MISSISSAUGA, ON (January 18, 2011) – Infiniti Canada has recruited former racer Scott Goodyear as the driver and host in three new videos that will educate and entertain consumers on some of Infiniti’s newest and most exciting vehicles. In addition to over two decades of professional racing experience, in 2001 Scott Goodyear competed with an Infiniti powered Indy car, making him extremely knowledgeable about Infiniti performance.
The videos which debuted today feature the all-new Infiniti Performance Line™ G Coupe which will arrive in Canada in spring 2011. The 348-horsepower IPL G Coupe is the first vehicle in the Infiniti Performance Line™ offering a new level of premium performance for Infiniti vehicles, focusing not just on engine power and acceleration but on redefining total vehicle performance. The other videos in the series feature the all-new 2011 Infiniti QX56 and Infiniti M56.
“Scott is an esteemed Canadian race car driver who knows all about Infiniti’s inspired performance, so he was a natural partner in the creation of these dynamic videos,” says Wendy Durward, Director, Infiniti Canada. “His sophisticated driving skills allow us to showcase three all-new Infiniti models to their fullest capacity.”
The videos were filmed in Ontario at the Niagara Regional Airport, with the runways repurposed as a controlled driving environment laboratory, and on nearby roads in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The backdrop of beautiful fall colours highlighted the scenic landscape of Niagara making the videos vibrant and alive much like the vehicles featured.
MISSISSAUGA, ON (January 4, 2011) – Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) today released its December and 2010 annual sales figures, concluding another strong year and its second-highest annual sales in its history – up more than five per cent compared with 2009. Total 2010 sales for both the Nissan and Infiniti brands equaled 83,013 units. Of that, Nissan accounted for 74,780 units, while Infiniti ended the year with 8,233 units.
“The economic rebound in 2010 had a positive impact on the auto industry and this, along with our incredible product lineup across both brands, led to our second-best sales year,” said Allen Childs, President, Nissan Canada Inc. “Now, as we look forward to 2011, we are excited to be entering two new segments with our all new commercial and electric vehicles – both of which we are confident will be well-received by consumers, further contributing to our sales results.”
Nissan in 2010
Contributing to the Nissan brand’s 4.0 per cent increase from last year were its top-selling models such as Versa, Sentra and Altima which sold 15,743, 14,651 and 13,425 units respectively. The popular Rogue also sold 13,199 units, up more than 19 per cent over 2009, demonstrating its innovative styling and value within the crossover segment.
In 2010, Nissan Canada also introduced the all-new JUKE, which sold 825 units in less than three months after its Canadian introduction in October. Nissan’s larger vehicles also experienced a very positive year, with Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Murano, Armada and Titan all increasing their sales considerably over 2009.
“Nissan has always led the way with innovative designs and cutting edge technology and 2010 was no exception as we created a new segment with our all-new Nissan JUKE sport-cross,” said Mark McDade, Director, Marketing, Nissan Canada Inc. “Also contributing to our success were the vehicles that got us here – the Altima, Sentra, Rogue and other Nissan vehicles that Canadians continue to choose to meet their driving needs.”
Infiniti in 2010
2010 Sales for Infiniti were up 16.3 per cent from 2009, with the brand enjoying year-over-year sales increases every month this year. The popular G family led the way with 4,408 units sold, up more than ten per cent from 2009. Also performing well were the Infiniti M and QX models, both of which received significant improvements this year which proved to be well-received, showing 153.5 and 63.6 per cent increases, respectively, over 2009.
“December marked Infiniti’s 14th consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth, which we can attribute to an exciting year of new products across the Infiniti lineup,” said Wendy Durward, Director, Infiniti Canada. “Our all-new M series, QX56 and G25 models, introduced in 2010, have taken luxury travel to new levels and with our new Infiniti Performance Line and M Hybrid on their way in 2011, there will be more opportunities than ever before to experience the Inspired Performance that Infiniti delivers.”
NCI in December
December 2010 sales for Nissan totaled 4,435 units, down 4.7 per cent from December 2009, while Infiniti accounted for 574 units, up 17.4 per cent over the same period last year.
