M) needs to be revised again to be a true contender against the E class, 5er, GS, XF class cars. They need to bring back a Q flagship as well or else they will never be a Lexus contender.

Even Hyundai is making more strides than Infiniti is these days. The Equus flagship car in sketch is much better looking than the last Q45 Infiniti produced.

My two cents. Nissan fans don't hate but at least separate the brand by not rebadging their cars.


answeranswer - 3/8/2009 2:19:11 PM
+5 Boost
See folks, at autospies.com the pro-German bias is so prevalent because it starts at the top!

This exact same "point" being made about Infiniti could be applied to every other brand due to today's wack job economy.

Yes the G keeps the money coming in. But if you look at all the ES, C class, and 3 series driving around out there you'll see Infiniti isn't the only one kept aloft by their more basic offerings.


coolguy8157coolguy8157 - 3/8/2009 3:21:04 PM
+2 Boost
If Infiniti would sink..the companies like Acura will perish..but the truth is they are going to stay.
In the next couple of years I'm sure they will have a sub $30K car that competes with the 328..and they are already revising the EX rear seat area for 2010. Just watch they are ready to make the required changes pretty soon!


StarStar - 3/8/2009 4:28:13 PM
-7 Boost
So what you are saying is that Infiniti is going to build a sub 30K car that is way better than the Altima G37 they have on sell right now starting at 35k? It doesn't make any sense. The lowly G37 cannot win against a 128i but a cheaper Infiniti will somehow compete with the 328i. That's funny..



_43LE_43LE - 3/8/2009 7:08:02 PM
+5 Boost
Remember Star, at you not with you...


StarStar - 3/9/2009 3:15:42 PM
-1 Boost
43LE/Teknik = FAIL


shabarushabaru - 3/8/2009 4:22:03 PM
+2 Boost
According to my point of view, I wouldnt look so low on infiniti already. Yes maybe the G is as of their best sellers but I believe that there are many ways to push a car's sales. The biggest one as of now is the pricing and deals. If I were to own an infiniti dealership right now, the first thing I would do is check around my local competitors and see what kind of prices they have and then come back and start offering deals so ridiculousoly cheap that it should start to get consumer's attention. And second of all, keep in mind that it is an Infiniti.... guess what that means? They still have their twin brother Nissan to back them up. And Nissan Ill say isnt actually doing too bad... Consider the fact how car makers like the 2 German brothers Mercedes and BMW dont really have a cheap auto maker aside from Mini and Smart, I dont think we should really be worrying about Infiniti..


KZ258KZ258 - 3/8/2009 4:32:20 PM
0 Boost
boring article, oo1


4ron4ron - 3/8/2009 4:38:33 PM
-2 Boost
Whoever designed the Infiniti Essence concept should be in charge of the rest of the line up.


StarStar - 3/8/2009 10:44:47 PM
-16 Boost
Infiniti..thumbs down.


_43LE_43LE - 3/9/2009 10:08:29 AM
+5 Boost
Remember Star, at you not with you...


StarStar - 3/9/2009 3:16:34 PM
-2 Boost
43LE/Teknik = FAIL


_43LE_43LE - 3/9/2009 3:30:25 PM
0 Boost
Star, I thought you said you were not responding anymore to me? Remember, at you not with you...lol


StarStar - 3/9/2009 5:12:47 PM
-2 Boost
43LE = FAIL


LexusLexus - 3/8/2009 11:50:09 PM
+5 Boost
Agent001,

You should change the title to, "If BMW Doesn't Come Up With Another High Volume Seller Like the 3 Series, Are They The Next Company To Sink"?

This got be one of the stupiest I've read on autospies, with the way the economy going right now everyone is suffering even your belove BMW brand.




StarStar - 3/9/2009 10:26:34 AM
-4 Boost
YAWN...


Agent001Agent001 - 3/9/2009 10:48:57 AM
-3 Boost
My point is companies like Audi, BMW and Mercedes have MANY high volume products plus good volume in Europe and around the world so although none are safe in an economy like this, a company like Infiniti is more vulnerable.

And did we not say the Infiniti concept was the BEST thing we saw in Geneva and that we loved the new Audi S5/A5 convertible, all-road and V10 R8?

So what is this crap that we only like BMW?

READ for once.

001


0to600to60 - 3/9/2009 12:37:34 PM
+4 Boost
Infiniti has Nissan backing them. I dont think a company has to sell 1000000 cars a year to be successful. Why cant infiniti be a ninch car maker and be successful . Yes a lot of Mom and Pop shops were put out of business by walmart, But Nissan is a fairly big company. And Infiniti sales are not THAT low. You can have a smaller division of a company, realize its volume and be successful with that volume. Is rolls and Bentley going to fail. Their not high volume. They are not designed to be. Im sure Nissan is aware of Infiniti's capability, and capacity compared to its expenses to make it profitable.


PPowerPPower - 3/9/2009 12:08:50 AM
-2 Boost
EX, designed for women, didn't hit the mark like the RX. It's doing OK, but not a runaway hit because if it were more useful size, it eats into the FX. I agree that it will get the most changes when redesigned.

As for engines in the lineup, I'd love to see a 3.0 w/ valve timing & DI, but the VQ25 is already available w/ 215hp. Add the valve timing DI, and you've got something decent to complement the 3.7 and not step too close on the 3.7's toes like a 3L could. 2.5, 3.7, and 2.5/hybrid would be a great lineup for the G.


BarackBushBarackBush - 3/9/2009 12:28:14 AM
-4 Boost
I don't think many here actually understand whats going on and the write has a point. Infiniti sales peaked YEARS ago and have been down every since, even as the products have gotten better. I just realized they really only have 2 cars (M/G) and 3 SUVS!!! (EX/FX/QX). Does anyone else do that? Then they are cheapest around compared to the competition.

They do need more volume. Whats sad is they really are improving their vehicles but sales don't really reflect it.


StarStar - 3/9/2009 10:26:04 AM
-4 Boost
YAWN...


pchera01pchera01 - 3/9/2009 1:58:56 AM
+1 Boost
more over Infiniti willing to correct theiir problems, on EX majour probels were, no leg room in second row and no utility at all. so, they said they willing to fix it. Unlike BMW, they atill think X6 is still a big hit, they r not willing to correct it, well too late, Bangle is gone...lol
correct me if i am wrong, M sell as many as GS, or very close


hyundaifansdotcomhyundaifansdotcom - 3/9/2009 10:21:43 AM
+3 Boost
Infiniti will do just fine. The FX and G are doing well considering the economy. The M and EX will be redesigned soon. The QX might not make it though. And yes, the X6 is a failure for BMW....


chris357chris357 - 3/9/2009 2:11:28 PM
+3 Boost
I agree with some of the above statements. As an Infiniti salesman I love the VQ engine, but Infiniti needs a better replacement fo rthe I35 as mentioned a 2.5 or even a turbo 4 could be pretty good keep the loaded price in the real mid 30's and its a home run. even a detuned VQ series with better MPG woudl be a winner. I dont think anyone has said the VQ is outdated or unwanted but more likely stating the need for more economy


StarStar - 3/9/2009 2:54:13 PM
-3 Boost
Yes, Infiniti is in a lot of trouble if they continue to build the same low quality vehicles.


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