Infiniti introduces "Inspired Performance" brand tagline

Inspired Performance - which will sit below the familiar Infiniti logo in all future communications - confirms that Infiniti is a Performance luxury brand crafted to Inspire at every turn, moving the driver emotionally as well as physically.

Infiniti does not copy traditional, conservative notions of luxury. The Infiniti brand is progressive, taking calculated risks to differentiate its models, offering luxury cars that exhilarate in a way that is entirely new to customers. Inspired Performance is a promise that everyone who comes into contact with Infiniti will feel inspired, whether that contact is through its products, services, centers, communications or corporate actions.

"Infiniti's brand promise is a unique combination of peace of mind, hospitality and driving pleasure,"

says Carlos Tavares, head of Infiniti worldwide.

"Our new tagline illustrates that Infiniti cars are much more than exciting machines that move you from one place to another. Infiniti has an emotional, inspirational appeal, offering a very personal style of modern luxury and respectful treatment for the world's most discerning customers."

"By adding this new tagline in all our communications we are confirming what our existing customers already know and what our prospective customers need to know, about the Infiniti brand." commented Abhijeet Pandit, General Manager of Infiniti Business Unit in the Middle East. "The first visible communication of the new brand tagline line will be highly impactful - we will display a large banner advertisement communicating the full Infiniti product line up at the new Emirates Airlines Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport from the 15th October" he concluded.

The Infiniti brand was first introduced in 1989 in the United States, and its name was chosen to communicate that, with Infiniti, customers could experience infinitely more performance, more design and more service. Infiniti's global footprint expanded into Canada in 1990, the Middle East in 1996, Taiwan in 1997, Korea in 2005 and Russia in 2006. Global expansion continued in 2007 with Infinti Centers opening in the Ukraine and in one of the world's fastest growing luxury automotive markets; China. By fiscal year 2012, Infiniti will have a presence in most of the world's luxury markets.

Infiniti has evolved from its beginnings as a North American origin brand into a top-tier global luxury brand. In fiscal year 2004, only 7% of Infiniti sales were made outside the United States. By fiscal year 2010, it is estimated that over 25% of sales will come from markets outside the U.S.

"Infiniti is known for creating a Total Ownership Experience unlike anything in the industry," says Tavares. "The Inspired Performance tagline underscores what Infiniti stands for and what Infiniti customers can expect from every interaction with our brand."

In the Middle East and in particular across the GCC, the rapid growth in Infiniti sales and facilities continues. One of the brand's distinctive 'IREDI' retail facilities has been operating in Kuwait City since March 2008 while the next such facility will be opened in Azerbaijan at the end of fiscal year 2008 with a further 2 facilities scheduled to open in fiscal year 2009.

As the global roll-out of the brand continues, Infiniti made its European debut at the time of the 2008 Paris Motor Show with the opening of Infiniti Centre Mirabeau, the first completed Infiniti dealership in Europe, located within the Paris city limits. In the next 6 months, Infiniti will open 21 sales centers in cities across 13 European countries, including France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, Bulgaria, Greece, Estonia, Latvia, Czech Republic, Romania and Israel. The brand will become established with a select group of partners, and growth will be built over time. By 2010, Infiniti Europe alone will have approximately 80 Infiniti Centers.

Infiniti's Middle East product lineup includes models such as the Infiniti G Sedan and Coupe, Infiniti EX crossover, Infiniti FX performance crossover, the M35/45 mid-size performance sedan and the QX56 full-size luxury SUV. Throughout the lineup, advanced technologies include innovations such as the Around-View Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Brake Assist and Four-Wheel Active Steering. Fuel-saving powertrain technologies are featured in the Variable Valve Event & Lift and seven-speed automatic transmission (FX35 and FX50 models only).

Infiniti's sales in the GCC have grown from approximately 4000 vehicles in 2005, to 5000 in 2006, 7000 in 2007 and in fiscal year 2008 they are expected to be in excess of 11,000 vehicles.