2011 version of QX56 expected to boost model’s sales

Infiniti is counting big on its 2011 version of the QX56 to increase sales for the model, which has been suffering along with the rest of the segment as buyers move towards more fuel-efficient and smaller options. However, with more power and more fuel-efficiency, the 2011 QX56 is expected to recapture some of the full-size large SUV market.

“We will have months when we sell 800 to 900 of these,” Ben Poore, Infiniti’s vice president in charge of sales and marketing, told Edmunds.

That brings Poore’s predictions to annual sales of as high as 10,800 units for the 2011 QX56. Sales of the outgoing model averaged at 1,226 units a month and totaled 14,715 in 2005, making that its record sales year. However, last year sales for the QX56 were the model’s worst, averaging 536 units a month with year-long sales totaling 6,440 units.

It seems like there may be some sun shining on the QX56 in 2010 because sales are averaging at 770 a month.

Refresher: The 2011 Infiniti QX56 is powered by a 5.6L direct injected V8 making 400-hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, which helps add a 10 percent gain in fuel-economy. The 2011 QX56 can handle towing of up to a 8,500-pound towing capacity.

2011 Infiniti QX56:

– By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoObserver