Infiniti brings strong lineup to show

The Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Hong Kong-headquartered premium automaker Infiniti Motor is bringing a strong lineup of new models to China's top auto event of the year, the Beijing international auto show 2016 that opens on Monday.

Infiniti showcases its all-new QX30 premium active crossover, the 2016 Q50L sports sedan, the full-size SUV QX80, and the latest concept model - the QX Sport Inspiration - which made its world premiere in Beijing on Saturday.

It also bring its QX50 premium SUV, the seven-seat QX60 premium SUV, the QX70 Performance SUV, the compact SUV ESQ, and the Q70L premium sedan to the show, targeting China's mid-size premium SUV market, one of the world's largest and fastest-growing segments.

"China is one of the most important markets for Infiniti, and also the most important growing market for us," said Roland Krueger, president of Infiniti Motor Co.

"We have the heritage of making SUVs and crossovers," Krueger said, "and we notice the demand for SUVs and crossovers in China is increasing so we will continue to launch more new models in the future."

The Infiniti Q50L. [Photo provided to China Daily]

With the unique body design, outstanding powertrain system and cutting-edge technologies in its segment, the automaker believes the new models will perfectly meet the needs of the Chinese young urban generation to show their personality and taste through their vehicle choices.

"To better understand the customers, we have the design center here, one of four design studios worldwide," Krueger said.

As a latecomer in China's auto market, Infiniti has been the fastest-growing premium car brand in the country for the past two years. It sold 9,610 units in the first quarter of 2016, up 21.7 percent year-on-year, much faster than the average growth rate in the premium auto sector.

In March, Infiniti sold 3,808 vehicles in China, an increase of 13.5 percent year-on-year. The automaker's locally produced Q50L sedan was the brand's bests-selling model, with 1,657 units sold in the January to March period, marking 13 consecutive months of monthly sales of more than 1,000 vehicles.

The Infiniti QX30. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Earlier this month, the 2016 Q50L sedan, the upgraded model of the Q50L with promoted sporting performance, reached the market with six editions, priced between 279,800 yuan ($43,055) and 409,800 yuan.

Globally, Infiniti sold 24,900 vehicles in March, up 22 percent year-on-year. It marked its 19th consecutive month with global year-on-year growth. The carmaker reached its first quarter record of 57,200 units worldwide in the first three months, a 9 percent increase year-on-year.

Both daring design and innovative technologies are the keys for Infiniti to provide high quality, safe driving experiences for its customers, and also the reason the automaker is favored by more and more Chinese customers.

"Globally, one of the top three reasons to purchase a car is design," Krueger said, explaining that he was a car designer so understands how important design is for customers.

From early 2016, Infiniti has launched several marketing campaigns in China, including a safety-themed micro film; television advertisements; cooperation with Didi Taxi, a Beijing-based ride-hailing technology firm; and a "safety camp" that allows potential customers to experience the driving with Infiniti's safety technology.

The interior of Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Infiniti also offers buyers of all its models a four-year or 100,000-kilometers warranty, and a six-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty for buyers of hybrid models, as well as 24-hour roadside service for all models.

This year, Infiniti is further strengthening its brand image in China by sponsoring the China Development Forum for the third consecutive year. The automaker thinks the move has improved its influence on China's mainstream.

Infiniti maintains a steady network expansion in the China market. It had 112 dealerships at the end of 2015 and plans to exceed 120 this year.

The automaker has also pledged to further advance its localization strategy in the market. Since it was founded in September 2014, Infiniti has introduced two locally produced models in China - the Infiniti Q50L and the all-new QX50 - which currently account for more than 60 percent of its total sales.

Roland Krueger (center), president of Infiniti Motor, leads Infiniti executives at the world debut of the QX Sport Inspiration concept. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Timeline of achievements

・Infiniti Motor is established in 1989 in the United States as the premium arm of Japanese automaker Nissan.

・The brand brings its products to the Chinese market in 2007.

・Infiniti China is established in July 2010.

・In 2012, Infiniti moves its global headquarters to Hong Kong, becoming the first premium automaker based in China.

・In 2014, Infiniti adopts a new strategy of naming its models with the Q series referring to sedans, coupes and convertibles while QX series for crossovers and SUVs.

・In January 2014, Infiniti China proposes the brand spirit of Gan Ai, or dear to love, which is heralded as the brand's effort to become the most emotional premium auto brand.

・In September 2014, Infiniti partners with China's Dongfeng Motor to establish a 50/50 joint venture called Dongfeng Infiniti.

・Localization starts in 2014, with two models produced in China - the Q50L and QX50.

・All of Infiniti's models are now available in China, including the Q50, Q50L, Q60, Q60S, Q70L, ESQ, QX50, QX60, QX70 and QX80.

・Infiniti has been one of the fastest-growing brands in China's premium auto market. It sells 40,188 vehicles in China in 2015, a 33.8 percent surge year-on-year, more than six times the average growth rate of premium car brands available in the Chinese market.