Infiniti to open NZ dealerships

The Japanese brand Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury vehicle division, has establishing its first two standalone dealerships in New Zealand. Infiniti New Zealand is operating as a subsidiary of Global Motors New Zealand Ltd, who currently distribute Renault vehicles throughout the country. The New Zealand range will include three vehicles. The all-wheel drive Q50 sedan will be available as a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-litre hybrid. The all-wheel drive 3.0-litre V6 diesel QX70 crossover SUV is expected to be the major seller, with GT, Premium and Design model specifications. The final vehicle in the range is the four-wheel drive QX80 based on the Nissan Patrol, and contains a 5.6-litre V8 engine. Pricing for the vehicles is yet to be announced. The first dealership will be at Christchurch’s Euromarq and operation is expected to begin in early March. The second will open at 500 Great South Rd in Greenland, Auckland, in September. Both dealerships will coexist alongside Renault showrooms. Infiniti’s managing director in Oceania and Asia, Hironori Fujita, told a media briefing in Auckland that he is “confident” the brand will resonate with New Zealand drivers. “Overall, we are excited. We see New Zealand as one of the growth markets," he said. Infiniti New Zealand spokesman Tom Griffith would not be drawn on sales targets but said, “New Zealand to be a highly promising market that is in growth mode, especially with SUVs. There were 10,000 sales of premium vehicles here last year, and our intention is to be a part of that." Griffiths also mentioned opportunity for future growth in the regions, particularly in areas like Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. Infiniti reported 230,000 worldwide sales last year, a 7 per cent growth, with particularly high growth in Asia/Oeania, at 18 per cent, and Australia, at 41 per cent.