Infiniti Launches Chinese Offensive

The economic engine driving China's explosive growth has created more than 300,000 millionaires. Hoping to tap into that lucrative market, Infiniti this weekend opened its first "authorized" dealership in China and announced plans to add more dealerships and models in the next 18 months.

Sales of the Infiniti G35 sedan started at prices between the equivalent of U.S. $59,230 and $63,200. The FX35 is priced between $84,340 and $89,650. The FX45 costs $106,800.

The Shanghai Daily reports that Nissan intends to add three more Infiniti models by the end of 2008, according to Yukihisa Kayashima, president of Nissan (China) Investment Co. Kayashima told Bloomberg News that Nissan may consider adding a production plant with local partner Dongfeng Motor Group to expand capacity as it targets sales of 300,000 cars in China this year.

Infiniti expects to open 10 dealerships in China this year, with the number growing to 15 by the end of 2008.

"Infiniti has taken a major step forward in China," said Yasuaki Hashimoto, Nissan Motor corporate vice president.