If Infiniti Doesn't Come Up With Another High Volume Seller Like the G-Series, Are They The Next Company To Sink?

Expect the EX to be heavily modified at it's first re-do. The Infiniti higher ups were expecting the EX to be a hit, and have been thoroughly disappointed by it's sales. It is a thoroughly impressive vehicle.

The biggest change will be rear leg room, and overall utility.

There should be a new M soon, expect M37 and M50 (390HP). The current M although long in the tooth now, is a very impressive vehicle, consistently beating the likes of the E Class and 5 series in comparo's.

One thing i think Infiniti really need is a G sedan, coupe and convertible range with a 2.5lt V6 that gets 30MPG+, and around 230-240HP. The Majority of 3 series sales are 328's, not everyone needs or wants 300+HP. 240HP with the 7 speed auto would be an instant hit i think.

Contrary to your post, the Q has not been sold in the US since '06, and while i think they need another Q to take on the likes of the 7 series and A8, the current market hardly justifies it unfortunately.

— Dodgeyaussie (View Profile)

Posted on 3/7/2009 11:37:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

Although last Skyline in Japan came w/ choice of 2.5L V6, it doesn't for this generation. You have to remember G is almost the size of 5 series, and a smaller engine doesn't make sense in terms of performance, which is the selling point of INFINITI. A smaller displacement only makes sense if it's forced induction or can rev up to 8000+ rpm, though the latter unfortunately being nearly extinct.

Back to the post, they should focus on M as volume seller and core of brand. Current M is a great car, but it needs a better exterior design. The one now looks even more boring than AUDI.

— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 1:18:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

For once, 001, i think you are onto something. The VQ engine is outdated for this market. They need to rethink their strategy for the US market. Audi is creeping up on them, look at sales numbers last month, the A4 sedan outsold the G37 sedan, a first on the US market.
I think that besides the obvious; Saab, other brands are in danger of survival on the US market.
If GM goes bankrupt, Saturn and Buick have little chances of surviving a restructuring. Volvo is also a brand in danger of extinction, they have nothing to put out on the market pass 2012, certainly if Ford unloads them. Jaguar's sales on the US market are dismal and if the economy doesn't pick up they might not make it.
It is however possible that brands like Acura and Infiniti, and even Audi could benefit of those failures or disappearances.

— 1evlaudi (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 1:41:43 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6   

all they need is a better and bolder body style and they will sell quality and performance is a given for nissan

— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 3:52:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

The funny thing here 001 is that you're not asking that if BMW keeps saturating the market with automotive answers to questions that no one asked (X6/5 series GT/M5M) will they BE THE NEXT COMPANY TO SINK! Your bias becomes more transparent with every new thread.

— Nostradamus (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 3:54:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 14   

Why is this conversation about the X6?

It was never meant to be a high volume seller.

My point is companies like Audi, BMW and Mercedes have MANY high volume products plus good volume in Europe and around the world so although none are safe in an economy like this, a company like Infiniti is more vulnerable.

And did we not say the Infiniti concept was the BEST thing we saw in Geneva and that we loved the new Audi S5/A5 convertible, all-road and V10 R8?

So what is this crap that we only like BMW?

READ for once.

001

— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 4:51:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6   

Teknik

BMW sold 500 X6s last month in the US market... At least get your facts straight.

— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 6:04:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

BMW's are used as police cars to.

— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 1:45:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

thats funny you said that Teknik. in your silly world this is one econobox thats doing very well....lolololol....hop off BMW D&%K they're name isn't kawasaki find something else to joyride on.

http://www.autospies.com/news/BMW-X6-SOLD-OUT-29632/

is any other truck in its class doing this well I think not.

— B7FAN (View Profile)

Posted on 3/9/2009 11:49:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

I think Infinite is in a good position in the market. All they need to do is offer a smaller engine in the G and watch how their sales would double! The same thing applies for the M.. Not everyone wants a fast luxury car. I'm sure if they make a smaller engine like a 2.5l or even a 2.0l in the G it would make a huge impact.

They also need to work on their interior quality. Although all Infinite's have nice looking interiors, their quality isn't where it should be. The interior starts falling apart quickly, heck even in the dealership the G35's interior was cracking!

Infinite could also make a BMW one series competitor. If they price is nicely, it will surely sell well.

— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 6:08:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7   

Nissan is not a company. It is a brand of the Nissan Motor Company.

— JustaCar (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 8:23:28 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

Infiniti needs to follow the path of the G-series, meaning offering a genuine competitor to German models of the same nature, but for less money and with more standard options and technology. Infiniti shines (for the most part) in that it offers a plethora of standard features on all models without a price that reflects it. A comparable BMW 3-series, for example, would cost upwards of $45-50K with the same options a base G37 has.

Infiniti has just gone a little too crazy with their design cues, especially in the FX and EX- they're just not mainstream designs, but adding Hybrid tech and AWD to some models will go along way in the future. Bottom line, I think it's safe to say that Infiniti definitely needs more high-volume sellers to keep its head above water. It's definitely no Lexus...yet.

