Infiniti aims to triple China sales in next five years with five locally made vehicles
Luxury vehicle division of Nissan out to intensify its challenge to Audi, BMW and Lexus on mainland – just as world’s largest car market becomes liberalised
Luxury-car maker Infiniti is betting big on China and plans to introduce five locally produced vehicles in an attempt to triple sales in the world’s largest car market over the next five years, Roland Krueger, president of the Nissan unit, says
First up will be the redesigned QX50 premium SUV as Infiniti targets the fastest-growing segment, Krueger said in an interview ahead of the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, which starts next week.
It will be built together with Dongfeng Motor Group in China’s coastal city of Dalian, and goes on sale later this year.
Infiniti is recharging its attack on Audi, BMW and Lexus just as China is taking steps to liberalise its car market – a potential upheaval that could lead to intensified competition in the country.
While the relaxed rules would make it easier for foreign brands to go it alone, Infiniti plans to keep relying on local partners as it pushes for market-share gains.
“You have to build your long-term success on successful partnerships,” said Krueger, 52, who joined the carmaker in 2014 after working at BMW for more than a decade.
“We’ve had a very successful partnership with Dongfeng and we will continue to operate in this framework.”
