Hong Kong – INFINITI named Francois Bancon its new Vice President, Product Strategy, effective April 1. He will be based at the company's global headquarters in Hong Kong and report to Johan de Nysschen, President INFINITI Motor Company, Ltd. In this capacity, he will have overall responsibility for the INFINITI product portfolio. INFINITI plans to increase its vehicle portfolio by 60 percent and more than double its powertrain portfolio over the next five years.
Bancon is a seasoned product executive with more than 35 years of experience in the automotive industry. He is currently Division General Manager for Nissan Motor Company overseeing product strategy and planning for the Exploratory and Advanced Product Department. In this capacity, he leads advanced product planning for the overall company.
"I am very pleased that Francois is joining the INFINITI leadership team," said de Nysschen. "Product is at the core of our growth strategy. Francois' product experience, his passion, and in particular his in-depth knowledge of future product trends, will be key assets as we continue to craft our future portfolio."
Bancon started his automotive career with Renault SA in France in 1978. In 1999, he joined Nissan Motor Company Ltd as General Manager in charge of perceived quality within the company's Design team. In 2005, he was named to his current position as head of advanced product planning.
INFINITI is in the middle of a major transformation setting itself up for growth in the premium automotive segment. With the new Q50 sport sedan, the Q30 Concept and most recently the Q50 Eau Rouge concept car, INFINITI has laid the groundwork for a major product expansion. By 2018, the company plans to have product entries in approximately 80 percent of the premium market.
About INFINITI
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in approximately 50 countries. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States. Production in China and Europe will start soon along with the expansion of the brand's portfolio.
As the Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of INFINITI Red Bull Racing, INFINITI has a far-reaching technical collaboration with the Formula One team, and Sebastian Vettel, its four-time World Champion driver, serves as INFINITI's Director of Performance.
More information about INFINITI, its Total Ownership Experience® and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infiniti.com. For the latest news on INFINITI in Formula One, visit www.infiniti-gp.com, www.youtube.com/INFINITIGP or follow on Twitter @INFINITIGP.
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Contacts:
For INFINITI U.S Communications, contact:
Kyle Bazemore
Senior Manager
Office: 615-725-3210
E-mail: kyle.bazemore@infiniti.com
For INFINITI Global Communications, contact:
Stefan Weinmann
General Manager, INFINITI Global Communications
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd., Hong Kong
Phone: +852 3948 0126
Mobile: +852 9447 9973
Email: stefan.weinmann@infiniti.com
Jon Walsh
Senior Manager, INFINITI Global Communications
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd., Hong Kong
Phone: +852 3948 0129
Mobile: +852 9447 9705
Email: jon.walsh@infiniti.com
