Infiniti plans 10-model global lineup by 2016
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LOS ANGELES -- Infiniti plans to double its global product line from five models to 10 by 2016 as it tries to step out of the shadow of bigger luxury competitors.
Infiniti is out to increase simultaneously its product line, its list of global markets and its market share, says Andy Palmer, Nissan Motor Co. executive vice president in charge of global planning and the Infiniti business unit, among other duties.
Palmer laid out the plan while presenting the first of Infiniti's expanding product line, the seven-passenger JX crossover, at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week.
Infiniti expects the JX to become its No. 2 product in U.S. volume behind its G-series car, which is on track to sell about 55,000 units this year. He said Infiniti wants to double global sales to 500,000 units by 2016. Some models will not be sold in the United States.
The brand will start selling the JX next spring. In 2014, it will launch a luxury electric sedan that is based on the Nissan Leaf platform. Infiniti is also planning to introduce a smaller luxury car, co-developed with Daimler, to compete against the BMW 1 series.
That would leave two slots still open for the 10-model plan.
Infiniti currently sells the G- series and M sedans, QX SUV and EX and FX crossovers.
Palmer also said that Infiniti will add "more than two dozen additional countries in the next six years" to its global retail map. The new markets will include Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. Infiniti sales launched in Mexico last month.
You can reach Lindsay Chappell at lchappell@crain.com.
