- INFINITI's "Inspired Performance" vehicles available in South Africa from June 2012
- Strong model line-up now in two dealerships
- INFINITI's advanced technologies in South Africa for the first time
- Dedicated INFINITI Centrer provide "Total Ownership Experience"
FRANSCHHOEK, South Africa - INFINITI has launched in South Africa amongst the stunning scenery of Franschhoek and the surrounding areas of the Western Cape.
"We are thrilled to have INFINITI in South Africa and we are confident that it will be as successful here as it is in many other regions around the world," says Mike Whitfield, Managing Director of Nissan South Africa.
Founded in 1989 and initially launched in the United States, INFINITI has seen exponential growth over the years and continues to expand around the world. The South African introduction comes hot on the heels of launches in Indonesia, Panama and Malaysia with Singapore, the Dominican Republic, Australia, Hong Kong and Chile next on the list.
Vice President of INFINITI Europe, Middle East India and Africa, Bernard Loire is positive about the brand's local introduction: "We are very pleased that INFINITI is making in-roads into Africa as part of our global expansion and foresee a very positive acceptance from South African buyers who favor style, luxury and performance. In addition to our products, ‘INFINITI Hospitality' will provide South African customers with a new experience."
Five INFINITI model lines will be available from the end of June 2012, through dealers located in Hatfield, Pretoria and Melrose in Johannesburg. Additional INFINITI Centers in Durban and Cape Town will be operational in the last quarter of this year, with a 10-dealer network planned for 2014.
In South Africa, INFINITI will be further strengthened by INFINITI Financial Services, which will focus on vehicle finance in the luxury market and offer innovative products and services to both companies and individuals.
The range for South Africa comprises the new INFINITI M luxury sedan (M30d), INFINITI FX performance SUV (FX30d, FX37 and FX50), INFINITI EX compact SUV (EX30d and EX37), INFINITI G Coupe (G37) and INFINITI G Cabrio (G37). A range of V6 and V8 petrol engines and V6 diesel engines linked to a 7-speed automatic transmission are available across the range.
A petrol-powered derivative of the INFINITI M luxury saloon, the M37, will be introduced later in 2012 and the technologically advanced INFINITI M35h performance hybrid is currently under consideration for the South African market.
"INFINITI delivers a unique combination of peace of mind, hospitality and driving pleasure. Our tagline of ‘Inspired Performance' illustrates that INFINITI cars are so much more than machines that move you from one place to another," continues Whitfield. "INFINITI has an emotional, inspirational appeal, offering a very personal style of modern luxury for people inspired by originality and design who seek enriching experiences."
Whitfield says INFINITI's service philosophy is a core part of the brand's DNA: "For INFINITI, it is always about the unwavering commitment we make to our customers. The INFINITI ‘Total Ownership Experience' is part of that promise and it is founded on three pillars. The first is driving pleasure. Second is our hospitality - we want our guests to feel comfortable and this is always presented in a luxurious and inviting environment. The third pillar is peace of mind. We believe that every customer should enjoy outstanding service throughout their INFINITI ownership, and be able to count on knowledgeable people who are committed to ensuring their satisfaction - this is what we will be delivering to INFINITI owners here in South Africa."
Notes to editors about INFINITI
INFINITI launched in the United States in 1989, expanding its global footprint into Canada in 1990, the Middle-East in 1996, Taiwan in 1997, Korea in 2005 and Russia in 2006. Global expansion continued in 2007 with INFINITI Centers opening in the Ukraine and China. In 2008, INFINITI launched in Western and Central Europe which has added 19 additional markets to-date. By 2013, INFINITI will enter 25 new markets worldwide.
Last year, INFINITI announced it will locate its global headquarters in Hong Kong with the aim of lifting total global sales to 500,000 vehicles a year as part of Nissan's six-year mid-term business plan, Nissan Power 88.
INFINITI's growth strategy is expected to be driven partly by demand in China and other fast-growing Asian markets, which can be served more effectively by consolidating INFINITI's global sales, marketing and planning functions in Hong Kong.
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For more information, please contact:
INFINITI South Africa
Vinola Pillay
Senior Manager: Marketing & Communications
Tel: +27 (0) 12 529 5163
E-Fax +27 (0) 86 580 0026
Mobile +27 (0) 82 460 1197
Email: vinolap@infiniti.co.za
INFINITI Europe, Africa & Middle East
Eva Ng Kon Tia
Communications and Events Manager
Tel: +41 21 822 4951
Mobile: +41 79 701 8281
Email: eva.ngkontia@infiniti.eu