Rogue led all Nissan models with 899 units sold, up nearly 30 per cent from December 2009, while Murano, Frontier and Pathfinder all showed strong year-over-year increases for the month.
For Infiniti, G led all sales with 327 units sold, up 39.7 per cent from the same period last year. M and QX also showed significant increases of 230.8 and 285.7 per cent over December 2009.
NCI 2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Ø Total NCI sales equaled 83,013 in 2010, up 5.1 cent over 2009 making this the second-highest sales year in the company’s history.
Ø Nissan’s 2010 sales were up 4.0 per cent over 2009 with 74,780 units sold – also the second-highest sales year for the Nissan brand.
Ø Infiniti’s 2010 sales were up 16.3 per cent over 2009 with 8,233 units sold, including 14 consecutive months of year-over-year increases dating back to November, 2009.
Ø The all-new JUKE, Nissan’s all-new sport cross-over introduced in late October, sold 825 units in 2010.
Ø Versa led the charge for Nissan in 2010 totaling 15,743 units sold while the G family was Infiniti’s top seller with 4,408 units sold.
Ø Truck sales enjoyed a strong momentum in 2010 with Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Murano, Armada and Titan all registering increases in sales over 2009.
2011 IPL G Coupe Debuts With 348-Horsepower 3.7-litre V6, Tuned Suspension and Exclusive Exterior and Interior Features
Infiniti enters the 2011 model year with an impressive slate of all-new or refreshed products, including the next generation Infiniti M performance luxury sedan and Infiniti QX full-size luxury SUV. The most memorable addition of all, however, might be the introduction of the new specialty-performance vehicle collection, the Infiniti Performance Line™.
The Infiniti Performance Line, or IPL, offers a new level of premium performance for Infiniti vehicles, focusing not just on engine power and acceleration, but also on redefining total vehicle performance. IPL promises unique driving attributes with exclusive designs, different from other Infiniti models in each selected Infiniti line. The first production vehicle in what is expected to be a range of future IPL performance vehicles is the 348-horsepower 2011 Infiniti Performance Line G Coupe.
“The 2011 IPL G Coupe sets a new performance standard, bringing all the elements together – styling harmonized with performance, exhaust note with acceleration feel, ride comfort and confident handling,” said Wendy Durward, Director, Infiniti Canada. “It’s the perfect formula for unmatched driving exhilaration.”
Introducing the IPL G Coupe
The 2011 IPL G Coupe builds on the foundation of the second-generation Infiniti G Coupe rear-wheel drive model with extensive modification throughout the vehicle. The IPL G Coupe’s unique exterior includes a dramatic front and rear bumper/fascia design with integrated fog lights and black finishers, sculpted side sills, rear spoiler and round chrome exhaust tips.
Each part is shaped to accent the G Coupe’s aggressively seductive styling. Combined with the exclusive 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels and low-profile W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE050A performance tires, the IPL G Coupe projects a confident stance and road-ready attitude. The IPL G Coupe is offered in just two exterior colours: Asgard Grey and Malbec Black.
The IPL G Coupe interior is designed to harmonize with the exterior styling, offering two colour treatments – Graphite and Monaco Red (red interior only available with the Malbec Black exterior and 7-speed automatic transmission).
All IPL G Coupe interiors include red-stitched leather-appointed front sport seats with manual thigh extension and driver’s power torso and thigh support adjustment, red-stitched steering wheel, Silk-Obi aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals and footrest. The 8-way power driver and front passenger seats feature 2-way adjustable head restraints and a unique rear-seat access system (the front seats move forward automatically at the touch of a button to allow passengers into the rear seats).
The double hand-stitched leather-covered steering wheel is designed for maximum comfort and usability, with standard wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Solid magnesium paddle shifters are standard with the 7-speed automatic transmission.
Other standard interior features include Infiniti Voice Recognition for audio navigation, memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, RearView Monitor, Rear Sonar and sliding glass panel moonroof.
The IPL G Coupe’s enhanced performance comes from the synergetic effects of three technology areas – engine tuning, dynamic tuning, and sound quality/acceleration feel tuning. Engine performance modifications were selected not only for increased horsepower and torque levels, but also for acceleration feel and exhaust sound without compromising fuel economy or noise standards.
The IPL G Coupe’s advanced VQ37HR 3.7-litre V6 engine management system has been recalibrated through air-fuel mixture and ignition timing optimization, raising the maximum horsepower output point to 7,400 rpm (from 7,000 rpm). To obtain a natural acceleration feel, the torque curve from low revs to the maximum torque point (5,200 rpm) was tuned for linearity.
The IPL-tuned high-flow exhaust is a full dual exhaust design with independent left and right large diameter pipes. The muffler’s inner structure and materials have been maximized to reduce pressure and provide an appropriate performance exhaust note. The result is a 30% reduction in exhaust pressure versus a base G Coupe’s Y-pipe exhaust system design.
As a result of both the exhaust system and engine management changes, the IPL G Coupe generates 348 horsepower – an increase of 18 horsepower over the non-IPL models – and 276 lb-ft of torque (+6 lb-ft).
Equally inspiring is the IPL G Coupe’s dynamic vehicle performance, which focuses on providing confident handling, flat ride and smooth ride comfort. The IPL suspension tuning and damping management philosophy is designed to optimize each aspect of the suspension, effectively connecting the driver to the road surface while minimizing uncomfortable vibrations. Front spring rates have been increased 20% over the base G Coupe and rear spring rates increased 10%. Shock tuning has also been adjusted.
The IPL G Coupe also offers a sport-tuned steering gear and large 4-wheel sport brakes (14-inch front, 13.8-inch rear) with aluminum-alloy opposed calipers (4-piston front/2-piston rear) and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).
Technological and convenience features include standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Remote Keyless Entry system, a tilt/telescoping steering column with increased travel, illuminated glove compartment and automatic temperature control. Also standard is XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and an 11-speaker Infiniti “Studio on Wheels”™ by Bose® with a 3-way front door speaker array using 10-inch woofers.
The IPL G Coupe’s standard Infiniti Navigation System features Zagat Survey® Restaurant Guide. The system also includes touch screen and 9.3GB Music Box® Hard Drive.
Every 2011 IPL G Coupe offers a long list of standard safety and security features, including an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors is standard, roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection and front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags.
Also standard are 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s side ELR only) and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors, driver and front-passenger knee bolsters, front seat Active Head Restraints and the LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren). Available as part of the Technology Package are brake-operated pre-crash seat belts with motion sensor on the brake pedal.
The 2011 IPL G Coupe is available in two fully equipped models: IPL G Coupe with 6-speed manual transmission and IPL G Coupe with 7-speed automatic transmission. There are no options.
Sales of Nissan and Infiniti Vehicles Increased 8.9 Per Cent in November
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 1 /CNW/ – Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) today released strong November sales of 5,786 units – an increase of 8.9 per cent over November 2009 and its third consecutive month of year-over-year growth. Sales of Infiniti increased 5.3 per cent over the same month last year (593 units), and are up 16.2 per cent year-to-date. Nissan sales increased 9.3 per cent (5,193 units) in November, up 4.5 per cent year-to-date.
In its first full month of sales the all-new Nissan JUKE urban sport-cross sold 411 units. Altima continued to be the strongest seller in the Nissan line-up with 1,095 units sold, followed by Sentra and Rogue with 792 and 783 units, respectively. Year-over-year growth was dominated by Pathfinder, Frontier and Maxima with increases of 144.2, 143.3 and 98.2 per cent, respectively.
G continues to be Infiniti’s top seller with 293 units, while the all-new 2011 Infiniti QX56 and M saw significant year-over-year increases of 180.0 and 147.1 per cent, respectively. EX continues to be Infiniti’s strongest selling SUV/truck with 137 units sold.
“Momentum continued for both Nissan and Infiniti this month and we anticipate this to continue with the addition of some new and exciting vehicles to both line-ups in 2011,” said Allen Childs, president, Nissan Canada. “We welcome the return of the Nissan Quest early next year and on the Infiniti side, the M Hybrid and Infiniti Performance Line G Coupe will arrive in spring.”
