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Infiniti

From Alfawiki
Infiniti
Company typeDivision
IndustryAutomotive
FoundedNovember 8, 1989; 37 years ago (November 8, 1989)
HeadquartersNishi-ku, Yokohama
Area served
  • Americas
  • China
  • Middle East
  • Taiwan
  • International markets
Key people
Bill Bruce
(Founding General Manager)
Craig Keeys
(Group Vice President Infiniti Americas) Jose Roman (Senior Vice President And Global Head)
ProductsLuxury cars
Performance vehicles
ServicesFinancial services
ParentNissan
Websiteinfiniti.com

(stylized in all caps) represents the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Nissan. Established on November 8, 1989, initially targeting the North American market, Infiniti expanded its dealership presence to more than 50 countries by the 2010s. As of 2020, its operations span 25 markets with a strategic focus on North America, China, Taiwan, and the Middle East.

The Infiniti emblem depicts a road stretching toward the horizon and draws inspiration from Mount Fuji, reflecting its Japanese origins.

Origins

Debuting in the United States in 1989, Infiniti was created to compete within the upscale automotive sector alongside Japanese luxury rivals such as Lexus and Acura. Prompted by the effects of the Plaza Accord of 1985 and Japanese export limitations, Nissan shifted its strategy to export fewer vehicles at higher price points to the U.S. market.

At launch, Infiniti offered two models: the Infiniti Q45 and the Infiniti M30, both previously available through Nissan’s dealerships in Japan. The Q45 was built on the platform of the second-generation JDM Nissan President, equipped with a V8 engine, four-wheel steering system (HICAS), and active suspension technology. It aimed to challenge established full-size luxury sedans like the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series.

Introduced in November 1989, the M30 was a two-door coupe derived from the badge-engineered Nissan Leopard. It featured a VG30E engine paired with an automatic transmission but was considered underpowered relative to its mass. Its design and interior appointments were distinctly different from those of the Q45.

Initially, Infiniti did not offer a mid-sized luxury sedan to compete directly with models like the Acura Legend and Lexus GS. The brand addressed this gap with the entry-level luxury J30; however, it struggled against rivals such as the Lexus ES due to limited cabin space and unconventional styling choices. This segment was later reinforced by launching the Infiniti I series in 1995 (closely related to the Nissan Maxima), which was eventually succeeded by the G35 in 2002.

By the late 2000s, Infiniti's global footprint had grown to include more than 230 dealerships across 15 nations.

1990s

In September 1990, Infiniti expanded its lineup with a third model—the Infiniti G20, which was based on the compact European-oriented Nissan Primera.

For the 1993 model year, Infiniti introduced a four-door coupé called the J30, powered by a single engine option: the VG30DE, also used in the 300ZX and other Nissan vehicles.

Early sales performance for Infiniti was modest. Initial advertising campaigns emphasized Zen-like themes focusing on calmness without showcasing vehicles directly. The interior design favored monochromatic tones with organic forms using padded leather and vinyl materials, deliberately avoiding traditional wood or chrome accents; an analog clock stood out as a prominent bright element.

By mid-decade, Infiniti trailed behind competitors such as Lexus and Acura. The Q45 had moved away from its initial sporty image and earned the nickname "The Japanese Lincoln" due to its heavy handling characteristics. In 1998, Infiniti reintroduced the G20 as a compact sport sedan based on the JDM Nissan Primera. Despite aiming at entry-level luxury sport sedan buyers, it was heavier than its predecessor and retained the SR20DE four-cylinder engine, limiting its broader appeal. Marketing efforts targeted middle-aged professional women but failed to attract key demographics, resulting in weaker performance compared to rivals like the Acura Integra.

In late 1996, Infiniti entered the luxury SUV segment with the QX4, a premium adaptation of the Nissan Pathfinder, marking one of the earliest mid-size luxury SUVs available.

The J30 was succeeded in 1996 by a model based on the second-generation JDM Nissan Cefiro, renamed as I30 for North American markets. It featured front-wheel drive powered by a VQ30DE engine shared with Nissan Maxima. A redesign in 2000 increased output to 231 PS (170 kW; 227 hp). Further enhancements in 2001 boosted power to 259 PS (190 kW; 255 hp) utilizing the VQ35DE, prompting a rebranding to I35. Despite these technical improvements, sales remained sluggish due to weak brand identity and limited market penetration.

