Infiniti Enters Chinese Auto Market

Infiniti G37 front China
Infiniti, a new and ambitious luxury brand, became one of the best sellers in North America soon after its launch, with customers responding to its vibrant design, exhilarating performance and special customer care philosophy.

Infiniti has now arrived in China, ready to redefine the concept of luxury and launch a new era in the nation?s luxury car market.

"The China business is crucial for Infiniti's global expansion and the smooth implementation of Nissan Value-Up," said Yasuaki Hashimoto, Corporate Vice President of Nissan Motor *** Ltd., who took part in the grand opening ceremony with Yukihisa Kayashima, President of Nissan (China) Investment *** Ltd, Mr. Cai Yingjie, Vice President of Yongda Group, and Mr. Xu Yue, General Manager of Shanghai Yongda Infiniti dealership. During the opening ceremony, the ritual of key delivery was also held for Infiniti's first car owner.

"Infiniti has been well received in the marketplace thanks to its vibrant design, exhilarating performance, modern luxury experience and premium quality, as well as its Total Ownership Experience customer care philosophy," said Yasuaki Hashimoto. "Infiniti's worldwide customers are innovative, ambitious and successful people. We are also expecting many of the same kind of customers in China. Cumulative Infiniti global sales have so far topped 1,100,000 units. Today, we are so excited to see that Infiniti has taken a major step forward in China. We hope that Infiniti can achieve great success in this market."

Independent comparison tests show that, in terms of performance and driving experience, Infiniti has many strong advantages over its competitors. In addition, Infiniti also has a unique and advanced customer care philosophy -- Total Ownership ExperienceTM, and has been awarded as one of the brands achieving the highest customer satisfaction.

Shanghai Yongda Infiniti dealer shop offers warm welcome
The new Infiniti dealership is designed to make every visitor immediately feel warm and comfortable the moment they enter. Infiniti believes that it does not just sell products, but offers a 'redefined luxury experience' thus making the customer feel at home, bringing to life Infiniti's Graceful strength concept.

Even the smallest detail has been taken into account in the design of the Shanghai Yongda Infiniti dealer shop. The exterior is covered with transparent steel glass and expressive rounded curves on the top, like a giant sailing ship, while a striking Infiniti logo shines day and night. The G35 luxury sports sedan and FX luxury SUV, masterpieces of the Infiniti line-up, have prominent places in the showroom. Warm-colored sofas in the exhibition area further enhance the overall feeling of comfort.

Infiniti Retail Environment Design Initiative (IREDI) -- new definition of luxury experience
"All Infiniti dealerships will be built based on Infiniti Retail Environment Design Initiative (IREDI), Infiniti's unified global standard. We believe that our dealers will be able to bring the greatest satisfaction to customers through their commitment to the Total Ownership Experience philosophy -- even exceeding the expectations of luxury customers," said Mr. Kayashima.

The IREDI concept was established in 2005 and first applied at an Infiniti dealership in Korea in July 2005. The standard has now been applied in many Infiniti dealerships around the world. It is expected that 18% of Infiniti dealerships in the U.S. will adopt IREDI by the end of FY2007, and the number will reach 60% by 2010.

The IREDI concept includes two aspects: First, a dynamic exterior is required, but it should not give people a sense of distance. A glass wall and Infiniti logo with strong visual impact at night are the most typical features. Second, in the interior, the lobby should be spacious and modern, the rest area should be warm and relatively separate, and the exhibition area requires an artistic layout. The core value of the IREDI concept is to promote continuous sales and profit growth, enhance Total Ownership ExperienceTM and strengthen customer loyalty.

Total Ownership ExperienceTM (TOE)
Total Ownership ExperienceTM(TOE), Infiniti's customer care philosophy, is promoted to a higher level by IREDI. TOE will bring precious added value to Chinese consumers, including a 4-year/100,000km new car warranty, 24-hour road assistance, CCC(Customer Care Center, high-quality insurance service, etc. TOE aims to build a good, long-term relationship with customers. Customers get premium service the moment they enter the Infiniti dealer shop, and such service will continue throughout the whole process, from pre-sales to after-sales.

Infiniti started its sales in China from July 1st. The first few models are G35 sedan and FX35/45 SUV. G35 Base is priced at RMB448,000, G35 Premium at RMB478,00, while FX35 Base is priced at RMB638,000 and FX35 Top at RBM678,000 and FX45 Top at RMB808,000.


Press release via Nissan/Infiniti