Infiniti Says Line-up Is Too American And That Is Holding Them Back Globally

Nissan’s Infiniti luxury marque launched in 1989 in the U.S. and for nearly 20 years was available only here.

That changed in 2008 with the brand’s move into Europe.

Now Infiniti is in dozens of countries, but still finds itself with a lineup that is too Americanized, President Johan de Nysschen says.

“Our strong U.S.-centric focus has driven product strategy, and for Infiniti to be positioned as a strong contender in the premium market, we really do need to break the mold of (that) very strong focus,” de Nysschen tells WardsAuto in an interview.

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cidflekken - 9/19/2013 4:11:34 PM

+3 Boost

So, why isn't Infiniti dominating the American luxury market with their too-Americanized product line?

Agent009 - 9/20/2013 9:40:23 AM

+2 Boost

Because the have a bland and uninspiring lineup?

Face it the VQ motor was a revolution when released but hasn't kept pace over the years. Most of the time the HP increases over the years were due to displacement increases.

It is getting to be pretty hard to tell the model years apart on the G and M sedans, they all look alike.

The SUVs? Pretty darn ugly.

cidflekken - 9/20/2013 1:00:49 PM

+1 Boost

The only car in the lineup that I think is truly ugly is the JX35. The FX does look a bit fishy, too.

I think Infiniti has problems with their dealership setup. In my local area, Infiniti doesn't seem to try to distinguish itself enough from Nissan so I'm not sure that they are viewed with the same appeal as the big 4.

jeffgall - 9/19/2013 6:55:08 PM

+2 Boost

Good point

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 9/19/2013 7:16:24 PM

+1 Boost

Ya Think ??

clsboy - 9/20/2013 1:21:25 AM

+1 Boost

How about the cars are just toooo ugly as a valid reason?.

carsnyc - 9/20/2013 9:39:42 AM

+2 Boost

Only QX80 is ugly. All others are nice or ok

nikejk - 9/20/2013 1:50:38 PM

0 Boost

Too American is good. When you try to make your cars appeal more globally, the cars start getting wimpy looking (for a better term). You can't say when you see a QX drive by it doesn't catch your eye by the oversized American SUV size of that thing. Not necessarily a good thing but its better than it looking like a Subaru or a Ford Flex which are more "globally appealing." If we don't watch out we'll all be driving Nissan Jukes and Ford Fiestas.

dlin - 9/20/2013 3:09:52 PM

+1 Boost

As long as it sells, why worry? This stupid German is only finding excuse for not reaching sale goal. Oh by the way, start with killing the stupid Q naming that no one can remember now!