You don’t need to be descended from Einstein to figure out that Inifinit’s lineup of models is specifically targeted at the American consumer who wants a certain type of car. However, ever since the Japanese premium brand expanded its borders outside the US, in 2008, it has not been an effort crowned by success, though, in Europe at least, their FX SUV is a surprisingly common sight.
Now, a report published by Wards Auto, says the brand intends to expand its global appeal, by changing the cars they sell, as well as the specifics of each model. The president of the brand, Johan de Nysschen is right in remarking that nobody would ever buy a mid-sized sedan in Europe, if it didn’t also come with a smaller capacity diesel, like the 2.2-liter unit they’re going to use to power the base-spec Q50 – a V6 cannot be an entry-level model here.
One indication of this trend already taking place is the upcoming Q30 hatch, which recently previewed by a swoopy concept, in Frankfurt.
Nissan Executive Vice President Andy Palmer added that in order to appeal to buyers outside the States, strangely, Infiniti will have to introduce bigger cars.
“Which is the opposite direction from where BMW and Mercedes are coming,” Palmer acknowledges. “(But) they already have the reputation, and they’re coming down (to smaller-size segments) because there’s volume there. If we just go after the volume, we’ll never build the brand. So we have to look upwards.”
However, their intent is not to go after specific models in the competitors’ lineups, like say have a direct three-box sedan rival to the Audi A8, opting instead to put a coupe twist on everything they do, and let these new models carve their own niche.
Palmer noted that an extended-range concept sports car remains in Infiniti’s list of models it would like to produce.
“(A future production sports car) has a strong relationship with a motor and a battery,” Palmer says. “We do those concepts for a reason. You’ve got (the) Essence (2009 concept sports car) and you’ve got Emerg-e. At some moment or other, Infiniti needs a halo vehicle.”
By Andrei Nedelea
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