13 April 2012
Auto maker Nissan is to sell its luxury Infiniti range of sedans, coupes and cross-overs in South Africa from June 2012 – a first for the African continent – while setting up a specialist finance division and new service centres in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
Already a competitive contender in countries around the world, the introduction of Nissan’s luxury performance brand to South Africa is a first for the African continent.
“We are thrilled to be bringing Infiniti to South Africa,” Nissan SA MD Mike Whitfield said in a statement on Thursday, “and we are confident that it will be as successful here as it is in many other regions around the world.”
Model line-up
Infiniti’s model line-up includes sedans, coupes, SUVs and crossovers, with special emphasis on performance, emotive design and cutting-edge technology.
Initially, the Infiniti model range for South Africa will comprise the highly distinctive Infiniti FX performance SUV, EX luxury compact SUV, the Sporty G Coupe, the spirited G Cabriolet and the unique Infiniti M luxury sedan.
Infiniti enthusiasts will be able to purchase and service their vehicles at Infiniti centres in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. The first centres will open in Hatfield, Pretoria and Melrose Arch, Johannesburg in mid-2012, followed by Durban and Cape Town, which will open in the fourth quarter of this year.
‘Total ownership experience’
Whitfield said Infiniti’s “total ownership experience” promise was founded on three pillars. “The first is driving pleasure. Second is our hospitality – we want our guests to feel comfortable, and this is always presented in a luxurious and inviting environment.
“The third pillar is peace of mind. We believe that every customer should enjoy outstanding service throughout their ownership of an Infiniti and be able to count on knowledgeable people who are committed to ensuring their satisfaction.”
Finance division
In South Africa, Infiniti will be strengthened by a finance division, Infiniti Financial Services, which will focus on vehicle finance in the luxury market, offering innovative products to companies and individuals.
The South Africa Infiniti introduction follows those in Indonesia, Panama, Malaysia and Singapore last year, while this year Infiniti will also expand into Chile and Australia.
Infiniti has previously won two prestigious safety awards: a 2010 Euro NCAP Advanced Award for road safety innovation for its Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system, included in many models in the range; and a 2009 five-star Euro NCAP award for the Infiniti FX, which received a 99% score for its advanced safety systems in crash tests.
The brand is also in the second year of a successful partnership with Formula One world champions Red Bull Racing.
SAinfo reporter
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