Infiniti to enter Malaysian shores in Q4 2011
Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury marque in the vein of Toyota’s Lexus, is set to enter Malaysia in the final quarter of this year. The brand’s impending arrival follows recent announcements of its entry to markets such as Mexico, Australia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Its sponsorship of Red Bull Racing F1 team this year is another statement of intent from what is proclaimed as the ‘fastest-growing import luxury brand in the United States last year’.
“As part of our worldwide expansion, we are very excited to launch Infiniti in Malaysia and welcome newly established joint venture Inspired Motor Sdn Bhd to our luxury brand,” said Toru Saito, Infinti’s Corporate Vice President.
“Within the year, the promise of luxury vehicles with a unique combination of inspired performance, attentive hospitality and unparalleled quality will become a reality for Malaysian customers, who we know are receptive to exclusive brands,” Saito added.
Parties responsible for Infiniti’s arrival are familiar players in the Malaysian automotive scene – Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd and Auto Dunia. The two companies have setup a joint venture company named Inspired Motor Sdn Bhd, which will be operating a brand new Infiniti Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd said, “The impending arrival of Infiniti in Malaysia comes at a time when the luxury automotive market in Malaysia is experiencing tremendous growth. Last year, the segment grew by 40%. Suffice to say, we are thrilled to be in the position to offer luxury car buyers in Malaysia a distinctive brand that epitomizes luxury performance.”
This setup puts the third major brand of the Renault-Nissan alliance under Tan Chong’s wings. The group is already synonymous with the Nissan brand since the 1950s, and also holds the Renault franchise through its subsidiary TC Euro Cars. It remains to be seen if Tan Chong will build Infiniti on its existing network or setup all-new infrastructure from ground up.
“The Infiniti model range will comprise of sport crossovers, sport coupes and performance sedans. Our Kuala Lumpur Infiniti Centre is committed to exceptional hospitality throughout the entire period of ownership,” commented Azman Badrillah, Director of Auto Dunia Sdn Bhd.
It will also be interesting to observe if and how Infiniti’s official arrival in Malaysia will impact the proposed Proton-Nissan tie-up announced in March. The Nissan Fuga, a model reportedly being offered to Proton as a Perdana replacement vehicle for the government fleet, is internationally marketed under the Infiniti brand. It should also be noted, of course, Proton’s discussions with Nissan are direct with the parent company and does not involve Tan Chong.
Pictures: Official Infiniti release.
