How would you feel if one of the most anxiously awaited automotive arrivals in recent history were just swiped from your showroom floor? Infiniti dealers are reacting to Carlos Ghosn’s announcement last week that the GT-R, the latest iteration of the company’s Skyline sports car designed for total global consumption, would be sold in the U.S. with a Nissan hood ornament. Ghosn cited the fact that brand's North American operations couldn’t prove the Infiniti emblem on the GT-R’s hood would generate more sales or profits.
Infiniti sales were down a sharp 9 percent in the first quarter of the year and dealers were hoping the GT-R would fill out the brand’s narrow lineup (four cars, two SUVs), as well as be a halo vehicle around which the company could rally. All is not lost, however, as the redesigned G35 sedan that debuted at the NY auto show last week was received very well by the press.
[Source: Automotive News via AutoWeek]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Michael Karesh @ Apr 19th 2006 3:25PM
I suspect that, because this is their corporate flagship among the performance crowd, they wanted it sold under the corporate brand.
Six vehicles is not a narrow line at any rate. They started in 1990 with two. And the new G35 will give them a big boost owing to the upgraded interior alone.
If need be, they can always stick a higher performance engine in the G35. Probably coupe only if they did, but a faster sedan would be nice.
Jay @ Apr 19th 2006 3:33PM
Not that it really matters on the customer side of things, but I wouldn't have been happy to see the GT-R sold as an Infiniti. It's always been a Nissan in my mind.
Udayan Tripathi @ Apr 19th 2006 3:34PM
It is really a Nissan, and Infiniti has a good line of vehicles; however it does make more sense to sell through Infiniti because they are more upmarket.
Gale @ Apr 19th 2006 3:41PM
The company gave them a marvelous M35/45 and a refreshed version of the outstanding G35. The GT-R has always been a Nissan.
Now these whiners want to pile on to the challenges of moving headquarters from CA to TN by squawking "what about us?" I think these wealthy crybabies should be called out publicly and asked to beg for their dealership charters back. If I ran the show they'd be looking for another brand to sell.
Hank @ Apr 19th 2006 3:43PM
I think selling it as an Infiniti would have been a bit like shifting the Corvette to Buick showrooms. This makes more sense.
Corey W. @ Apr 19th 2006 3:44PM
There's no Cadillac Corvette or Lexus Supra!! Why would this come to the states as an Infiniti?? It has always been a Nissan (or Prince) They need to get Nissan to rebadge, if not, go kick rocks...
Chevy Nick @ Feb 18th 2008 8:09PM
Some people might argue that the XLR is Cadillac's answer to the Corvette. Lexus doesn't have a version of the Supra because Toyota hasn't made Supras (or any fast cars) in like 10 years.
Q DuB @ Apr 19th 2006 3:50PM
They should work out a deal, however, to have them serviced at Infiniti dealerships, IMHO. That way, Infiniti will get some money in service and the consumer will get their money's worth in service. I know if I pay $60K-80K for a car, I'd want the service (loaner car, more qualified mechanics, etc.) working on my car.
The Driver @ Apr 19th 2006 3:56PM
Corey W. #6 Theres a Cadillac XLR-V, and they might make a Cadillac XLR Super-V. I think i read in road and track. Also, the next supercar from totyota is expected to wear a lexus badge.
BMW has M mercedes has AMG, and a GREAT exaple is the ACURA NSX, not HONDA in the US. Luxury brands need not be void of performance products. The GTR would have been good for nissan and for the people that buy it. Infiniti isnt recognised as a budget brand. Nissan may not be either, but its closer to is. And this is a hefty price for a nissan especially in the US.
Kowell @ Apr 19th 2006 3:59PM
This car will already have a somewhat big sticker price... did we really need the extra 5K for the infinity nose badge?
Ben @ Apr 19th 2006 4:01PM
if they did sell it as infinti over here, I'm sure a lot of owners will rebadge it as nissan
bernie @ Apr 19th 2006 4:03PM
"We thought that Ghosn would abide by the regional needs, but that didn't happen," Lennon says."
If I were over the dealer network for Cadillac and somebody expressed disappointment in AutoWeek and referred to the CEO as "Wagoner" in the process he'd be picking his toupee up off the floor and looking for a job in a matter of seconds.
Both actions are inexcuseable and Jed Connelly can't be at all happy about it.
Steve @ Apr 19th 2006 4:06PM
For what it's worth, there is a (sort of) Cadillac Corvette - the XLR.
J @ Apr 19th 2006 4:10PM
i think this is critical for the GT-R. It will allow them to keep it fairly lean and more performance oriented. similar to the Z only times 20.
Ben @ Apr 19th 2006 4:10PM
Infiniti = glorified Nissan.
Nuff said.
Puff Chippy @ Apr 19th 2006 4:23PM
Is that the right picture? That looks like the back end of a Chevy Cobalt.
V @ Apr 19th 2006 4:28PM
#13 Ben, I think that's kind of obvious.
Nissan did the right thing. No need to compare to other manufacturers. This is a unique situation, people would have been upset somewhat either way.
BK @ Apr 19th 2006 4:28PM
"13. Infiniti = glorified Nissan.
Nuff said."
Lexus = glorified Toyota
Acura = glorified Honda
So, what's your point?
Finished.Law.School @ Apr 19th 2006 4:38PM
Infiniti dealers should learn a little more about the brand before whining about this. The Skyline, which this is, has always been a Nissan. What madness compelled them to expect this to become an Infiniti all of a sudden? Stupid bastards.
Richard @ Apr 19th 2006 4:40PM
Im glad its badged as a Nissan because Infiniti is just a Nissan with overpriced garbage added. And most people would rebadge it to Nissan anyway, just like the Acura's. Why do we even have Infiniti again?