It doesn't seem like 15 years since Nissan launched the very first product from its Infiniti division. Infiniti was formed as an upscale vehicle segment of Nissan, just as Acura and Lexus service the premium market for Honda and Toyota respectively.
Initially, the three luxury divisions were not without their critics, some of whom were quite bluntly saying that one or two of the trio would never make it. In time, they've been proven wrong and all three divisions seem to be flourishing -- though Infiniti did struggle initially.
Clearly, the move worked out well for Infiniti, Acura and Lexus. It was no easy task launching a brand new nameplate on an unsuspecting public. After all, some automakers have challenges marketing even long-lived brands and more than a couple have fallen by the wayside in recent years. But in the case of Infiniti, Acura and Lexus, perseverance paid off and few people nowadays query their reason for being. All three have established solid reputations among upscale buyers and a combination of product quality and service excellence has ensured that any doubts about their future have long been laid aside.
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