Infiniti Begins Vehicle Sales In Korea, Next Step In Global Rollout [June 28, 05]

-New Six-Story Luxury Infiniti Showroom Opens in Gangnam-

SEOUL (July 28, 2005) – Nissan Korea Co., Ltd. today celebrated its official Infiniti launch in the Korean market in conjunction with the opening of a new luxury showroom, the first of four showrooms scheduled to open in Korea in the next few months. The initial lineup of Infiniti vehicles, which go on sale on July 29, includes the new Infiniti M45 and M35 sport sedans, the award-winning G35 sedan and G35 coupe, and the flagship Q45 luxury performance sedan. The Infiniti FX45 and FX35 luxury crossover SUVs join the model lineup in September. Infiniti plans to achieve sales of 700 units in the second half of 2005, 2,000 units in 2006, and to eventually reach a 10 percent share of the 50,000-unit Korean imported car market by 2010.

Infiniti’s entry into the Korean market is part of the global expansion of the brand. Sales of Infiniti originated in the United States in 1989, where it has become one of the fastest growing luxury brands in recent years. Taiwan and the Middle East began selling Infiniti vehicles in the past few years. Following Korea, Infiniti will launch sales organizations in Russia, China and ultimately Japan.

“We’re excited to be part of the effort to make Infiniti a globally recognized luxury brand,” said Kenneth Engberg, president and chief executive officer, Nissan Korea. “We will be bringing to Korean luxury buyers not only our outstanding lineup of luxury performance vehicles but also our world-renowned level of customer service known as the Infiniti Total Ownership Experience.”

Engberg was joined at the launch and grand opening celebration by a number of Nissan and Infiniti global executives, including Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML) Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga, NML Executive Vice President Carlos Tavares and Vice President and General Manager, Infiniti North America, Mark Igo, all of whom participated in a media panel at the dealership.

The new Infiniti showroom in Gangnam, operated by SS Motors, is the first Infiniti dealership in the world to incorporate the new Infiniti Retail Environment Design Initiative (IREDI) design standards – as well as being the world’s first six-story vertical design.

“The IREDI program, which was created in conjunction with the design and brand strategists Lippincott Mercer, sets a new, dynamic global dealership design standard for Infiniti retailers around the world,” said Igo. “Infiniti dealers in the United States will be the next to implement the IREDI program starting next year and we expect it to enhance our already high standards of customer satisfaction through its luxury-oriented service features.”

Among the highlights of the new Gangnam, Korea dealership are a first floor reception area and lounge – much like the lobby of a luxury hotel – and an inside vehicle delivery space. The second floor features another lounge, Infiniti gallery and customer communications space, while the fifth and sixth floors offer vehicle display areas and consulting rooms. The third floor is a parking area for pre-delivery of customer cars and the fourth floor is utilized for office space. A dedicated vehicle service center is located in the basement of the building. An indoor lift connects each level.

“The concept for the dealership layout comes from consideration for our customers, allowing them to experience Infiniti at their own pace – like admiring art pieces, rather than forcing them immediately into a sales area,” said Engberg.

Additional new Infiniti dealerships are nearing completion in Seocho (September opening) and Busan (December opening). A fourth point will be opened in the Bundang region.

“We expect Infiniti to change the luxury car landscape here in Korea with its vibrant product line, exceptional attention to customer service and our beautiful new showroom designs,” said Engberg. “The next chapter in Infiniti’s ongoing success story begins here in Korea today.”

(article from Nissan-Infiniti News Bureau)