Infiniti opening in Brazil in 2014

Nissan’s answer to Lexus, Infiniti, is on a bit of quest to sell its premium cars in every market that can afford them and will open in Brazil in 2014.

Infiniti started out as Nissan’s answer to the success of Lexus in North America by launching a range of ‘Premium’ Nissans in the U.S. in 1989, since when it has expanded to Canada, the Middle East, Taiwan, Korea, Russia, China and, in 2008, the UK and Europe.

It doesn’t take a marketing genius to work out that Nissan’s strategy for Infiniti is to launch in to markets with a healthy economy and a solid demand fro premium cars. Which explains why Nissan now has Brazil on its radar for a 2014 launch of the Infiniti brand.

Brazil is the world’s sixth biggest economy (yes, it’s now overtaken the UK) and growing quickly, making it an obvious target for car makers and, despite a social structure that sees extremes of poverty and wealth, a growing middle class are expected to lap up Infiniti’s mix of premium crossover and saloon cars.

Infiniti are kicking off with new Infiniti Centres in Sau Paulo and Rio de Janeiro by the end of 2014 with more centres in Santa Catarina and Paraná within three years.

Johan de Nysschen, Infiniti’s President, said of the move in to Brazil:

As part of Infiniti’s worldwide expansion, Brazil is a logical addition to our footprint for premium car owners.

By 2014, premium vehicles with a unique combination of inspired performance, attentive hospitality and unparalleled quality will become a reality for the Brazilian market. We are delighted to enter Brazil as we know discerning customers there are very receptive to premium brands.

And don’t bet against production of Infiniti models happening in Brazil either as Nissan seeks to mitigate the strength of the Yen.

By Cars UK