NCI November 2010 HIGHLIGHTS
* Nissan Canada Inc. recorded its third consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth with an increase of 8.9 per cent over November 2009 and up 5.6 per cent year-to-date
* Infiniti had its 13th month of consecutive growth with an increase of 5.3 per cent (593 units) this month and tracking up 16.2 per cent year-to-date
* Sales of Nissan vehicles increased 9.3 per cent this month (5,193 units)
* Altima continued to lead Nissan sales with 1,095 vehicles while the Infiniti G is the strongest seller in the Infiniti line-up with 293 units
* Sales of Pathfinder, Frontier and Maxima increases 144.2, 143.3 and 98.2 per cent, respectively
* Infiniti QX56 and M saw significant year-over-year increases of 180.0 and 147.1 per cent, respectively
Photo of Nissan Juke at AJAC Test Fest taken by Gary Grant
MISSISSAUGA, ON (Nov. 16, 2010) – Infiniti today announced the production of a Limited Edition Collector’s “Essence Sculpture,” inspired by the stunning Infiniti Essence concept car, which was unveiled last year in celebration of the automaker’s 20th anniversary. Made from solid resin and penned by Essence’s original vehicle designer under the supervision of Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura, the sculpture will be restricted to 300 individually numbered units worldwide. No second production run will be made.
Louis Vuitton, which created bespoke luggage for the actual Essence concept car, has crafted a carrying case for the very first Essence Sculpture. The second collaboration with the world leader in luxury epitomizes Infiniti’s quest for ultimate luxury and savoir-faire. For this special order, Louis Vuitton craftsmen designed an original Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite case to serve as a high-quality transport and presentation. It was handcrafted in Louis Vuitton’s historic workshop in Asnieres, France, where all special orders are made.
The “Essence Sculpture” with Louis Vuitton case will have its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Customers wishing to own one of these exclusive pieces can visit the Infiniti merchandise website at infinitilifestyle.com beginning in December. The cost is $300.00 USD plus shipping. Personalized Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite cases can be ordered through the company’s special order workshop in France.
MISSISSAUGA, ON. (May 20, 2010) – Infiniti Canada today announced pricing for the all-new 2011 Infiniti QX, which features several significant enhancements from its 2010 predecessor – including 25% more power, improved fuel economy, enhanced luxury and ride comfort, and some of Infiniti’s most advanced technology.
Available in dealerships this summer, the 2011 QX offers a range of advanced technology systems including Infiniti’s Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) and Around View MonitorTM systems. Also available are Infiniti’s Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Distance Control Assist (DCA). Offered in two models, the Infiniti QX56 4WD 7-passenger and the Infiniti QX56 4WD 8-passenger, the all-new 2011 QX will maintain its 2010 MSRP of $73,000 with an optional technology package for $8,000.
“We wanted to provide luxury SUV buyers with a new look, better fuel economy and industry-leading user-friendly technologies – without a higher price tag,” said Wendy Durward, Director of Infiniti Canada. “With the new QX, we’ve done just that.”
The new 2011 QX gets its power from a new 5.6-litre V8 engine, combining the responsive acceleration of Infiniti’s VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology with the efficiency of Direct Injection Gasoline (DIGÔ) and 7-speed automatic transmission. With 400 horsepower (up 25% from 2010) and 413 lbs-ft of torque, the QX can handle tasks such as towing boats or trailers (8,500-pound towing capacity), while also offering over 10% better fuel economy than the previous generation QX.
Inside the distinctive QX body is an interior long on luxury and convenience, including standard Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, Bose® 2-channel and 13-speaker Premium Audio System, perforated semi-aniline leather seating and dual 7-inch colour monitor DVD system which allows different sources to be played at the same time. The 2011 QX also offers ample 1st and 2nd row roominess and generous luggage space.
“The new QX has been designed to be the most inspiring SUV in the market,” said Durward. “We’ve combined the power and capabilities you need with the luxury and technology you’ve come to expect from Infiniti. All at the same great price as the last generation QX.”
I’ve been to more dealer openings than I can recall over the years, so when I received my invitation to the re-opening of Markham Infiniti’s new store, my first inclination was to stay home. Realizing it might be a good opportunity to meet up with some old friends from my days at Nissan, I decided a visit was in order. Not only was I right, but Infiniti had another surprise in store for me as well.
