Infiniti Confirmed For Australia In 2012

Jay Williams - 24/March/2011

Stuttgart, Germany - Infiniti, the luxury automotive brand from Japan, has announced that it plans to begin sales of its range of sedans, coupes and cross-overs in Australia starting in 2012.

Infiniti was the fastest-growing import luxury brand in the United States last year and is expanding rapidly across the globe. The Australian introduction follows the UK, Western Europe and select Asia Pacific markets.

Starting from the third quarter of 2012, Australian luxury car buyers will be able to purchase and service Infiniti automobiles at Infiniti Centres in each of the three major east coast capitals Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Initially, the Infiniti model range will comprise the highly distinctive Infiniti FX sport crossover, G37 sport convertible and coupe and the unique Infiniti M luxury performance sedan.

"As part of Infiniti's worldwide expansion, Australia is a mandatory next step for the luxury brand," said Dan Thompson CEO, Infiniti Cars Australia.  "In a little more than a year, the promise of luxury vehicles with a unique combination of inspired performance, attentive hospitality and unparalleled quality will become a reality for the Australian market."

Kevin Snell has recently been appointed General Manager, Infiniti Cars Australia and has begun assembling a dedicated team to manage the introduction of the premium brand locally.

Snell, formerly a global Sales & Marketing executive with Saab Automobile and more recently, a Senior Product Planner at Nissan Australia, said his team was committed to delivering Infiniti customers with a new style of luxury experience underpinned by inspiring products which will challenge conventional notions of luxury.

"Infiniti is a passionate brand with inspiring cars which will provide Australian consumers a clear alternative to the traditional premium makes. An alternative which will be underpinned by our brand promise of "Inspired Performance" and reflected not only by our cars emotive designs, exhilarating performance and advanced technology but also by the exceptional service and attention delivered at our exclusive Infiniti Centres," said Snell.

Kick starting the range is the Infiniti FX SUV, powered by a choice of a 5.0-litre V8, 3.7-litre V6 or a 3.0-litre diesel engine from launch. The Infiniti FX boasts aggressive styling with its long bonnet, stretched wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs, and low centre of gravity.

Meanwhile, G Coupe and G Convertible will be available from launch with a 3.7-litre V6. But, the current G sedan will not be launched given that it's almost at the end of its turn, meaning that we can expect to see the new-generation G sedan hit the market by 2014-15.

And, rounding out the range is the Infiniti M sedan which will set its sights on the likes of Lexus' LS range and BMW's 5 Series. There are currently seven models on offer in the global Infiniti line-up, with petrol, diesel and hybrid engines available.

Related Links:
- Infiniti Etherea (2011)
- Infiniti FX Limited Edition (2010)