[car fanatics]

Infiniti
Photo credit: Infiniti
April 20, 2012
By: CF staff

• Underlines brand's long-term commitment to the growing Chinese luxury market
  

• "Important milestone for Infiniti's growth strategy" - Andy Palmer, EVP
  

• Two models to be manufactured by JV company, Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. by 2014
  

Infiniti will significantly raise its presence in China as it was today confirmed that two Infiniti models will be manufactured locally in China from 2014.

The Infiniti brand was first introduced to China in 2007, and continues to strengthen its product lineup and expand its sales network to satisfy customers in the growing Chinese luxury segment. Local production will allow customers increased access to Infiniti's high-quality products, contributing to further growth in brand awareness and market share.

"The expansion of the Infiniti business is a key pillar of the Nissan Power 88 mid-term plan," said Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President of the Global Infiniti & Luxury Business Unit. "This is an important milestone for Infiniti's growth strategy, and for the brand to reach its aggressive sales target of 500,000 units by 2016, local production in the world's largest automobile market is not an option but a necessity to our success," he added.

The two models, yet to be named, will be manufactured at facilities operated by Nissan's joint venture company in China, Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. (DFL). The extremely productive partnership with DFL and its parent company, Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFM), will enable Infiniti to quickly realize its production objectives in China.

Further details regarding the new manufacturing program will be issued at a future date.