Infiniti ventures into Russia
As more and more
luxury auto manufacturers are finding Russia to be a lucrative place to do business, Nissan is scrambling to get a
piece of the pie by introducing its Infiniti brand into the market. Its Nissan brand itself has been faring well,
moving a total of 46,485 units from about 40 stores in 2005.
Starting this summer, Infiniti will initially open three dealerships in Moscow and St. Petersburg and will offer four or five models, including an SUV and mid-size sedan. Nissan is also considering building a plant in the country as well.
Russians should be pleased the infinite brand is showing interest in their country, as Nissan doesn't plan to open up Infiniti dealerships in its own domestic market of Japan until 2008.
Thanks to ActiveTuning for the tip.
[Source: Daily Yomiuri Online]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Stoneman 9:47PM (3/28/2006)
If Russia gets the FX or G35, then great. They'll finally experience a top quality product and wonder what the hell they were thinking all these years driving domestic vehicles in Russia.
Stoneman
from
Stoneman Auto Review
Reply
Stoneman 9:54PM (3/28/2006)
I wonder if they'll get the FX or G35 vehicles. Imagine walking into a dealership in Russia, asking to test drive one. They'd look at you and say "Test drive????"
"You buy first. Then drive".
Stoneman
from Stoneman Auto Review
http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/sar
Reply
RussianTech 12:01AM (3/29/2006)
Stoneman,
Contrary to your beliefs, with exception of taxis, cops, and suburban hoopds, there are very few domestic cars in Moscow. The Ladas, Volgas and Moskviches of the 1980 are nearly gone today. The Russian roads are now crowded by a mixture of Korean and Japanese subcompacts. The new Russian oligarchs continue to drive the obligatory black S500 Benzs, Toyota Padjero SUVs and Audi A8s. A drive down Moscows main ring road on an average day makes it clear that imports rule Moscows roads. I expect the Infiniti brand to do quite well; Russians are very self-absorbed and will buy anything that is perceived by society as high class or stylish. I certainly felt underdressed on a recent trip to the capital city to visit my aunt. Versace, Gucci and Armani are common sight in Moscow, society is all very well dressed and good looking, obesity is a rare sight, as are domestic vehicles.
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Serge (St-Petersburg, Russia) 4:08AM (3/29/2006)
I think i'll change my MB E-class to Infinity M35 as soon as it comes to St-Petersburg. E-class is most popular business sedan here. Like other MB cars and SUVs. Unfortinely. As for test-drives (Stoneman), i have a problem with it only in Chrysler. May be this vehicle drive not so good as it costs here (about $ 60 000 for 3.5l) *-))
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Nazim 6:04PM (4/17/2006)
I have an Infiniti G35x and my wife drives G35 coupe and we look forward to Infiniti dealership in Moscow. I think a lot of people in Moscow buy MB, Audi or BMW mostly because of prestige values. When they try the real quality of Infiniti an lot of people wil change to this brand. Actually FX crossover is very popular in Moscow already. I will certainly change my current G35x for the new 2007 version.
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DPC car videos 4:17AM (8/24/2006)
Must be a big treat for russian to have hars like this.
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theman 10:11AM (9/04/2006)
Just wondering but are people really going to shell out $65000 plus for a Nissan Skyline? I am not an auto executive but I can't see the point in putting that car under the Nissan name. Makes more sense to keep the momentum going with Infiniti. The M series is just amazing IMO. I drive a g35x and just love the car, this after a 6 year run in Audi. Anyway, Infiniti I feel could use the Skyline as its banner sports model. Just my two cents.
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aman 12:00AM (6/22/2008)
That's like saying the Corvette should be a Cadillac, the Viper a Chrysler, the Ford GT and Mustang Lincolns, the Supra a Lexus, and an S2000 an Acura.
These are all legendary cars, and legendary under their name. changing a Skyline to an Infiniti wouldn't really make it a true Skyline anymore, because now it's not a nissan