2000s

Entering the year 2000, Infiniti experienced a decline in popularity influenced by the Japanese asset price bubble, leading the brand to pivot towards a more dynamic range of sporty luxury vehicles. This shift coincided with Nissan's partnership with Renault under the leadership of Carlos Ghosn and the implementation of the Nissan Revival Plan. Infiniti's leadership aimed to position the brand as a direct competitor to BMW. The revamped Q45 flagship was introduced in 2002; however, it was the G35 that notably increased sales by 2003. Drawing from Nissan's heritage through its acquisition of Prince Motor Company, the Skyline-based G35 succeeded the Primera-based G20 and earned the distinction of Motor Trend Car of the Year in 2003.

Building on the success of the G35, Infiniti launched the sport-oriented FX35/45 crossover in 2003, targeting American buyers with a combination of performance and practicality. In 2004, an all-wheel-drive version of the G35 was added to compete with Audi and BMW models, alongside the introduction of the larger QX56 SUV. The QX56, derived from the U.S. Nissan Armada, aimed to challenge vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470.

Carlos Ghosn’s vision sought to differentiate Infiniti from Nissan by crafting the G series as a "Japanese BMW," specifically targeting BMW's 3 Series segment. The M35 and M45 models garnered praise from critics, winning comparison tests and earning recognition as top luxury sedans by Consumer Reports. After discontinuing the Q45, Infiniti designated the M45—sharing its engine with that model—as its new flagship. Within Japan, these vehicles were marketed under Nissan's brands as the Gloria and Skyline respectively.

Late in 2006, Infiniti unveiled a redesigned G35 sedan for the 2007 model year, followed by the debut of the G37 coupe at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. December 2007 marked the release of the Infiniti EX35, Infiniti’s entry into the compact luxury crossover market, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering .

Infiniti made its European debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show and officially launched across 21 countries over a two-year span later that year. The European lineup featured next-generation versions of the Infiniti FX37 and FX50 SUVs, along with the G37 sedan and coupe, plus the EX37 crossover. Infiniti Europe's headquarters were established in Rolle, Switzerland.

2010s

Carlos Ghosn introduced the Infiniti M model in Los Angeles, showcasing new powertrain options such as a 5.6-liter V8 (VK56VD) with VVEL technology and direct gasoline injection; a Renault-Nissan-developed V9X Engine V6 Turbo Diesel available exclusively in Europe; and a hybrid system integrating one electric motor with two clutches to enable simultaneous gasoline and electric rear-wheel drive. The lithium-ion battery technology was first seen on display in the Essence concept vehicle.

At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti presented its Renault-Nissan-developed V9X Engine for European markets, powering models like the Infiniti FX, Infiniti EX, and newly introduced Infiniti M, which made its European debut at this event.

August 2010 saw Infiniti launch its performance division called Infiniti Performance Line (IPL). The following year, Infiniti supported Renault engines used by Red Bull Racing in Formula One competition.

By 2011, sales of the G Series—including sedan, coupe, and convertible variants—accounted for 60% of total brand sales. Nevertheless, Infiniti’s emphasis on niche SUVs limited its broader appeal within the U.S., especially compared to competitors like Lexus whose SUVs comprised half their sales volume. This focus on performance rather than practicality led to weaker reception among female buyers relative to Acura and Lexus.

On August 30, 2011, Nissan reintroduced front-wheel-drive architecture with the launch of the Infiniti JX, aiming at rivals such as the Acura MDX and BMW X5 by offering three-row seating configurations. This move aligned Infiniti’s strategy more closely with Lexus’s approach of combining front- and rear-wheel-drive platforms.

In 2012, Infiniti shifted its global headquarters from Yokohama to Hong Kong under Infiniti Global Limited, seeking to leverage growth opportunities in China’s luxury vehicle market. In September 2014, Nissan appointed Roland Krüger—formerly head of BMW’s Asian operations—as president of Infiniti.

At the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, Infiniti revealed the Q30 Concept as part of an aggressive expansion into premium segments. That year also saw a revision in model naming conventions: sedans and coupes adopted "Q" prefixes (for example, M sedan became Q70; G sedan renamed Q50), while SUVs received "QX" designations (such as QX56 becoming QX80).

In August 2013, Simone Piattelli Palmarini was named head of public relations for Infiniti EMEA, bringing prior experience from Pirelli and Ferrari.

Production extended beyond Japan with manufacturing of the QX60 (formerly JX35) commencing in Xiangyang, China through Nissan’s joint venture with Dongfeng Motor. Additionally, Nissan began producing the Q30 compact car at its Sunderland facility in the UK starting in 2015; however, assembly of Infiniti models there ended by mid-2019.

Johan de Nysschen led Infiniti between 2012 and August 2014 before departing for Cadillac; Andy Palmer succeeded him but left for Aston Martin in September 2014. Roland Krüger then assumed leadership as president.

