Nissan launches luxury Infiniti brand in Russia

Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan, celebrated its official launch in Russia today at the Moscow International Motor Show. The initial line-up of Infiniti vehicles, which go on sale this fall, includes the sporty crossover FX and the M luxury performance sedan, both offered in 3.5l V6 and 4.5l V8 versions and available at dealerships in Moscow and St.Petersburg.

Infiniti also disclosed its future Russian product line-up including the G35 sport sedan and QX56 full-size SUV and provided a hint at the future with the Infiniti Coupe Concept. During its press conference, Infiniti also announced its new European headquarters would be established in Switzerland.

Infiniti's entry into the Russian market is part of the global expansion of the brand as part of the company's three-year plan called NISSAN Value Up. Launched in the US and Canada in 1989, Infiniti is currently sold across North America, Taiwan, Korea and the Middle East. Further launches of the Infiniti brand are planned for China and Ukraine in 2007.

"Today, we celebrate Infiniti's expanding presence as a globally recognised luxury brand, a brand that offers a unique combination of serenity, silky design and driving pleasure," said Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President, Product Planning and Corporate Strategy, Nissan Motor Co. "We believe that in Russia, as in other Infiniti markets, our customers will be those looking for this new, very personal style of luxury and respectful treatment," continued Tavares.

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Dave - 8/30/2006 12:12:44 PM

+1 Boost

This is good news. With Infiniti launching in Russia and other world markets soon, it only makes sense that Nissan should also change their mind about naming the next GT-R supercar a Nissan. It needs to be an Infiniti. It would be the car that could bring prestige luxury brand awareness to the Infiniti brand name and help with the global expansion. That job as of now falls to the Q45, but we all know the current Q45 looks like a boring Buick from all angles. I think Nissan has delayed development of a new Q45 because of all the money they put into the M and the large amounts of money they are currently putting into the GT-R.
I'm not sure what the guys at Nissan are thinking, but a GT-R that has the highest levels of Nissan's technology, is targeted directly at the Porsche 911 Turbo, and will sell for about $70k cannot be a Nissan. Let's hope the bosses at Nissan change their mind soon and reconsider their decision.

BMW530i - 8/30/2006 12:47:34 PM

+1 Boost

Sounds like another flop to me. No offense to Nissan fans but they're making the same mistake that Lexus is doing by not offering smaller engines. Although there is a small but wealthy and powerful elite in Russia that will be interested in these cars, they'll face strong competition from the established German brands who offer more engine, trim etc. choices.

I read that they'd be offering a diesel (sourced from Renault) soon. The article makes no mention of that. Instead, Nissan is trying to sell fat QX56's and big V6 and V8's. Resale value will also be poor.

American-style luxury does not work in Europe. Lexus is proof of that.

If I were these guys, I would wait with the market entry until I have the engines and trims Europeans want.

PlanoA4 - 8/30/2006 12:57:47 PM

+1 Boost

Will- In case you haven't figured out the Japanese are trying to take on the entrenched German brands that have a large foothold in those markets. Infiniti will have the same obsticles as Lexus to overcome.

Mark - 8/30/2006 1:40:19 PM

+1 Boost

I'm half laughing with that comment Will. The wink is saving you.

The Russian's should love the FX45 with the big wheels and flashy chrome. Though it will be hard for them to give up their BMW and MB, Infiniti might be able to chip away at part of the market until more and more eyes are open.

Now since there is not mention of possible cost I am not sure if this will be the "poor man's" luxury car.

mstangpny07 - 8/30/2006 5:33:41 PM

+1 Boost

I heard that they were selling a TON of Q45's in Qatar.

wwww - 8/30/2006 6:16:31 PM

+2 Boost

i guess Nissan can easily add engine styles by using renaults. So that might save them from failure.

Will, Lexus is actually not going well at all in Japan. their sales are constantly in the negative region since its debut. Hardly any japanese are buying the "lexus" brand.

BMW530i - 8/30/2006 9:03:22 PM

+1 Boost

I'm sensing more of a positive reaction to this news of Infiniti in Russia, and way more of a negative reaction to Lexus in Japan. Why is that?
--------------------------------------------

No one is flaming Lexus or Infiniti. Right now, Infiniti is making the same mistake as Lexus in Europe: they're entering the market with limited engine and trim choices. Furthermore, these are big engines that Europeans aren't too interested in, especially the majority of luxury buyers. The vast majority of Euro brands in Europe are equipped with smaller engines. Mainstreamers, sports cars, luxury...you name it.

Homer008 - 8/30/2006 11:15:20 PM

0 Boost

Its just matter of time. Lexus will probably endup buying out BMW or MERC in 10 years anyways...

Just like electronics, Motorcycles now cars..why is this so hard to figure out? Its inevitable for Japanese to lead. I don't think Germans can't really catch up with Japanese brands anymore...rather, Germans need to catch upto American brands in reliability and Koreans for the samething.

Mark - 9/1/2006 10:21:54 AM

+1 Boost

^What?

essentielle - 9/3/2006 12:30:22 AM

+1 Boost

BMW530i: Russia is a totally different market than the rest of Europe. Please do your home work before commenting about the engine size.
Dave: GT-R will be sold as Nissan (this is final) and it is not due to lack of a development budget that the new Q45 (-> Q55) development is being delayed.
Mark: Infiniti prices are on par or higher than other luxury makes in the market. It is definitely not a "poor man's" luxury. BTW, there was about 3500 grey market Infiniti's in the market before the official launch.