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Infiniti gunning for 100,000 European sales by 2016

Zach Bowman — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Europe, Infiniti, Earnings/Financials, Luxury

Infiniti has its work cut out for it. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn wants the luxury brand to hit a sales target of 100,000 units in Europe by 2016. Last year, the company moved just 12,500 vehicles in the market. According to Automotive News Europe, the goal is part of a larger strategy to swell the brand's global sales to 500,000 units by the same deadline, up from 146,000 in 2011. The report suggests Infiniti expects the planned new premium compact to push most of that increase. The car will likely borrow heavily from the Etherea Concept, and will ostensibly be designed as a suitable competitor to machines like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Unfortunately, reports suggest it isn't due to hit dealer lots until 2014 at the earliest. The new model will ride on the same chassis as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and will be built by Magna Steyr. The manufacturer says it can produce between 50,000 and 60,000 of the new models per year.

But with former Audi executive Johan de Nysschen now at the helm of Infiniti's global operations and a slew of new diesel-powered sedans and SUVs in the mix, Infiniti certainly has a shot at increasing its sales. Whether or not it can meet its lofty goals remains to be seen.

Infiniti gunning for 100,000 European sales by 2016 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti to present Z4 rival in Geneva?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 May 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti, Rumormill, Luxury

Infiniti Etherea Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

At this year's Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti took the wraps off its Etherea concept, showing its vision for a future premium hatchback. Now reports from across the pond suggest that the premium Nissan division could be preparing to unveil something decidedly sportier at next year's Swiss expo.

The report comes from Auto Express, and it suggests that the new sportscar will be targeted at the likes of the BMW Z4 and Audi TT, yet slot in below the G37 Coupe in the company's lineup. A two-seater in front-engine, rear-drive configuration is being mooted for the project, leaving questions as to where such a model might fit in the corporate hierarchy vis-à-vis Nissan's 370Z.

No word on potential powertrains, but a hybrid setup could be part of the mix. Rumor has it that Lotus is being brought in to consult on the chassis setup - a role often taken up by the British sportscar-maker and engineering consultancy. Us? We can't help but wonder if this isn't where Red Bull Racing's expertise could be brought to bear as well.

Infiniti to present Z4 rival in Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti Etherea Concept bows ahead of Geneva debut

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Infiniti

Infiniti Etherea Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti has released the first few images of its new Etherea entry-level concept that's set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The automaker says that the Etherea's design "blends elements of coupe, sedan, hatchback and even crossover in one highly sculptural, near-mono volume form," though we find the end result to be a bit awkward from some angles.

There's plenty of throwback to the company's showstopping Essence concept in the Etherea's visuals, notably the wavy C-pillar design. At only 173.2 inches long, the concept is about four inches longer than a Nissan Versa hatchback, and because of this, many of the styling cues - specifically the headlamps and that rearmost pillar - seem like they would be more at home on a much larger car. Still, we'll withold judgment until we see the car in person on March 1 live in Geneva. In the meantime, click through our high-res gallery below to see a few shots of the new Etherea, and follow the jump for Infiniti's official press release.

Gallery: Infiniti Etherea Concept

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti Etherea Concept bows ahead of Geneva debut

Infiniti Etherea Concept bows ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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