Looking more like a boutique hotel lobby than a car dealership, Markham Infiniti’s new store is nothing short of breathtaking. With floating glass walls and surfaces clad in wood and leather, the space feels modern yet inviting. Sitting in the center of the room, between cool metallic mesh curtain walls was a pre production version of the 2011 Infiniti QX56! We’ll have more on that in a future post.
More than just a stunning facility, Markham Infiniti is truly a family operated dealership. Bob Stephen has been selling Infiniti cars and trucks for 19 years and son Bill is the General Manager of the new location. At the opening, Bob’s grandchildren were part of the festivities as customers chatted with journalists and Infiniti brass, just showing how important relationships are to the Stephen family. The warmth of wood and leather is a natural extension of the personalities in the organization.
We’ve got photos of the event and Infiniti press release after the break. More
In a recent photo shoot, two great examples of “Inspired Performance” came together when Cirque du Soleil Founder Guy Laliberté posed with the new Infiniti Essence Concept car.
In Canada, Infiniti has been the official automotive partner of Cirque du Soleil since 2007, where it has proven to be a marketing success story, delivering an exclusive and exhilarating experience through the vibrant and artful expression of their craft.
The partnership provides Infiniti Canada with an integrated marketing plan which includes on-site presence, Infiniti retailer involvement, website, press and consumer events, as well as consumer lead management communications.
Since 2007, Infiniti Canada has been leveraging the sponsorship to execute many successful events and initiatives in Canada. To help support the launch of the new Infiniti EX, customer gala events were staged in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, to unveil the vehicle and treat guests to a Cirque du Soleil performance. In 2007, Infiniti was at CN Tower in Toronto to support the bid of Cirque du Soleil for a new Guinness World Record for the highest circus act performance.
In 2008, the first Canadian Infiniti television commercial, “Double Line”, was created to increase brand awareness by demonstrating common values shared by Infiniti and Cirque du Soleil. Last year, to commemorate Infiniti’s 20th Anniversary, Infiniti Canada commissioned Montreal artist Heidi Taillefer to create a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted G37 Coupe art vehicle inspired by Cirque du Soleil, which will later be auctioned for charity. More
Historically, most cars that have been labelled elegant have been of the larger variety. The very concept of automotive elegance has long been molded by the coach built luxury autos of the Thirties. Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury division, has brought true elegance to an unlikely market segment: the CUV.
The CUV market is a fairly recent segment intended to make those who need the utility of an SUV coupled with a smaller, more efficient package. Smaller and more efficient often equates to cheap and cheerful which is fine for many consumers but some want a smaller footprint that still offers a level of prestige and performance. These are the folks that Infiniti created the EX35 for.
Visually the EX looks like a 2/3 scale version of its big brother FX, combining muscular, sensual curves with jewel like fit and finish. Tastefully applied chrome and brushed metal accent the curves, while LED tail lights and adaptive headlights complete the exclusive but sporting look. Inside there is everything one has come to expect from an Infiniti. Supple leather coddles passengers and brushed aluminum accents are highlighted by maple inserts on the center console. Instruments and controls are surrounded by deep violet accent lighting which drew admiring comments from several passengers. A small thing, but the little details are what makes a vehicle of this caliber stand out from the competition. More
Mississauga, ON (Friday, September 25th) – Last night Infiniti Canada revealed the Infiniti G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle at the 14th Annual Canadian Art Gallery Hop Gala in Toronto. To commemorate Infiniti’s 20th anniversary, Infiniti Canada partnered with Cirque du Soleil® to create a one-of-a-kind G37 Sport Coupe. Montreal artist Heidi Taillefer created the design and spent almost one month hand-painting the exterior of the vehicle.
“Celebrating 20 years of Infiniti is an important milestone and we wanted to do something truly unique and representative of the Infiniti brand to commemorate this occasion,” said Wendy Durward, Director of Infiniti Canada. “The intricate, beautiful design is an expression of Infiniti’s commitment to Inspired Performance in everything we do.” More
