Report: Starting 2014, Infiniti to build two models in China

2013 Infiniti JX

The Infiniti brand spawned from Nissan back in the late 1980’s as a way for the automaker to compete in the luxury segment in both the U.S. and in Canada. As this became more successful, Infiniti branched out into the global market as well.

In 2007, Infiniti cars hit the China’s pavement for the first time and now, the luxury brand is going to begin building vehicles there, as brands like BMW and Audi do. This is apparently to better compete in the region.

“The expansion of the Infiniti business is a key pillar of the Nissan Power 88 mid-term plan,” said Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President of Infiniti.

Part of Nissan’s Power 88 plan was setting a sales goal to move a half a million units by 2016 for the Infiniti brand.

So far, the automaker will be building two Infiniti models at Dongfeng Motor Co. Ltd.’s plants, currently a joint venture partner with Nissan. Which models they will be building has yet to be disclosed.

“The extremely productive partnership with DFL and its parent company, Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFM), will enable Infiniti to quickly realize its production objectives in China,” Nissan said in a statement.

To help kick off the new change, Infiniti offered the automotive media from China an opportunity to visit the U.S. to attend a test-driving event for the new seven-seater JX crossover model.

Check back with us for updates on the mystery Infiniti models to be built in China.

All Photos Copyright egmCarTech © Omar Rana.

By: Alexandra Koken

Source: CarScoop