Infiniti Coming To Our Shore

[FlyingEL]

Infiniti

[pistol-pete]

why not at least post the article

A new luxury brand is on the way to Australia with hopes of upsetting the establishment.

BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus will soon have a new challenger in Australia from Nissan.

The Japanese car maker today confirmed it plans to sell a range of sedans, coupes and SUVs under its US-focused luxury brand Infiniti from around September 2012.

As part of a global expansion that now reaches more than 40 countries beyond its 21-year-old US market, Infiniti ''will not be a niche player'' in Australia and take on established luxury brands in terms of price and specification. Three models will be initially sold in three stand-alone, franchise-owned dealerships in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

The fastest-growing luxury marque that outsold Audi in the US last year says it differs from its competitors — including Toyota's own luxury brand Lexus — by offering ''aggressive, modern and edgy vehicle design'', ''inexcusably sporty driving dynamics'' and a ''boutique, hotel-type customer experience'' akin to the attentive Japanese hospitality philosophy.

The three initial Japanese-built models include a BMW 3-Series-sized G37 coupe and convertible, an Audi A6/BMW 5-Series-sized 'M' large car and the uniquely styled FX crossover SUV hero, about the size of a BMW X5. Infiniti Cars Australia chose against the ageing G37 sedan, opting to wait for an all-new model due to be unveiled within the next two to three years.

Engine choices comprise a 175kW/550Nm 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6, a 235kW/360Nm 3.7-litre petrol V6 (closely related to Nissan's 370Z sports car) and a 5.0-litre petrol V8 producing 290kW and 500Nm of torque. All will be mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission via either all- or rear-wheel drive, depending on the model.

Australia's Infiniti general manager Kevin Snell remained tight-lipped about prices at the brand's pre-launch event this week, other than to say that Infiniti ''will not be the cheapest luxury brand'' and that they will be better equipped than European competitors. He also quashed any suggestion that Infiniti would follow Lexus' value-packed business model of leaving no features to the options list.

Infiniti will target a younger buyer demographic aged between 30 and 40 years compared with some of the traditional, conservative luxury makes who are typically older.

''Infiniti customers are ''quiet rebels''. They're rebellious of the mainstream and are typically looking for something different,'' says Snell.

''They're more of an individualist-type customer who are passionate about design and technology. They are early adopters and risk-takers and don't like traditional conversative status and want to stand out from the crowd,'' he says.

''They might even be tired of an Audi, BMW or Mercedes their neighbour drives''.

Infiniti arrives in a notoriously tough Australian luxury car market that rewards history and longevity. It took Audi years to crack the Mercedes-Benz and BMW juggernaut that accounted for the majority of luxury sales.

More recently Lexus has seen its market share drop. Despite 2010 growth of 11.8 per cent the brand's sales were down about 20 per cent on only a few years earlier.

And it was only last year that Cadillac reversed its decision to re-enter the Australian market following the global financial crisis.

''We're not in any rush to get to market — it's a long-term plan. I don't think there's any quick way to launch a luxury brand,'' says Snell.

''We're here for the long-term and we're investing tens of millions of dollars over a number of years to get this off the ground and make it successful.

Infiniti's unsuccessful first encounter with the Australian market took place in the mid-1990s with the Q45, a large rear-drive sedan that sold in small numbers through Nissan dealerships.

''We don't have any brand equity; people don't know us and we don't have existing customers. So the first couple of years will be all about building the brand, customer experience, [separate] retail network and then we think the sales will come.

''In our third, fourth and fifth year, with a broader range of product, national footprint and well-established brand and good reputation, then we'll concentrate on doing decent [sales] volume and start to make some inroads.

Mr Snell forecasted around 15 to 20 national Infiniti Centres within the next five to ten years.

INFINITI MODELS AT A GLANCE

INFINITI FX

Touted by executives as the brand's hero model, the FX is a mid-size luxury SUV that will compete against BMW's popular X5 and Lexus' RX.

All three Euro 5 emissions-compliant engines will be on offer including 235kW/360Nm 3.7-litre petrol V6, 290kW/500Nm V8 and a 175kW/550Nm 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 driving either the rear or all four wheels (depending on model variant) via a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Top-level technologies include Infiniti's 'Intelligent AWD' system that can channel between zero and 50 per cent of torque to the front wheels, radar cruise control, lane-departure prevention, a blind-spot warning device, and 360-degree camera monitoring to aid parking. An aluminium bonnet and doors are employed to save weight.

Competitors: Audi Q5, BMW X5, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz ML-Class

Estimated price range: Between $80,000 and $130,000 (plus on-road and dealer costs).

INFINITI G37

Approximately the size of a BMW 3-Series, the recently revised G range (sold as the Nissan Skyline range in Japan) will comprise coupe and convertible variants solely powered by the aforementioned 235kW 3.7-litre V6 and mated to a seven-speed auto. Infiniti Cars Australia has yet to confirm whether both rear- and all-wheel drive layouts will be offered.

Expect high levels of standard equipment including the availability of bi-xenon headlights with cornering function, leather-trimmed, electrically adjustable front seats, active cruise control, satellite navigation, reversing camera and a high-end audio system.

