- Record sales of 215,250 vehicles; 16 per cent increase year-over-year
- Passes 200,000 global sales mark for the first time in history
- All-time record in all regions and many individual markets
- Fastest growing premium brand in China second year in a row
- Major product offensive continues
Infiniti had a record-breaking year in 2015 with global sales of 215,250 vehicles, up 16 per cent from the previous year. Overall, Infiniti achieved all-time high results in all of its four global regions – the Americas (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America), EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), China, and A&O (Asia and Oceania) – and in many individual markets.
December 2015 was the best ever month in Infiniti’s history with more than 23,100 vehicles sold, representing a 17 per cent increase compared to December a year ago. Infiniti has now had 16 consecutive months of year-over-year growth.
“Infiniti had a record year in 2015,” said Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti Motor Company. “The excellent sales results are due to a strong product lineup, superior customer service, and our committed dealer network. I’d like to thank all of our customers around the world who have made Infiniti their trusted purchase, as well as our retail partners for delivering outstanding customer service.”
In the Americas, Infiniti sold a total of 147,600 vehicles in 2015, growing by 14 per cent. The U.S. continues to be the largest market for Infiniti globally, with 14 per cent growth and 133,500 vehicles sold in 2015. The year 2015 was also a record year for Infiniti in Canada, Mexico and Latin America. Sales in Canada increased by 10 per cent to 11,300 vehicles. Sales in Mexico increased by 23 per cent to more than 1,800 vehicles. In December, Infiniti Americas sold 16,300 vehicles, an increase of 24 per cent from a year ago, marking the region’s best month ever. December also represents an all-time record month for the U.S. and Mexico.
In China, Infiniti’s second largest market, the company had another record year. In 2015, Infiniti sold 40,200 vehicles, an increase of 34 per cent over 2014. Against the background of a sluggish overall automotive market, Infiniti was the fastest growing premium brand in China for the second year in a row and the only one that grew by more than 30 per cent. In December, Infiniti sold more than 4,200 vehicles for the first time in history, an increase of 27 per cent.
In Western Europe, Infiniti sold an all-time high 7,000 vehicles in 2015, an increase of 45 per cent from 2014. In December, 700 vehicles were sold in Western Europe, an increase of 16 per cent compared to December 2014. In the Middle East, more than 8,300 Infiniti vehicles were sold in 2015, up 18 per cent from 2014, making Infiniti one of the fastest growing brands in the region.
In the A&O region (Australia, Korea, Taiwan and other markets), Infiniti sold 5,700 vehicles in 2015, an increase of 22 per cent over 2014. In December, sales amounted to an all-time record of 720 vehicles, an increase of 90 per cent. December was an exceptional month for Infiniti in Korea, where the brand sold an all-time high of 450 vehicles, an increase of 177 per cent over December 2014. For the full year, Infiniti sold about 3,000 vehicles in Korea, 7 per cent up from a year ago.
On an individual model level, Q50 continues to be Infiniti’s top-selling vehicle. The 2015 volume of 78,800 sales (Q50 and Q50L combined) represents an increase of 44 per cent, followed by QX60 (54,800) and QX80 (19,300). All of these models achieved records for a full year.
Major Product Offensive
Infiniti is currently in the middle of a major product offensive. Last year, the company introduced its Q30 active compact to the public at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Production of the vehicle started in Sunderland, UK, in December. The new model represents Infiniti’s first entry into the fast-growing premium compact segment. It offers a comprehensive technology package that enhances the car’s driving experience while providing maximum safety to all occupants. The Q30 recently received the maximum five-star rating by independent vehicle safety organization, Euro NCAP, further evidence of Infiniti’s advanced safety approach.
The Infiniti QX30 premium active crossover made its simultaneous global debut at both the Los Angeles and Guangzhou International Motor Shows in November. QX30 production will start in the first quarter of 2016. Both the Q30 and QX30 will be sold under the QX30 name in the U.S. and Canada beginning in mid-2016. The QX30 will play an important role in realizing Infiniti’s plans for global growth.
In addition, Infiniti has renewed its versatile QX60 premium crossover for 2016. It has introduced a wide range of changes and technologies that enhance the seven-seater’s exterior design and its driving dynamics as well as comfort, convenience and safety.
The 2016 Infiniti Q50 sports sedan will also go on sale with a number of significant technical upgrades including an all-new twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers up to 400 horsepower. Q50 features a comprehensive list of cutting edge innovations and is a technology leader in its segment.
At the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the all-new Infiniti Q60 makes its world premiere expanding Infiniti’s product line-up further. The premium sports coupe combines expressive design with exhilarating performance and dynamics, providing a personal and rewarding drive supported by innovative technologies.
Global footprint expansion
The QX30 is Infiniti’s first offering ever in the premium compact segment; it is also the brand’s first vehicle to be manufactured in Europe. As part of its global growth plan, Infiniti is significantly expanding its manufacturing footprint. Infiniti vehicles are now built in Japan, the United States, China, and the United Kingdom.
Infiniti’s daring design has been very well received by industry observers and customers worldwide. To strengthen the company’s design capability, Infiniti has expanded its global design network to four studios, located in Atsugi-Shi (Japan), London (U.K.), San Diego (U.S.) and Beijing (China).
“2015 was an excellent year for Infiniti as we achieved a series of milestones. All teams in the markets did an outstanding job,” said Krueger. “We will build on these achievements as we start 2016 and continue our path of transforming Infiniti into a global tier one premium automotive brand.”
