FRANKLIN, Tenn. – As 2012 comes to a close, we thought it fitting to take a look back at 12 special moments 2012. From launching an all-new 7-passenger luxury crossover SUV to moving to a new home in Hong Kong, a lot has happened this year. Here is to a successful 2013 for everyone. Have a safe and happy holiday.
INFINITI Announces New Naming Strategy
Dec. 18 - Marking another significant step in its plan to further expand its presence in the premium automotive sector, INFINITI announced details of a new nomenclature strategy to be applied to its complete product range beginning with the 2014 model year. The first model to carry INFINITI's new Q badge will be the Q50, an all-new premium sports sedan to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January 2013.
INFINITI U.S. Sales Up 41.2 Percent in November
Dec. 3 - INFINITI reported U.S. sales of 11,897 units for November, an increase of 41.2 percent versus 8,428 units a year earlier. Calendar year-to-date INFINITI sales of 107,250 were up 22.6 percent compared to the 87,471 units sold during the same period last year. Good stuff.
INFINITI Ranks Second Among Luxury Brands in J.D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Survey
Nov. 28 - INFINITI was proud to announce it is ranked second overall and among luxury brands in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study. INFINITI improved 52 points year-over-year, placing the brand up eight rank positions among all brands from 2011.
Vettel Clinches Third Consecutive Title in Brazilian Thriller
Nov. 25 - Sebastian Vettel wrote himself another page in the Formula One history books as sixth place in a dramatic Brazilian Grand was enough to hand him his third consecutive championship crown. In claiming the title, Vettel joined the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher as only the third driver in the sport's history to win three or more championships in a row.
New for 2013 - INFINITI Red Bull Racing
Nov. 25 - INFINITI and Red Bull Racing, the three-time FIA Formula One Constructors' World Champion, announced a comprehensive extension of their partnership originally established in March 2011. The partnership will involve the team name changing to INFINITI RED BULL RACING and INFINITI named as the major technical partner starting with the 2013 Formula One season.
Sept. 28 - INFINITI president Johan de Nysschen said INFINITI will expand its product portfolio to cover the premium market. Speaking in front of the EMERG-E concept at the Paris motor show, he said INFINITI is about cars drivers lust over.
Building a Global Brand – A Discussion with the New Head of INFINITI Global, Johan de Nysschen
Aug. 21 - INFINITI offered two North American debuts while at the 62nd Annual Pebble Concours d'Elegance. One unveiling came in the form of the brand's Emerg-e concept car, the latest embodiment of INFINITI Inspired Performance. The other introduction was for the new head of INFINITI Global, Johan de Nysschen.
INFINITI Emerg-e Concept Makes North American Debut at 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
Aug. 16 - The INFINITI Emerg-e Concept, the latest embodiment of INFINITI Inspired Performance, made its North American debut during festivities surrounding the 62nd annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, one of the world's premier celebrations of the automobile.
Jun. 7 - The 2013 IPL G Convertible INFINITI, which went on sale in spring 2012, became the second member of the INFINITI Performance Line of premium performance vehicles. First introduced with the dramatic IPL G Coupe, IPL's product design philosophy focuses on "total vehicle performance," including unique driving attributes and exclusive exterior and interior features at a highly attractive price point.
Eyeing Expansion, INFINITI Opens Hong Kong Global Headquarters
May 22 - INFINITI officially opened its new global headquarters in Hong Kong, signaling the rising importance of Asia for high-end automakers. The relocation, almost 3,000 km from Nissan's Yokohama headquarters, heralds INFINITI's expansion plans with China a key tenet. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, opening the INFINITI HQ, said Hong Kong is an ideal base for continued growth in the world's largest auto market.
INFINITI LE Concept – A Vision of Zero Emission Luxury Revealed at New York International Auto Show
Apr. 5 - The INFINITI LE Concept, which made its world debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, is more than just the latest in the series of dramatically styled, technologically advanced concepts from INFINITI. Though sharing much with the stunning futuristic INFINITI concepts that have come before – a sweeping aerodynamic body, an elegantly intelligent interior, inspired driving performance and advanced next-generation technology – the INFINITI LE Concept is more grounded in reality.
2013 INFINITI JX Luxury Crossover Production Begins
Feb. 20 - The first luxury vehicle produced in the state of Tennessee, an INFINITI JX luxury crossover in Emerald Green, rolled off the production line during a special ceremony at Nissan's Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant. The all-new, 7-passenger 2013 INFINITI JX went on sale at INFINITI retailers nationwide in March.
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