— movamedia (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 9:25:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

If Infiniti sinks I can hardly imagine that anyone would even notice or care, other than a small group of desperate fanbois. Infiniti cars are mediocre products liked only by people who cannot afford to buy German.
Better said Infiniti is sort of a "ghetto" version of a luxury maker and choosing one of their products is usually associated with bad taste.
I wish them good luck though in their battle with their main rival Hyundai and hope they will not get beaten too hard.

— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 11:03:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -12   

In order for Infiniti to become a true luxury contender they need to rebuild their lineup. They've already had a good entry level G sedan/coupe but their midrange (M) needs to be revised again to be a true contender against the E class, 5er, GS, XF class cars. They need to bring back a Q flagship as well or else they will never be a Lexus contender.

Even Hyundai is making more strides than Infiniti is these days. The Equus flagship car in sketch is much better looking than the last Q45 Infiniti produced.

My two cents. Nissan fans don't hate but at least separate the brand by not rebadging their cars.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 11:50:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

See folks, at autospies.com the pro-German bias is so prevalent because it starts at the top!

This exact same "point" being made about Infiniti could be applied to every other brand due to today's wack job economy.

Yes the G keeps the money coming in. But if you look at all the ES, C class, and 3 series driving around out there you'll see Infiniti isn't the only one kept aloft by their more basic offerings.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 2:19:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

a styling update on the infiniti M will help sales (and offer a stick shift). it looks good, but doesn't look as modern as the current G.

a smaller rwd 1-series competitor wouldn't be a bad addition to the line up, either.

— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 2:29:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

If Infiniti would sink..the companies like Acura will perish..but the truth is they are going to stay.
In the next couple of years I'm sure they will have a sub $30K car that competes with the 328..and they are already revising the EX rear seat area for 2010. Just watch they are ready to make the required changes pretty soon!

— coolguy8157 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 3:21:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

According to my point of view, I wouldnt look so low on infiniti already. Yes maybe the G is as of their best sellers but I believe that there are many ways to push a car's sales. The biggest one as of now is the pricing and deals. If I were to own an infiniti dealership right now, the first thing I would do is check around my local competitors and see what kind of prices they have and then come back and start offering deals so ridiculousoly cheap that it should start to get consumer's attention. And second of all, keep in mind that it is an Infiniti.... guess what that means? They still have their twin brother Nissan to back them up. And Nissan Ill say isnt actually doing too bad... Consider the fact how car makers like the 2 German brothers Mercedes and BMW dont really have a cheap auto maker aside from Mini and Smart, I dont think we should really be worrying about Infiniti..

— shabaru (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 4:22:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

boring article, oo1

— KZ258 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 4:32:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Whoever designed the Infiniti Essence concept should be in charge of the rest of the line up.

— 4ron (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 4:38:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

Infiniti..thumbs down.

— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 10:44:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -16   

Agent001,

You should change the title to, "If BMW Doesn't Come Up With Another High Volume Seller Like the 3 Series, Are They The Next Company To Sink"?

This got be one of the stupiest I've read on autospies, with the way the economy going right now everyone is suffering even your belove BMW brand.

— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2009 11:50:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

EX, designed for women, didn't hit the mark like the RX. It's doing OK, but not a runaway hit because if it were more useful size, it eats into the FX. I agree that it will get the most changes when redesigned.

As for engines in the lineup, I'd love to see a 3.0 w/ valve timing & DI, but the VQ25 is already available w/ 215hp. Add the valve timing DI, and you've got something decent to complement the 3.7 and not step too close on the 3.7's toes like a 3L could. 2.5, 3.7, and 2.5/hybrid would be a great lineup for the G.

— PPower (View Profile)

Posted on 3/9/2009 12:08:50 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

I don't think many here actually understand whats going on and the write has a point. Infiniti sales peaked YEARS ago and have been down every since, even as the products have gotten better. I just realized they really only have 2 cars (M/G) and 3 SUVS!!! (EX/FX/QX). Does anyone else do that? Then they are cheapest around compared to the competition.

They do need more volume. Whats sad is they really are improving their vehicles but sales don't really reflect it.

— BarackBush (View Profile)

Posted on 3/9/2009 12:28:14 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

YAWN...

— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 3/9/2009 10:26:04 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

more over Infiniti willing to correct theiir problems, on EX majour probels were, no leg room in second row and no utility at all. so, they said they willing to fix it. Unlike BMW, they atill think X6 is still a big hit, they r not willing to correct it, well too late, Bangle is gone...lol
correct me if i am wrong, M sell as many as GS, or very close

— pchera01 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/9/2009 1:58:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Infiniti will do just fine. The FX and G are doing well considering the economy. The M and EX will be redesigned soon. The QX might not make it though. And yes, the X6 is a failure for BMW....

— hyundaifansdotcom (View Profile)

Posted on 3/9/2009 10:21:43 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

I agree with some of the above statements. As an Infiniti salesman I love the VQ engine, but Infiniti needs a better replacement fo rthe I35 as mentioned a 2.5 or even a turbo 4 could be pretty good keep the loaded price in the real mid 30's and its a home run. even a detuned VQ series with better MPG woudl be a winner. I dont think anyone has said the VQ is outdated or unwanted but more likely stating the need for more economy

— chris357 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/9/2009 2:11:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Yes, Infiniti is in a lot of trouble if they continue to build the same low quality vehicles.

— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 3/9/2009 2:54:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3