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Infiniti ready to takeover Europe

rybo submitted on 01/23/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 12:24 AM
from: www.motorauthority.com

[27] user comments | category: Misc News

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Infiniti ready to takeover Europe

In an announcement that seemingly runs contrary to a previous decision to hold quality and brand recognition above sales, especially in Europe, Infiniti says it will push for global expansion, expecting ‘double digit sales increases well into the future.’ Specifically, Infiniti seeks to compete in Western Europe by the end of 2008. In a way, however, Infiniti’s push for expansion is more a result of growing its geographical presence than jacking up sales.

In 2006, Infiniti had dealerships in only 43% of luxury markets globally, while by the end of 2008, the company hopes to grow that figure to 93% - effectively more than doubling their geographical coverage. In addition, Infiniti is looking to grow its business into newly developing segments of the luxury market, especially the younger buyers, which are playing a larger role than in the past. Read Article

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Czelinski - 1/23/2008 10:49:37 AM

-4 Boost

Lexus have been here since 1988, and haven't made it big. What makes Infinti think they can do it? Equally bland cars, we just buy the Nissan or the Toyota over here and save paying for a non existent "premium" name.

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_43LE - 1/23/2008 10:56:48 AM

+7 Boost

Just visited a recent auto show and I can tell you that Infinitis are not bland. They are also quite different and more substantial from what Nissan has in its North American lineup. Infiniti has lots more character than Lexus and I believe will appeal more to Europeans. Remember, the G is a worthy competitor to the BMW 3 series and the M has beaten the 5 series in many comparisons.

M35MT - 1/23/2008 11:47:45 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Czelinski,

Just like how I can buy a 4Motion Passat in lieu of an A4 or A6? No difference there, right?

...

1995e34 - 1/23/2008 12:09:15 PM

+2 Boost

and lexus debut in 1989.

Htay7500 - 1/23/2008 4:08:15 PM

0 Boost

I also find equally bland AND ugly from BMW and MB.

Htay7500 - 1/23/2008 4:24:35 PM

0 Boost

and I'd have the M35 or the a6 and s80 over the 5.

AUTO_UNION - 1/23/2008 10:56:23 AM

+1 Boost

I think they will have big problems in Europe just as lexus has. But who knows what will happen in the future! I think they can both suceed in europe! It's just that they build cars oriented towards american public. They have to make more European cars and then they can both suceed in Europe.

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EL34 - 1/23/2008 11:10:44 AM

-3 Boost

Of course before Infiniti captures Europe they need to capture he SoCal skateboard community, their real competition ;-)

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M35MT - 1/23/2008 11:50:52 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

When you turn 12 your mommy will buy you a skateboard, no worries.

chuck717 - 1/23/2008 11:11:08 AM

+2 Boost

Their cars are very appealing fast and nice handling, the only problem they must address is the quaility of the leather seats, they have taken a drastic turn for the worse totally unacceptable for such nice machines?

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M35MT - 1/23/2008 11:48:59 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

That's most likely where the save their money. Nice leather is pricey, which would make the price of an Infiniti less competitive.

M35MT - 1/23/2008 11:50:24 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

FX's have been imported to Europe for years now in the gray market.

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VISO - 1/23/2008 1:44:43 PM

+1 Boost

You are right. I saw some retard kid speeding through the streets of Geneva in one earlier last year. Kept going around in circles around the main thoroughfares around the lake.

SVXXX - 1/23/2008 2:46:15 PM

+1 Boost

FXs are very well liked in Europe and States of former Soviet Union. I think they even sell for alot more than they do in US.

Rupert - 1/23/2008 6:06:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I saw an FX today - it looked good, but the brakes looked really small for some reason.

Czelinski - 1/23/2008 12:17:13 PM

+2 Boost

Czelinski,

Just like how I can buy a 4Motion Passat in lieu of an A4 or A6? No difference there, right?"

Errmm, Audi badge is worth the extra premium...And the designs are very much different.

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S4cabriofoxone - 1/23/2008 6:00:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

The Passat has nothing to do with the A4 nor the A6. I think M35 knows that, but he was just making a point. The M, G and FX have nothing to do with their Nissan cousins besides the engines, either--they're RWD to Nissan's FWD.

0to60 - 1/23/2008 12:24:19 PM

+3 Boost

They need a larger product lineup.

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autopro - 1/23/2008 1:07:29 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Your right ,but it takes money and it starts with the letter "B".They don't have it.

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Rupert - 1/23/2008 1:36:16 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

They need diesels if they want to succeed.
But they do look very distinctive...interiors not so great though.

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Dr550 - 1/23/2008 1:45:24 PM

+2 Boost

Very impressed with Audi S5,TT,R8. Not trendy and style will hold for years. Interiors also beautiful. Infiniti needs to focus on Lexus and make a credible large sedan. Less Nissan styling influences.

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VISO - 1/23/2008 9:18:44 PM

+2 Boost

Agreed Dr550. Good points Dr. Infiniti needs to focus on pumping up there product line first to fill the various segments so it can have product-lines similar to main players in the premium segment. They need to further their brand differentiation from Nissan and create a "history" as to way Infiniti is what it is. Then, they need to go racing and compete at various levels against Audi, BMW, and MB (especially in Europe where racing determines street credibility and respectibility). Beautiful showrooms aren't enough. That is just fluff in the way Lexus does it. Then Infiniti will need to create an in-house performance arm. They got royally screwed when the GT-R was badged as a Nissan (but that is a Nissan to begin with). So Infiniti has nothing to match not only the S/RS, M, and AMG, but it got passed by its own Nissan. Then they need a true flagship sedan. Finally, they need to create their own "image" or "house" as the Germans. They have a good chance in Eastern Europe though.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/23/2008 10:31:53 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

WOW. That is a lot of... things.

So basically, you're saying they should become BMW?

ThierryHenry14 - 1/23/2008 4:51:23 PM

+2 Boost

Another title begging for a flame war. Why not try these other titles:

"Infiniti ready to enter Europe"
"Infiniti ready to compete in Europe"
"Infiniti ready to take on Europe"

The list goes on... but of course, if you want attention, you have to say they are ready to "takeover" Europe.

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VISO - 1/24/2008 6:49:51 PM

+1 Boost

No, S4 cab, I am not saying they should become BMW. The problem with these Japanese premium brands is that they want to be like BMW or Audi in the marketplace, especially Infiniti which has stated that they want to be the Asian BMW. Just like Lexus has started, they are chasing the same type of business model as the Germans (though, I must admit I am not sure what MB is doing exactly - they seem to be all over the place at this time). This creates a cookie-cutter style brand perception in my opinion. Infiniti needs to be unique somehow by establishing its own brand values. I just see Infiniti lacking definition and this will hurt them in Europe where Europeans expect heritage and proven substance such as a racing tradition to establish prestige among other things in the premium high-end sector. The formula above is the cookie-cutter formula now used by all carmakers to make themselves look prestigous or sporty. The thing is we already have originals that do this extremely well.