I wonder as it seems like the product they have released in the last 2 years has been very impressive. The G Twins, the FX, the rebadged QX even selling well, and of course the new M. Does anyone think that the Infiniti brand is finally gaining on the Germans, probably most specifically BMW.

2004 G35s 5AT DG/Graphite/Premium/Huper Optik Tint

 

I agree. I'd rather have 'more than good enough' performance, with superior electronics, and superior reliability, at a price that's thousands (or even tens of thousands) less. I'm not willing to gain better performance, and sacrafice in all the other areas.

 

I'd say in some cases they have surpassed the Germans. [img]/w3timages/icons/tongue.gif[/img]
C.

<font color=red>GSM</font color=red>
<font color=red>GSM</font color=red>
<font color=black>Silverstone Coupe</font color=black>

 

I think the Germans are going to far in the way of electronic complexity. I have a freind that drives a 545 and he's having radio problems. They are having trouble fixing it as there are 4 or 5 computers that interface with the radio. He couldn't change the radio to aftermarket if he wanted to.

There is no need for all of these types of gizmos. They add cost and weight but at the end of the day pretty much every one could live without them.

BTW I just bought a G35 over a 330i. It was a tough decision but in the end there wasn't enough difference to spend another $5-$7k.

 

Don't forget sales figures. Nissan/Infiniti's numbers have been increasing at almost thirty percent per quarter. Not too shabby.

G

"If my critics were told I could walk on water, they would say, 'But he can't swim.'"

Black/Willow Sedan. Check profile for specs.

<font color=red>B.A.S.T.A.R.D Squad</font color=red>

 

In many ways, Japanese premium cars are better than their German rivals. Better value, reliability, & increasingly, even safety.

IMO, one of the main problems is perception. German halo cars are aplenty here, Japanese ones aren't.

There are many more exotic priced German cars than Japanese here, pricing affects peoples' perception of image. There are a host of 400+ hp German cars, not 1 Japanese. Even though entry-level German offerings don't have those insane levels of hp, there is still a perception that it's better because it's coming from that same brand & engineering heritage.

 

Exactly. That's a big part of being a luxury brand. It's all about image. Hopefully the GT-R is an indication of good things to come.

 

IMO Infiniti's luxury image has made great strides in the last few years, I believe if they keep their momentum up, there will be the same type of image thing going on!


Brilliant Silver/Graphite/Premium/Chrome Wheels '04 Sedan/5AT

 

I read an article in the paper today about how Infiniti is marketing itself. They are talking to such companies as Prada and Chanel in an attempt to learn better ways to maket themselves as a highend luxury brand. The article said that the G's have been very successful making up over 50% of Infiniti sales at around 96,000 units sold. The M45 and Q45 on the other hand have sold less than 2000 each. The next big push in Infiniti advertising will be the M45. Infiniti believes that you can't be a true "luxury" brand without solid selling numbers of vehicles in the $40,000 to $50,000 range as the M45 will be.

Mark

2003 Sedan AT. Sport Aero Ivory Pearl/ Willow
20% tint. Z-tube. Clear Corners w/ PIAA.
Aluminum Pedals

 

In terms of fresh design, brand excitement/awareness, and value, Infiniti has made astounding advancements. The Germans still have the edge in image, luxury, and performance. As far as reliability is concerned, the only automakers that are actually improving reliability are Toyota (which has been at the top for a while) and some American companies. German quality has been stagnating or slipping; Nissan/Infiniti quality is definitely falling (Infiniti from #3 to #8, and Nissan has been near the bottom for a while). Even Honda has had reliability problems ever since they started manufacturing in the U.S.

It will be interesting to see if the M45 will be as successful as the G35. It is one thing to beat a competitor on value; it is another thing to go head to head with them in terms of desirability.

I can tell you one thing - it won't happen if Nissan/Infiniti keeps taking build quality for granted. Hopefully the M45 won't be plagued with as many problems as the G35 and 350Z are.

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

Hopefully the M45 won't be plagued with as many problems as the G35 and 350Z are.

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Plagued? BS!


Brilliant Silver/Graphite/Premium/Chrome Wheels '04 Sedan/5AT

 

lol...that's no good!

KhaL
Eyyyy....u tryin to race or what?!

 

Renault bought 17% of Nissan and put a french guy in charge of design.

***04 G35s 5AT/Sport***
***04 Volvo XC90 T6***

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

Renault bought 17% of Nissan and put a french guy in charge of design.

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LOL, maybe this is the next Infiniti model! [img]/w3timages/icons/laugh.gif[/img]




Brilliant Silver/Graphite/Premium/Chrome Wheels '04 Sedan/5AT

 

That french guy turned Nissan from a money losing company to one of the most profitable. Must be doing something right.