Sports-oriented variants are likely to add four-wheel active steering, a limited-slip differential, sports suspension and upgraded brakes.

Competitors: Audi A4 and A5, BMW 3-Series Coupe and Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS.

Estimated price range: Between $80,000 and $95,000 (plus on-road and dealer costs).

INFINITI M

Launched in the US earlier this year, Infiniti's large sedan will feature similar powertrains, including the 3.7-litre V6 (M37), 3.0-litre turbo-diesel (M30d) and 313kW/565Nm 5.6-litre V8 in both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Infiniti's hybrid system will debut in the M series delivering V8 performance with four-cylinder fuel efficiency. Dubbed the ''driver's hybrid'', the M35h is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 and electric motor for V8-like performance (261kW) and claimed four-cylinder economy (8.1 litres per 100km). Infiniti Australia is aiming to offer the M35h to coincide with the brand's launch.

Featuring a regenerative braking system and a high-output lithium-ion battery, the electric motor is said to be able to power the M35h at speeds up to 100 km/h and drive in electric mode for as much as 50 per cent of the time.

As the Infiniti flagship, expect the high equipment levels including the aforementioned as well as driver-selectable engine/transmission performance modes, blind-spot warning and intervention systems, radar cruise control and a Sport Package comprising four-wheel 'active' steering, sports-tuned suspension, 'Sport Brakes' and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Competitors: Audi A5 Sportback and A6, BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS.

Estimated price range: Between $80,000 and $120,000 (plus on-road and dealer costs).

[VNS 24]

Great!

Now when I decide to upgrade mine later and can't afford a R35 GTR, I can go for a G37 coupe.

[Stuart McK]

Now when I decide to upgrade mine later and can't afford a R35 GTR, I can go for a G37 coupe.

Well, I'll go out on a limb here and say that we'll see more V35s being imported in as the Infiniti announcement becomes more known, as demand will increase with brand awareness. As a result, cost will increase also due to demand (these imported models will be very attractive against the advertised domestic G37 price ($80,000+).

This is where the importers will benefit while they can 'make hay while the sun shines' (noting that importers will not be able to sell models from Japan which are available domestically). So, if you're buying following the next couple of months - bad luck. If you're selling - you're laughing.

Can't help but think it's a good time to be buying that imported V37 now, and make Infiniti badging part of the deal...

Edited March 24, 2011 by Stuart McK

[mosoto]

Well, I'll go out on a limb here and say that we'll see more V35s being imported in as the Infiniti announcement becomes more known

Don't see that happening anytime soon...............You are aware of what recently went down in Japan aren't you?

[V35_Paul]

If they start selling them here in Oz you wont be able to import them anymore.

[Stuart McK]

If they start selling them here in Oz you wont be able to import them anymore.

Don't believe that's true. Only models which are available domestically - in this case it'll be 2012-> models of Infinity/Skyline. When Nissan Australia started selling the 200SX, you could still pick-up older Sylvia's as imports, for example.

[Stuart McK]

Don't see that happening anytime soon...............You are aware of what recently went down in Japan aren't you?

True, although (new) motor vehicles are a key export for them so I'd imagine that there would be heavy priority to recovering that industry capability. Infinity should still be good for 2012 as a result. However, as an after-thought and not trying to sound callous (my sympathies are with the Japanese people), I'd be inspecting any imports making it to Australia very carefully from now for body repairs and water damage to mechanicals.

I also read in a recent newspaper that the japanese parts supply lines to dealers have already started to constrict, and there is now a need to see the after-market non-genuine market ramping up to compensate. Most are probably made in the same place, however.

Edited March 24, 2011 by Stuart McK

[VNS 24]

True, although (new) motor vehicles are a key export for them so I'd imagine that there would be heavy priority to recovering that industry capability. Infinity should still be good for 2012 as a result. However, as an after-thought and not trying to sound callous (my sympathies are with the Japanese people), I'd be inspecting any imports making it to Australia very carefully from now for body repairs and water damage to mechanicals.

I also read in a recent newspaper that the japanese parts supply lines to dealers have already started to constrict, and there is now a need to see the after-market non-genuine market ramping up to compensate. Most are probably made in the same place, however.

Yeah, true.

Will be a risky process to import vehicles now.

[R6n350GT]

So i can still buy a G37 at import price as long as its under the year model domestically sold ?

[T4NK]

All i care about is that this will mean an AUS sat nav will come with it, for my V35 WIN

[Stuart McK]

So i can still buy a G37 at import price as long as its under the year model domestically sold ?

Specifically, so long as it's not available domestically in Australia. The article suggests that Infinity Australia will not initially be making available the sedan, so I believe that you may still be able to import that. Until....

