The Infiniti Q50 sedan is what one could call a truly international vehicle: it is built in Japan, but its new Mercedes-designed turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine will be manufactured in the U.S., with the finished product to be sold in Europe only.
As curious as it may seem, Nissan’s production strategy regarding this particular Q50 model is very true, with Infiniti set to launch production of the new 211HP 2.0-liter engine in Decherd, Tennessee on June 26. The plan is part of an ongoing global product-sharing deal between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler AG, as well as of Infiniti’s own strategy to build its global product portfolio with European-flavored models and engines.
The four-cylinder engine will be produced by Infiniti on a plant line that is separate from Nissan’s engine operations at Decherd, as the luxury brand seeks to distinguish itself more clearly from its parent company. The $319 million engine line is differentiated from Nissan’s operation with a distinct architecture, roofing and natural interior lighting. When it reaches its maximum output of 250,000 engines a year, the Tennessee plant will employ about 400 people.
“The opening of this new powertrain facility is an important step for Infiniti. It is the first step of our manufacturing expansion that will include the start of vehicle production in China later this year and in Europe next year,” said Infiniti president Johan de Nysschen.
The same engine built by Infiniti will be supplied to Mercedes’ Vance, Alabama plant that will start making C-Class models this year. Infiniti sold 15,583 Q50 sedans in the U.S. in the first five months of 2014.
By Dan Mihalascu
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