It's easy to forget that the luxury brands the Japanese automakers started in the late '80s were established specifically for the U.S. market. However, much like its competitors, Nissan's Infiniti brand has expanded outside of North America, establishing itself in several Asian markets, and is now in the midst of an all-out assault on Europe.
Infiniti Europe hopes to have 78 dealers across the continent by the end of 2010 selling an initial line-up consisting of the new EX (shown), FX and G models. It's also reportedly considering the development of a compact crossover around the size of the Audi A3 specifically targeted for Europe. Nissan realizes, however, that it will take a long time for Infiniti to establish itself in the market, and as a result is planning to financially subsidize its European dealerships in the short term until they can turn a profit.
[Source: Automotive News Europe – sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mk @ Feb 8th 2008 12:46PM
I hate CUVs. Just don't like them.
This one is growing on me, as is the Edge sport thing.
I doubt I would ever buy either one, but I am less likely to hurl upon the thought of driving one if I had to, for a few minutes.
The headlights of this thing completely remind me of the 996 Porsche Turbo.
The grille has a straight top edge, better than the G-series, where the upward bowing top edge looks too "soft".
It will be interesting if Infiniti can do well in Europe with it's large-ish car lineup.
Xcountryflyer @ Feb 8th 2008 12:57PM
The beauty shots were taken on the Monterey Peninsula. Very few places better to take shots like that in the US.
Ligor @ Feb 8th 2008 12:59PM
they'd be ok as long as they bring the VQ25HR V-6 they have is japan adn of course the new diesel they are developing that is going in the Maxima
they can easily sell 50k/yr over there, then grow from there
CUV's are also starting to pick up in europe adn the EX being even smaller than the X3 will fit in just fine
stang_fan @ Feb 8th 2008 1:14PM
Dang it. Nissan/Infiniti will possibly develop a small Audi A3 sized sedan EXCLUSIVELY for Europe.
As a former owner of a G20, and yes, I know they didn't exactly set the auto world on fire in the '90s, I would be seriously interested in a small premium sedan with the tight build quality of the G20. Build a car that costs LESS than the BMW 1 series, or the 3, and DON'T market it exclusively to women....as they did in the late '90s and it will sell. Maybe not like the current G sedans and coupes, but hey, the market is returning to smaller cars as gas stays at or near $3.00/gallon.
Leaf @ Feb 8th 2008 1:27PM
Nice supporting graphic.
MJL @ Feb 8th 2008 1:29PM
Sweet photoshop FTW
Andrew Tanasescu @ Feb 8th 2008 1:35PM
Althought we dont have Infiniti dealerships in Romania, there are plenty of importers who sell them like crazy
_Jon @ Feb 8th 2008 2:07PM
Gee, an Asian auto maker subsidizing the sale of products in a foreign land? I'm sure they've never done that before - like in the US - 'cause it's illegal, doncha-know....
Or an Asian film manufacturer (*cough*Fufi*cough*) using some tricky marketing accounting to subsidize their film to the point that it is impractical for an American firm to compete (*cough*Kodak*cough*)? That wouldn't happen, would it?
nah, no company would do *that*.
ItGuy @ Feb 8th 2008 2:16PM
As a photographer, I used to prefer Fuji over Kodak just because the colors seemed better, more vivid.
DKB_SATX @ Feb 8th 2008 2:40PM
As stated by Liqor, the key will be putting smaller, more-efficient engines in the cars they sell in Europe, because the G sedan's mileage wouldn't be acceptable for a mainstream car there, and while it's very nice, the performance isn't enough to justify the mileage at European fuel prices. The G would be a very large car for Europe, some sort of smaller vehicle would be nice and HOPEFULLY the appeal of more practically-sized efficient cars will continue to grow in the US to the point that it would make economic sense for them to eventually bring it here.
A good torquey turbodiesel would slot in well against competitors in the European market, as long as the current fuel tax system is in place there.
nagmashot @ Feb 9th 2008 12:26AM
the next wannabe luxury brand victim on the Europen market.. Lexus failed..and Infiniti will fail too..
EvolutionVII @ Feb 9th 2008 4:17AM
There's no way this is going to sell here in Europe. Lexus has serious problems because we don't wanna pay that much for a Toyota. Cars already are quite expensive here in Austria; We often pay double the price you'd have to pay.
j_diesel @ Feb 9th 2008 5:25AM
subsidizing a dealership, any dealership, sounds like a slippery slope to disaster....
have at 'er boys!