- Joint venture Inspired Motor Sdn Bhd to launch in 4th quarter of 2011 in Kuala Lumpur
- Inspired Performance model range will comprise the INFINITI sport crossovers, sport coupes and performance sedans
INFINITI, the luxury automotive brand from Japan, announced today that it plans to introduce its range of performance vehicles to Malaysia in the 4th quarter of 2011.
INFINITI was the fastest-growing import luxury brand in the United States last year and is expanding rapidly across the globe. The Malaysian introduction follows Western Europe, select South American and Asia Pacific markets, most recently in Jakarta, Indonesia. Last two months it also announced Mexico, Australia and Singapore as forthcoming markets for the brand.
"As part of our worldwide expansion, we are very excited to launch INFINITI in Malaysia and welcome newly established joint venture Inspired Motor Sdn Bhd to our luxury brand," said Toru Saito, Infinti’s Corporate Vice President. "Within the year, the promise of luxury vehicles with a unique combination of inspired performance, attentive hospitality and unparalleled quality will become a reality for Malaysian customers, who we know are receptive to exclusive brands.”
Within the year, Malaysian luxury car buyers will be able to purchase and service INFINITI automobiles at the brand new INFINITI Centre operated by Inspired Motor Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between Edaran Tan Chong Motor and Auto Dunia, which will be strategically located in Kuala Lumpur.
Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd said “The impending arrival of INFINITI in Malaysia comes at a time when the luxury automotive market in Malaysia is experiencing tremendous growth. Last year, the segment grew by 40%.
Suffice to say, we are thrilled to be in the position to offer luxury car buyers in Malaysia a distinctive brand that epitomizes luxury performance.”
“The INFINITI model range will comprise of sport crossovers, sport coupes and performance sedans. Our Kuala Lumpur INFINITI Centre is committed to exceptional hospitality throughout the entire period of ownership,” commented Azman Badrillah, Director of Auto Dunia Sdn Bhd.
The news comes just weeks after INFINITI announced a major partnership with the Red Bull Racing F1 team, and ahead of this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix. Formula One World Champion and Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel is looking forward to competing in INFINITI’s latest market: “Racing in Malaysia is like doing some challenging sports in a sauna! It's going to be tough for the drivers because of the heat and the extreme humidity. It’s one of the biggest tests of a driver’s fitness during the whole year, but that’s why I did all my training in the winter. Car-wise it’s quite demanding due to the temperature. I like the circuit, as there are lots of different combinations of corners and it’s very challenging. It’s great to see that INFINITI will be bringing its unique style and driving luxury to this country – I think they will prove very popular with the Malaysian people.”
About INFINITI
The INFINITI brand was first introduced in 1989 in the United States, and its name was chosen to communicate that, with INFINITI, customers could experience infinitely more performance, design and premium customer service.
INFINITI’s global footprint expanded 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 Centres opening in the Ukraine and in one of the world’s fastest growing luxury automotive markets, China. In 2008, INFINITI launched in Western and Central Europe which has added 19 additional markets to-date. By 2013, INFINITI will enter 25 more new markets worldwide.
INFINITI, the luxury automotive brand from Japan, reflects its brand promise "Inspired Performance" with a model line-up of sedans, coupés, SUVs and crossovers featuring exhilarating performance, emotive design and cutting edge technology. INFINITI continues to launch across the globe through a dedicated network of INFINITI Centres that share a commitment to exceptional hospitality throughout the entire period of ownership.
On February 28, INFINITI announced a marketing agreement with Formula One World Champions, Red Bull Racing, covering the 2011 and 2012 F1 seasons. Leveraging the co-operative power of the Alliance, a unique triumvirate has been created with Red Bull Racing, focused on high-profile marketing and technical activities around Formula One.
For more information, see www.infiniti.com
About Inspired Motor Sdn Bhd
Inspired Motor is a joint venture company between Edaran Tan Chong Motor and Auto Dunia Sdn Bhd. Inspired Motor will be responsible for the retailing of INFINITI vehicles; Auto Dunia is the franchise holder
For more information:
Inspired Motor contact:
Chris Tan
+ 603 4047 8700
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
christan@infiniti.com.my
INFINITI Global Communications contact:
Nathalie Greve
INFINITI Business Unit, Yokohama, Japan
Tel: +81 80 434 27921
nathalie-greve@mail.nissan.co.jp