Infiniti to produce new energy vehicles in China

Premium automaker powers into fast-growing e-mobility segment

Premium automaker Infiniti is advancing its push in China's fast-growing e-mobility segment, with Infiniti Chairman Christian Meunier formally announcing plans to produce electric vehicles in China.

"China has the most growth potential for electric vehicles globally, especially in the premium segment," said Meunier. "We are showing a stunning, new electric concept at Auto Shanghai and we can confirm that the first electrified vehicle we offer, will be built in China, for China. The age of electrification presents us with an opportunity to renew our credentials as an innovative challenger brand, ready to move quickly and decisively in this growing and exciting area of the market."

As the brand celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, Meunier says electrification is a natural next step for Infiniti to reinvent itself, adding that technological innovation is at its core.

By three years' time, most all-new Infiniti vehicles produced globally will feature an electrified powertrain, whether all-electric, e-Power or performance hybrid. With this broad range of ultra-low emissions technology, Infiniti forecasts that by 2025 more than half its global sales will be electrified vehicles.

Given that China is firmly leading the global charge toward new energy vehicles, it will have greater importance for Infiniti in the future. China leapfrogged the United States several years ago to become the world's largest NEV market, and 2019 sales of all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are expected to exceed 1.6 million units, up from 1.2 million in 2018.

Consumers are set to get a taste of the future with the all-electric Infiniti sports sedan concept - the Qs Inspiration - as it makes its world premiere at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show, which kicks o& on Tuesday.

Built on a completely new flexible architecture developed specifically for electrified powertrains, the concept offers a new perspective on the sports sedan format in the age of e-mobility.

Infiniti said that the impact of electrification is not limited to powertrains, with the design changes made possible by the differences in powertrain and vehicle layout presenting a radical departure from conventional design.

This has inspired Infiniti designers to find new and revolutionary ways to improve user experience, focused on high-performance, low-emissions models that offer thrilling handling and total range confidence.

Their new design challenges the accepted "three-box" sedan layout with a distinctive reinterpretation of the traditional body shape. With an elongated silhouette and concise body lines, the concept car shows o& where Infiniti's "electrified" design language is headed.

The minimalist cabin design creates a serene and comfortable environment for both the driver and passengers, liberating them from the stress of everyday commutes. The Qs Inspiration also rewards the driver with a visual expression of performance and a truly driver-centric layout.

"Electrification gives us the chance to strengthen the Infiniti brand by adopting forward-looking technology, daring design, and exciting new cars," said Meunier.

"Concepts like the Qs Inspiration are emblematic of our potential as we plan a range of electric and e-Power and performance cars."

Alongside the Qs Inspiration sedan, Infiniti is showcasing an electric SUV concept called QX Inspiration, which is making its Asia premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show.

By 2025, more than 50 percent of new Infiniti vehicles sold globally and in China will have completely electrified or e-Power powertrains, which are the automaker's clever solution to range anxiety.

Infiniti's proprietary e-Power technology features a small gasoline engine that charges a high-output battery, eliminating the need for an external charging source, providing the convenience of refueling with petrol, while offering the same driving experience as a pure electric vehicle.

Besides the two electric concepts, the new QX50 is also being highlighted at this year's Shanghai Auto Show. Warmly received by consumers, the mid-size premium SUV was listed in both the 2018 Wards 10 Best Interiors and the Wards 10 Best Engines.

The QX50 is also now one of the brand's most popular models in China and is the first to feature Infiniti's signature variable compression ratio turbocharged engine, or VC-Turbo.

The engine, a world-first more than 20 years in the making, is a leap forward for combustion engine technology, delivering more force and more power using a smaller engine, while at the same time giving better fuel economy and lower emissions.

The SUV's innovative design combines the power of a high-performance 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with the early torque delivery and efficiency of an advanced diesel or hybrid powertrain, but without the equivalent emissions.

Infiniti hopes the SUV and other models in its growing lineup will help it win over more customers in the world's largest automotive market.

"We are confident in the Chinese market and we will continue to focus on high-quality development and continue to increase our customers' satisfaction," said Kevin Mao, president of Dongfeng Infiniti Motor, and managing director of Infiniti China, which will be localizing the brand's models for China.

The automaker has already localized production of the QX50 and the Q50L sedan.

Mao added that the brand will promote a sales and marketing strategy called"1050" - a reference to China's top 50 cities in 10 provinces, to solidify its service capabilities and offer its customers greater convenience and access.

In March, Infiniti delivered 3,455 vehicles in China, up 153 percent on the same period year-on-year.

In 2018, its sales totaled 47,000 in the country despite the overall chill in the domestic automotive market, which saw its first dip last year since the 1990s.

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/15/2019 page19)