In January 2018, CEO Hiroto Saikawa announced that Infiniti would transition toward electrification with plans for all new models to be either hybrid or fully electric by 2021.

Due to declining sales figures combined with Brexit-related uncertainties, Infiniti withdrew from Western Europe in 2019 to concentrate on markets such as China (excluding Hong Kong/Macau), North America, and Middle East where demand remained stronger. As a result, production of Q30 and QX30 models ceased at Sunderland. That same year saw Infiniti exit Australia and New Zealand because of sluggish sales performance.

By 2020, Infiniti had largely exited most European countries (except parts of Eastern Europe and Caucasus), South Africa, Australia/New Zealand, Southeast Asia including Hong Kong and Macau, as well as South Korea where anti-Japanese sentiment negatively impacted sales. The company relocated its headquarters back to Yokohama alongside parent company Nissan.

In November 2021, Nissan committed to making Infiniti a fully electric brand by 2030—ending production and sales of internal combustion engine vehicles within that timeframe.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 and subsequent sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus, Nissan ceased all production, exports, and sales activities for both Nissan and Infiniti vehicles in those markets.

In August 2024, Infiniti discontinued its final sedan offering—the Q50—due to poor market demand; consequently, it now focuses exclusively on SUV models.

Sales by calendar year

Year U.S. Canada Europe China Mexico Middle East Asia & Oceania Taiwan Worldwide
1999 72,637
2000 88,351
2001 71,365
2002 87,911
2003 118,655
2004 130,980 7,841
2005 136,401 7,672
2006 121,146 6,779
2007 127,037 6,756
2008 112,989 8,159 453
2009 81,089 7,081 1,319
2010 103,411 8,233 2,393
2011 98,461 6,936 3,686
2012 119,877 7,993 2,995
2013 116,455 8,947 2,451 17,084 1,006 5,652 2,357   164,052
2014 117,330 10,082 4,800 30,000 1,500 7,100 4,600   186,200
2015 133,498 11,300 7,000 40,200 1,800 8,300 5,700   215,250
2016 138,293 12,114 13,775 41,731 1,983 230,366
2017 153,415 12,433 16,625 48,408 6,141 6,552 2,440 246,492
2018 149,280 12,581
2019 117,708 10,974
2020 79,502 5,783
2021 58,553 5,838
2022 46,619 5,446
2023 64,699 5,208

Models

Previously Infiniti designated its models with a single letter for sedans and coupés, and two letters for SUVs, accompanied by a numeral denoting engine size. For instance: the QX56 represented an SUV equipped with a 5.6-liter engine. Notable exceptions included the QX4 SUV produced between 1996 and 2003 featuring initially a 3.3L and later a 3.5L engine. Additional suffixes conveyed specific features: "x" signified all wheel drive, "s" indicated a sport trim package; "h" denoted a hybrid variant; and "d" was used for diesel-powered models.

In 2013 Infiniti updated its naming system so that all coupes and sedans begin with the letter Q while SUVs and crossovers start with QX. This is followed by a number representing the vehicle's rank within the product range. Under this scheme: the M sedan was renamed Q70; the G coupe became Q60; the G sedan changed to Q50; the QX56 transitioned to QX80; FX was rebranded as QX70; JX became QX60; and EX was redesignated as QX50.

Concept vehicles

Infiniti Performance Line

In August 2010, Infiniti introduced its performance-focused division, Infiniti Performance Line (IPL), aimed at delivering sportier, high-performance variants of its vehicles.

Motorsports

Nissan made its debut in the Indy Racing League in 1996 under the Infiniti name, utilizing a racing version of the VH engine derived from production Q45 models. Driver Eddie Cheever achieved a third-place finish in the 2000 season. Despite securing several victories, the program concluded quietly after the 2002 season.

In 2011, Infiniti began supporting the Formula One team Red Bull Racing, capitalizing on the Renault-Nissan Alliance partnership with Renault as the engine supplier. That year, Sebastian Vettel was appointed as Infiniti’s inaugural global ambassador. This sponsorship arrangement concluded following the 2015 Formula One season.

Following the formation of the Renault F1 Team in 2016 within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance framework, Infiniti expanded its Formula One engagement through a technical partnership focusing on Power Unit Energy Recovery Systems (ERS), relocating engineers to Renault’s facilities in France. The Infiniti Engineering Academy provides engineering students with unique opportunities to collaborate with Renault F1. Moreover, Infiniti and Renault collaborated on Project Black S, a high-performance road vehicle incorporating ERS technology adapted from Formula One innovations.

During the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Laser Tools Racing campaigned Infiniti Q50 vehicles in the British Touring Car Championship, securing consecutive drivers' championships with Ash Sutton behind the wheel.

External links

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