March 1, 2011 – 12:15 CET
(Only the spoken word is valid.)
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
Just three years ago, the Infiniti brand made its Western European debut here in Geneva.
Today as 19 markets across Europe join the U.S., China, the Middle East, Russia, and many others Infiniti stands poised to enter its next period of growth and product expansion. As the global market for luxury vehicles grows Infiniti will undergo rapid expansion worldwide. Globally we are on track to sell more than 145,000 units worldwide. A full recovery after the economic downturn. Infiniti sales in Europe will nearly double this fiscal year. Our ambitious growth plans are not limited to Europe. By 2013, Infiniti will enter 25 more new markets worldwide, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia. In two weeks I will personally attend Infiniti’s launch in Indonesia and I am pleased to announce that we will launch Infiniti in Singapore in the latter half of this year.
The outlook for Infiniti has never been brighter. We are expanding our reach and our product lineup. In the past 12 months alone, we have launched the all-new Infiniti M diesel versions of the EX and FX crossovers and presented an enhanced G Line showing the Infiniti Performance Line for the coupe and cabrio. We have also introduced new technologies like Blind Spot Intervention as part of our “Safety Shield” innovation.
Our newest model is now on sale across North America and Europe: The Infiniti M35h with new-generation Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid technology. We are applying the most advanced technologies available to reduce CO2 emissions without sacrificing driving pleasure or engagement as evidenced by both our Hybrid and our new 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine…
And coming in 2013, Infiniti will introduce it's first fully electric luxury sedan for the global market. The highest level of performance and technology with luxurious beauty and modern inspired craftsmanship.
This is Infiniti today.
And for a look at Infiniti tomorrow I am pleased to introduce a pioneering approach to the European premium compact segment Infiniti Etherea.
Infiniti Etherea is completely different from current luxury compact cars. It is, in fact, a challenge to conservative stereotypes – it’s a roomy, four-passenger car for a new generation of confident luxury buyers who want to define who they are, and not who their parents were. For those who don’t want simply a smaller version of a larger luxury sedan. Etherea is part coupe part sedan and a large dose of sports car. A supercharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine offers strong acceleration in performance mode and a silent electric motor provides emission-free driving at low speeds. Etherea is our most advanced front-wheel-drive model and breaks new ground as the first Infiniti designed on our in-house C-segment platform.
If the design seems familiar, perhaps you recognize cues taken from our Essence supercar. Other elements are entirely new. For example, you can expect that the curving shape of the headlights will become a recurring signature in future Infiniti models. Etherea embodies what Infiniti stands for.
True to the DNA of our brand, Infiniti delivers inspired performance, warm hospitality and genuine craftsmanship. But brand is more than just DNA. Awareness is equally important and recently we have raised our visibility through relationships with some of the world’s most respected brands and events.
Today, I am excited to announce a global partnership that will clearly propel the Infiniti brand promise of Inspired Performance to a new level. Infiniti is proud to introduce a two-year partnership with Red Bull Racing Formula One!
Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to share the stage with Christian Horner, team principal of Red Bull Racing,
and Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing driver and current Formula One World Champion.
Welcome to the motor show, Christian and Sebastian.
Congratulations on winning both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ championship titles to become the most successful team in Formula One in 2010.
[Horner remarks]:
Andy resumes:
Sebastian, Infiniti is delighted to partner with the youngest Formula One champion in history.
What’s next for you?
[Vettel remarks]:
Andy concludes:
Infiniti and Formula One. It’s an exhilarating partnership one that will ultimately benefit every Infiniti driver....
and the journey begins today. Thank you all for being here and we’ll see you in 3 weeks at the season’s first race in Australia!