- Exclusive Centres in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane
- ‘Inspired Performance’ model range will initially comprise the INFINITI M, G Line and FX
INFINITI, the luxury automotive brand from Japan, today announced that it plans to begin sales of its range of sedans, coupes and cross-overs in Australia starting in 2012. INFINITI was the fastest-growing import luxury brand in the United States last year and is expanding rapidly across the globe. The Australian introduction follows the Western Europe and select South American and Asia Pacific markets.
Starting from the third quarter of 2012, Australian luxury car buyers will be able to purchase and service INFINITI automobiles at designated INFINITI Centres in each of the three major east coast capitals Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Initially, the INFINITI model range will comprise the highly distinctive INFINITI FX sport crossover, G37 sport convertible and coupe and the unique INFINITI M luxury performance sedan.
"As INFINITI emerges as a global luxury brand and expands its worldwide market coverage, the Australian market is an obvious next step," said Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President for the INFINITI brand. "In a little more than a year, the promise of luxury vehicles with a unique combination of inspired performance, attentive hospitality and unparalleled quality will become a reality for the Australian market. We are excited to enter Australia as we know luxury car customers there are very receptive to exclusive brands."
Kevin Snell has recently been appointed General Manager, INFINITI Cars Australia and has begun assembling a dedicated team to manage the introduction of the premium brand locally.
Snell, formerly a global Sales & Marketing executive with Saab Automobile and more recently, a Senior Product Planner at Nissan Australia, said his team was committed to delivering INFINITI customers with a new style of luxury experience underpinned by inspiring products which will challenge conventional notions of luxury.
“INFINITI is a passionate brand with inspiring cars which will provide Australian consumers a clear alternative to the traditional premium makes. An alternative which will be underpinned by our brand promise of "Inspired Performance" and reflected not only by our cars emotive designs, exhilarating performance and advanced technology but also by the exceptional customer service and attention delivered at our exclusive INFINITI Centres."
In Australia, INFINITI will be strengthened by a financial division: INFINITI Financial Services. The finance team possesses broad experience in automotive financing and will operate from its head office in Victoria. Exclusively focused on the premium segment, INFINITI Financial Services will offer innovative products and services to companies and individuals, both in traditional credit and in leasing.
For its Australian arrival, INFINITI has begun assembling a team of professionals from luxury consumer goods and automotive backgrounds who are experts in delivering an outstanding luxury brand experience.
In addition to General Manager, Kevin Snell, founding members of the INFINITI Cars Australia team will include Sales & Marketing Manager, Andrew Millar (formerly of the Swatch Group); Nick Parkington, appointed National Retail Performance Manager (and formerly of the AWB Landmark organization; Mark Grier, appointed Digital Marketing & CRM Manager (formerly of BMW Group) and Zac Loo, appointed Product & Sales Planning Manager and (formerly of Mercedes-Benz).
INFINITI Cars Australia has commenced formal discussions with a number of outstanding automotive retailers, who share a passion for premium cars and outstanding customer service, to join the brand as the inaugural retail partners in 2012.
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.
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.
For more information, visit www.infiniti.com
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.
Contacts:
Kyle Bazemore
INFINITI Product Communications
615-725-3210
kyle.bazemore@infiniti.com
Kevin Snell
General Manager
INFINITI Cars Australia
+61 (0)417 108 720
Kevin_Snell@INFINITIAustralia.com.au
Jeffrey Fisher
Head, Corporate Communications
INFINITI Cars Australia
+61 3 9797 4358
+61 (0)400 028 425
Jeff_Fisher@INFINITIAustralia.com.au
Nathalie Greve
Global Communications
INFINITI Business Unit, Yokohama, Japan
Tel: +81 80 434 27921
nathalie-greve@mail.nissan.co.jp
