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Who Makes Infiniti Cars?

Infiniti Cars

Infiniti is a luxury vehicle that entered the global market over 35 years ago. In that time it has established a solid footing as a comfortable luxury brand with an understated appearance and simple user-friendly controls. While some may not consider the Infiniti branding to be top of the line, it is created for a niche market of drivers who find luxury to be in comfort, understated elegance, and the absence of elaborate non-necessities in the aesthetic and the interior. Sometimes the simpler things leave the most memorable impressions.

Who owns Infiniti?

The Infiniti brand is the luxury division of the Nissan Motor Company. The brand was launched in 1985 under the umbrella of Nissan and the direction of Nissan's Horizon Task Force, a top-secret team of designers and engineers. The team was charged with the task of creating a new luxury division within the Nissan Motor Company of Japan, that would stand alone in its branding offering performance and luxury according to Infiniti of San Jose. Although Infiniti was started in 1985, the brand did not officially launch under its current brand name until 1989. The rebranding of many of Nissan's luxury vehicles began in 1987 and by 1989, the Infiniti brand became an official division under Nissan's umbrella.

Made for competition

The Nissan Motor Company was a competitor in the market for Japanese vehicles. The stakes were high for automakers with a consumer base that was becoming accustomed to receiving more in terms of luxury and performance. A boom in the advancement of automotive technology and luxury features for creature comforts, convenience, and enhanced performance has created a sense of entitlement among consumers. With competing brands and their innovative new enhancements constantly battling one another for top place in the market, the competition is intense. Brands saw the need to enter the luxury vehicle market and Nissan stepped up to the plate. Nissan accomplished their goal with the Infiniti luxury brand.

The global reach of Infiniti

Infiniti is a Japanese brand with its origins and manufacture in Japan. Although it still maintains a manufacturing plant in this country, Infiniti has widened its reach with manufacturing plants for vehicle and parts production in many countries throughout the world. In the United States, Infiniti has a plant in Smyrna, Tennessee where the QX60 crossover is manufactured. In Mexico, the QX50 is made. Infiniti is around the globe with assembly lines in Spain, Brazil, Thailand Malaysia, Indonesia India, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Morocco, China Vietnam, South Africa, Philippines, Egypt, and Australia.

Specific Infiniti models

According to Infiniti of Dayton, the Japanese plant is responsible for the manufacturing of Infiniti sedans. These include the Q50, Q60, and Q70 model lines and their variants. The most competitive vehicle made in Japan in the sport sedan class is the Q50 which holds its own with the higher-priced European models in the luxury category.

Where are Infiniti crossovers and SUVs made?

If you're driving an Infiniti QX30 it is most likely to have been produced in the country of Japan. It's a popular model for commuters because of its luxury features and fuel efficiency. The QX50 is manufactured in Mexico. This is the latest vehicle in the Infiniti lineup. This model is exclusive to the Mexican plant. offering advanced technology in power and efficiency as its hallmarks with variable compression technology in the design of the engine. The Infiniti QX60 is produced in the state of Tennessee, USA. This model is considered to be the flagship vehicle of Infiniti with three-row seating with distinctive luxury in the cabin. If you notice some similarities between the QX60 and the Nissan Pathfinder, it's because the QX60 takes its inspiration from that vehicle. You'll find that many Infiniti branded vehicles are based upon Nissan models, however, there are differences as Infiniti vehicles offer more advanced luxury features with enhanced performance.

The Infiniti QX80 is made solely in the country of Japan. This SUV is the largest in the Infiniti fleet. It may be compared to the Nissan Armada with an upgraded interior and a truck platform that impressively grants it the ability to safely tow up to 8,500 pounds of weight. This is a versatile and sturdy SUV that is equipped with opulent interior features in the cabin. Most notable is the large third-row seating for families requiring extra seating. Although there are striking similarities between Nissan and Infiniti, they are not the same vehicles. The branding remains distinct, although some components are identical.

Final thoughts

Nissan Motor Company saw the need to create vehicles that met the qualifications for the luxury class to remain competitive in today's market. The Infiniti division of Nissan was born with its distinct branding and personality in the middle of the 1980s. The Infiniti brand became immensely popular, initially produced in Japan, then spreading throughout the globe as Infiniti sales exploded. These are vehicles for those who prefer understated luxury without flashiness or over the top extravagance. Rather, Infiniti has found an inch in the market for drivers who prefer solid and simple to operate onboard technology in a well-designed cabin that puts all of its useful tech gadgets within easy reach of the driver. There are no complicated systems to operate. It's loaded with tech onboard but nothing so complicated that it becomes a distraction. Understated yet classy and elegant aesthetics are the governing principles behind the design. Infiniti has been accused of needing an update on its interior, but this would defeat the purpose of reaching out to its target audience that believes simple is better. If you're looking for bling you'll need to look elsewhere. The Infiniti brand continues to bring in more new fans that like to keep things simple yet classy. As a subsidiary of Nissan Motor Company, Infiniti is a brand that is alive and well.

Benjamin Smith

Written by Benjamin Smith

Benjamin Smith is one of the managing editors of Moneyinc. Ben's been focusing on the auto and motorcycle sector since 2005. He's written over 1000 articles in the space and continues to learn about it each day. His favorite car is "any Bugatti" and he's a die hard Harley Davidson fan.

Read more posts by Benjamin Smith

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