MONTREAL - Wendy Durward has worked with Nissan Canada Inc. for over 21 years. She began as a Credit Analyst within the Nissan Canada Finance branch and moved her way through various roles before transferring to the automotive side of the business, when she became the Senior Manager of Marketing Communications for both Nissan and INFINITI 10 years ago. Five years after that, she became the Director of INFINITI Canada, and her main responsibilities include overseeing dealer operations, sales, marketing, press, parts and service.
"I think the word was ‘wow' when I had the opportunity and came out of the vehicle with Sebastian Vettel. It was a unique experience, a huge impression on me on what his job is, and how at ease he is behind the wheel. He can be so precise going at top speeds around a race track that he really did not know. I think he had just been on it a few times, a couple of rounds before I got in the car. I got the adrenaline rush, so I understand how he can get the thrill as well.
"As far as Sebastian Vettel being the new INFINITI Director of Performance, I think it's a great fit. INFINITI is all about precision, performance, being exact, being competitive, wanting to win, and he brings new and fresh eyes to the team to help design and tweak the vehicles. As far as I understand, he was a major player in the Q50 and making sure that the performance was at the upmost on the new vehicle in the first of the new Q vehicles for INFINITI.
"We were very excited a couple of years ago when the announcement was made, and I still remember the call from (Global Director of INFINITI in F1) Andreas Sigi. It came through on a conference call and we were all shouting. We saw the connection as being fantastic to start off with and then it deepened -- the strengthening of the connection with Sebastian Vettel as the Director of Performance improving product development. I think these are definite ways that it's bringing things closer and more relevant to customers.
"There's a passion for Formula 1 in Canada, in particular in Quebec, and Montreal basically comes completely alive the weekend with everything F1. This year we're going to be doing something with the local retailers, who are having a special VIP night for their special, important guests, and we will be revealing the Q50 for the first time in Montreal. Mark Webber will be our special guest; he will be doing the unveiling with this group of customers and retailers.
"It's been an exciting year, and it looks like it's going to be another exciting year. Lots has happened in the last 10 months, not even a year, with (INFINITI Motor Company, Ltd. president) Johan de Nysschen. With him on board, we have changed our headquarters out of Japan and into Hong Kong, so separating out of the mother country or the overarching Nissan brand. It gives that distinction and separation. The nomenclature, changing the nomenclature for the full lineup is exciting and very distinctive. We just came off the Americas Retailer meeting last week, the sharing of the vision with the whole dealer network, and the focus of becoming part of the premium club, globally, which also means within Canada is very exciting.
"With every single vehicle that we've been coming out with, we're strengthening what we call the Safety Shield around our vehicles and enhancing the technologies. The INFINITI customer, and the luxury customer, is looking for the safety and the shield that does not inhibit the driving performance, but enables them to avoid some of the nastiness that can happen. I think it's one of those things that has helped the INFINITI brand, and it goes hand-in-hand with providing that unique customer experience without diminishing the performance of the vehicles.
"Building the brand in Canada comes down to, right now, two core models: The first one over the years is G Sedan, as being the popular model, and then last year we launched the INFINITI JX, which has actually become the most popular model for us in INFINITI Canada.
"Right now I would say my favorite is the QX56. I'm a tall individual at 5'11", but my family is taller. My son is 6'8" and my husband is 6'4", so with them, my daughter and the dog, the QX56 really provides the uncompromised space that's needed at this time. In all seriousness, the interior is absolutely spectacular and it has the space that's needed for my family size at this moment."
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