Interesting News From Nissan
 

Source: Nissan

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Infiniti to Launch Across Europe in 2008

Next generation models, premium ownership experience drive new luxury entrant

PARIS, (25 April, 2006) -- Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., today announced that its Infiniti luxury brand will launch across the European market during 2008. The announcement was made in Tokyo by President and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, during a press conference for the 2005 fiscal year results.


Launched in the US and Canada in 1989, Infiniti is currently sold across North America, Taiwan, the Middle East and Korea. In 2006, Infiniti will be launched in Russia followed by China and Ukraine during 2007.


“In 1999 we made the decision to re-invest heavily in the Infiniti brand, focusing on outstanding products and a premium ownership experience,” said Ghosn. “That investment has made Infiniti the fastest-growing luxury brand in the US and one that is recognized globally for its blend of design, performance and luxury. We are now ready to bring this unique brand to consumers in Europe,” continued Ghosn.


Infiniti will be distributed in Europe through a dedicated sales and service network that will start operations during 2008. Full details of the final product range, ownership experience and business structure will be disclosed closer to launch.


“This is the ideal time for Infiniti to launch in Europe,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan Europe. “This timing allows us to bring the next generation of Infiniti models, including a fully competitive line-up of petrol and diesel engines, specifically designed for the demanding needs of our European premium customers,” Carolin added.


Infiniti has built a reputation for top-ranking customer service, contemporary design and driving performance. Since the company renewed its focus on Infiniti in 1999, sales in the US grew from 72,637 vehicles to 136,401 vehicles in 2005, an 88% increase.


In Europe, Nissan employs 12,000 people in its design, research and development, manufacturing, logistics, and sales and marketing operations. In 2005, the company produced a total of 508,901 vehicles in its British and Spanish plants and sold 540,954 vehicles in Europe. Nissan Europe’s headquarters is based in Trappes (Paris), France.

When I read this it made me a little worried that they may change their minds closer to launch date and put the GTR under the Infiniti brand. You just never know.

i think the coincidence of the GTR launch, and the Infiniti global launch, may be just that --a total coincidence.

and i think this is what fueled and perpetuated the mystery and the rumor that the GT-R would be an Infiniti. moreover, i doubt Nissan will recant their choice for titling the 11th gen GT-R as Nissan GT-R -- they realize the huge cult status and racing heritage of such a name. they may have never intended the GT-R ever to be an Infiniti. but the "going global" of both Infiniti and the GT-R may have created in the press a total mythology about the two being one and the same.

i realized today that i have been referring to the new GTR as the "11th gen." and that is incorrect :o

we are on the 11th gen Skyline but NOT GTR. the GTR is only on it's 7th generation.
we have:

first GTR, the PGC10.
2nd, KPGC10
3rd, KPGC110
4th, BNR32
5th, BCNR33
6th, BNR34
7th, GTR Proto

http://www.leftlanenews.com/will-nis...after-all.html

I cannot start a new thread, but someone post this as a new thread.... RUMORS that the GTR may actually be an INFINITI after ALL!!!!

-Shahul

oh well. i never liked Infiniti GTR. but they're keeping Skyline?

99% sure it will be the Nissan GT-R (no skyline, no infiniti)

right. thing is, if it's skyline or infiniti, why would carlos ghosn announce it officially to be branded a nissan --confirming it would not be an infiniti, then release it as something else? it would be like saying "ok, it will be an infiniti.....no....wait...the jury is back and it will be released as a nissan......"[then the car is released finally.....and it's an infiniti].

im so confused... if being a Nissan will make the car cheaper then Im fine with it :)

I want to buy a sports car and am looking at many, but the main thing im waiting for is the price/final specs announcement on this car as its my #1 choice in what I hope is my price range

It's going to be Nissan check Nissanusa.com under future vehicles.