Carmaker debuts QX30 SUV model simultaneously in US and China

To capture the growing market for premium compact sport utility vehicles, premium automaker Infiniti has intensified its product offensive by introducing two models in as many months.

The all-new QX30, Infiniti's second model in the premium compact segment, makes its world premiere on Friday simultaneously at the Los Angeles Auto Show in the United States and the Guangzhou Motor Show in China.

"We want to use this opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to two of the biggest premium markets in the world," said Roland Krueger, president of Infiniti Motor Co Ltd.

A few weeks earlier, the Q30, the sister model of the QX30, was launched in Europe at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Krueger said the launch of the Q30 and QX30 showed the marque is "paying tribute to all three major global premium auto markets with our new compact premium vehicles".

The company expects the QX30 to captivate young buyers and further propel Infiniti's sales growth in the coming years.

"This vehicle addresses the needs and desires of a new premium audience by offering both style and function," Krueger said.

Like the brand's other models, the QX30 follows Infiniti's concept-to-production approach and inherits the brand's DNA.

The model features all of the brand's trademark design features, such as a double-arched grille, human eye-like headlamps and a crescent cut C-pillar. Its smooth lines and sculptural shapes look as if they are stretched over bone and muscle.

"It looks as if it was designed through human artistry - functionality and efficiency is hidden within the design rather than defining it," Krueger said.

True to its SUV pedigree, the model has an increased ground clearance, unique side sills, a more rugged appearance to its bumpers, wider wheels and the option of a roof rack.

Its intelligent four-wheel drive system enables drivers to feel at ease and in control at all times.

Fast-growing brand

Krueger believes the QX30 comes at a moment of significant opportunity for Infiniti, as sales of the brand performed well this year and it continues to be one of the fastest growing premium brands.

The company sold about 173,000 vehicles around the world in the first 10 months of this year, up 16 percent year-on-year.

In China, despite a sluggish market, Infiniti sold 32,169 vehicles from January to October, an increase of 35.8 percent from the same period a year earlier and already higher than the sales figure for all of 2014.

"With Q30 and QX30 coming on stream, we expect to further increase our market position," said Krueger.

He said Infiniti is in the middle of the biggest brand and portfolio expansion in its history.

"We are thoroughly implementing our growth plan as we expand our product portfolio, manufacturing network and dealer network. We are poised to firmly establish Infiniti as a top-tier premium automotive brand. QX30 marks the next chapter in that strategy," he said.

The company would launch more models in the "very near future", he added.

In the US, the brand sold more than 106,700 vehicles in the first 10 months, marking its best sales performance since 2005, according to the company.

Worldwide, Infiniti sold 18,400 vehicles in October, a year-on-year increase of 20 percent, marking the 14th consecutive month of sales records for the company.

Infiniti said it set monthly records this year in all of its main sales regions of the US, China, Mexico, Western Europe and others.

The QX30 will hit the market in the middle of next year, the company said.

Established in 1989, with its unique design, quality products and services, Infiniti has now become one of the most important premium auto brands in the world.

Infiniti entered the Chinese market in 2007 and the country is now the brand's second-largest market after the US.

Last September, Dongfeng Infiniti was founded as a joint venture between Dongfeng Motor and Nissan Motor.

Dongfeng Infiniti has launched two locally made models - the Q50L and the all-new QX50. Both are produced in a factory in Xiangyang, Hubei province.

duxiaoying1@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 11/20/2015 page12)