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Nissan will launch its Infiniti premium brand in Brazil in third-quarter 2014, opening two Infiniti Center showrooms in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Other outlets are planned for the states of Santa Catarina and Paraná within three years.
Infiniti, launched in 1989 in the U.S., now is expanding rapidly into new markets, with sales beginning this fiscal year in Singapore, Chile, Dominican Republic, South Africa and Australia. The brand will roll out in 2013 in Hong Kong, where the brand’s global headquarters now is located.
The Brazilian Infiniti Centers will follow the brand’s retail-environment design initiative, with a luxurious lobby-lounge-gallery area and spacious, air-conditioned showroom.
Initially, the Infiniti model range in Brazil will comprise the FX sport cross/utility vehicle, the 7-seat JX CUV and an all-new sports sedan to be launched soon.
Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen says entering Brazil is a logical step for the brand.
“By 2014, premium vehicles with a unique combination of inspired performance, attentive hospitality and unparalleled quality will become a reality for the Brazilian market,” de Nysschen says in a statement. “We are delighted to enter Brazil, as we know discerning customers there are very receptive to premium brands.”