Infiniti Business Unit created to lead brand's global operations

The new IBU was established in April 2008 to enhance the global operation of the Infiniti luxury brand.

The aim of this business unit is to solidify global business operations for Infiniti, ensure consistent development of the Infiniti brand globally and drive profitable growth for Infiniti around the world. The IBU encompasses the fields of product planning, technical development, purchasing, quality, manufacturing, marketing, sales and aftersales.

In addition, the IBU has a solid global network headed by regional leaders in the markets where the Infiniti brand has been launched which includes U.S., Europe, China, Korea, GCC and Taiwan. This will lead to closer relationship and effective cooperation between the IBU and each region.

'After being named as one of the breakthroughs for the NISSAN Value-Up business plan in 2005, Infiniti has made significant progress towards becoming a globally recognised luxury brand. We have recently launched Infiniti in new markets such as Russia, China and Korea. As a result of this geographic expansion, as well as a strong product line-up, our global sales volume has increased,' said Akihiro Otomo, head of the unit.

'However, our challenge does not end here. I expect that the new global structure of the IBU will lead to further enhancement of our cross-functional and cross-regional activities. We should see the positive results during the next mid-term business plan, as the Infiniti business continues to grow,' Otomo added.

Since the start of the NISSAN Value-Up business plan, Infiniti's global sales volume has increased 7.3%. At the same time, Infiniti has evolved from being primarily a U.S. brand to becoming a truly global brand.

In fiscal year 2004, only 7% of Infiniti sales came from outside of the United States. In fiscal year 2007, 17% of sales came from markets outside the U.S. and this percentage is expected to rise in the future.

'Realising the sophistication of the luxury demand is one of the most important considerations in our markets. As a young brand, Infiniti has already carved out the number four market position based on its reliability and support system across the GCC region. With the help of the new Infiniti Business Unit, we are confident of posting record results in the coming periods,' said Abhijeet Pandit, General Manager of Infiniti Business Unit in the Middle East.

'Our luxury line-up has grown significantly in the last three years. We are working on several new technologies which will also be incorporated with our new model introductions. The new additions will build on the success of Infiniti's record-breaking sales globally and regionally,' added Pandit.