Regardless, the Low Volume Import rules have changed since I last researched them (my v35 is not my first Skyline). To be confirmed, but you need to consider it logically. The Import rules exist to protect local industry - the exception is if you have a history with the vehicle (e.g. you've been driving it around Japan for the last 4 years and it's now like a member of the family). So, if it's not available here who's to lose (except you may have bought something else)? The Govt limits the number of compliance plates it allows on cars (and each model of car) each year - that way we don't see a flood of 'grey imports' coming into Australia each year to kill the local market. That's why it's good BTW to deal with the people who comply the cars, and not the people who take cars from them, because if there's an issue with the car, the entity who brought them in has more of an interest in getting it resolved.

[edit] And BTW, what's 'import price'? It's what you pay for it after auction + importer's fees(?). What if demand goes up?

Edited March 24, 2011 by Stuart McK

[Yo-Yo]

oh yeah I'm so getting a sedan. in manual

will be good to have everything completely in english

[Stuart McK]

Just to close off the matter of what can be imported, the Department of Infrastructure & Transport has responsibility for maintaining legislation associated with the import of vehicles and for ongoing compliance to it. From their website:

'If the vehicle is used, you may be able to have it imported under the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS). RAWS caters for specialist and enthusiast used imported vehicles not available in Australia in full volumes by mainstream manufacturers. Under RAWS, eligible vehicles can be imported and modified to meet the Australian vehicle safety standards - the Australian Design Rules (ADRs). Only approved workshops can apply to import RAWS vehicles and only approved workshops can carry out the work to make the vehicles comply with the ADRs.

A vehicle is eligible for import if it meets the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS) criteria and it matches the eligibility entry in the Register of Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles (the Register). An import approval will not be issued if the vehicle details do not match the Register entry.'

I checked the legislation. 'Full volumes' is defined as the ability to apply an unlimited number of plates to specific models of car. SEVS-registered vehicles can only be brought in by approved workshops for that make/model (unless a Private Import), and each workshop will only have a limited number of import plates they can apply.

So, I bought my V35 from Nagoya in Sydney. I confirmed here (http://raws.infrastr...AWPubSearch.asp) that they are a certified RAWS workshop, and therefore able to import the V35. Here is the SEVS Register (http://rvcs-prodweb....s/sevsindex.htm) where you can look up the Nissan Skyline V35 (http://rvcs-prodweb....sevs/313-02.htm) and you will note that not all have been passed for import (there's a sedan with a 206 kW engine??).

Riveting stuff, I know!

Edited March 25, 2011 by Stuart McK

[V35_Paul]

Don't believe that's true. Only models which are available domestically - in this case it'll be 2012-> models of Infinity/Skyline. When Nissan Australia started selling the 200SX, you could still pick-up older Sylvia's as imports, for example.

Thats what i ment

[mosoto]

Yeah, true.

Will be a risky process to import vehicles now.

I don't actually think there will be much of an import market Vic. Not from Japan for a while.

What I do imagine will happen is a brief rise in current import vehicle prices, therefore increased value in the vehicles we have here already.

The values may take a rapid fall once Infinity is released.

[Stuart McK]

I don't actually think there will be much of an import market Vic. Not from Japan for a while.

What I do imagine will happen is a brief rise in current import vehicle prices, therefore increased value in the vehicles we have here already.

The values may take a rapid fall once Infinity is released.

Mark, I agree with you. However, I believe that the imported V35s will still retain their value following Infiniti release due to greater brand recognition. Those people who like the look of the car in the dealer showroom, but baulked by the price ($80K+), will seek out cheaper alternatives. Demand will keep the cost up with only so many of *those* out there. So, like I said before, now may well be the time to buy that V37 and get Infiniti badging - if you can.

Of course, I could just be being hopeful that I didn't buy a White Elephant after all - albeit an attractive, fast one!

Edited March 25, 2011 by Stuart McK

[scarf]

80K + on raod costs to me is too steep for the G37. Your looking at the nearside to 90K.

There are better local offerings, or more attractive cars in the 2nd hand market.

I bought mine for 47K with sunroof and bodykit for a Dec 2008 build.

At this price there was nothing to compare it to with the same level of equipment.

[MOV35GT]

I'm quite disappointed with that pricing estimate, even if they only offer the one spec that includes all options that is a big ask. I know there are different financials at work in the US when compared to a small market like Australia but going on the example in the link below we are being charged a premium. The US gets the Z for $37K we are paying around double that here so I suppose that is what the G37 estimate has been based on.

http://www.motorauthority.com/car-compare-results/infiniti_g37-coupe_2011-vs-nissan_370z_2011

[VNS 24]

80K + on raod costs to me is too steep for the G37. Your looking at the nearside to 90K.

There are better local offerings, or more attractive cars in the 2nd hand market.

I bought mine for 47K with sunroof and bodykit for a Dec 2008 build.

At this price there was nothing to compare it to with the same level of equipment.

Yours worth every penny, Oz.

What kind of bodykit you got?

I'm quite disappointed with that pricing estimate, even if they only offer the one spec that includes all options that is a big ask. I know there are different financials at work in the US when compared to a small market like Australia but going on the example in the link below we are being charged a premium. The US gets the Z for $37K we are paying around double that here so I suppose that is what the G37 estimate has been based on.

http://www.motorauth...issan_370z_2011

Just not fair.

Do we even get paid more than people in USA?