Infiniti is the luxury division of automaker Nissan and vicariously, Renault
through the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Infiniti officially started
selling vehicles on November 8, 1989 in North America. Marketing
operations have since grown to include the Middle East, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, China, and Ukraine.
Infiniti began sales in additional European markets in late 2008. The
marketing network for Infiniti-branded vehicles now includes over 230
dealers in over 15 countries.[1]
The marque is not used in Japan and the automaker markets most of equivalent Infiniti models domestically as Nissans: Infiniti G as the Nissan Skyline sedan and coupe, Infiniti M as the Nissan Fuga, Infiniti EX as the Nissan Skyline crossover, and Infiniti Q45 as the Nissan Cima. The Infiniti FX
has no Nissan equivalent and is not sold in Japan. The first generation
Infiniti Q45 was sold as the Nissan Infiniti Q45 in Japan.
Carlos Ghosn unveiled the Infiniti M at a hotel in Los Angeles. It shares the VQ37VHR from the Infiniti G, Infiniti EX, and Infiniti FX. Featured are new powertrains: the 5.6 L V8 (VK56VD) with VVEL, Gasoline direct injection, the Nissan-Renault V9X Engine
V6 Turbo Diesel (only for Europe), and the newly developed hybrid that
will include one electric motor and two clutches to allow the gas engine
and electric motor to drive the rear wheels simultaneously. The
lithium-ion battery pack will come from the Infiniti Essence.
At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti launched a new powertrain for Europe, with the new V9X Engine engine developed by the Nissan-Renault alliance group. The new engine is used in the Infiniti FX, Infiniti EX, and the new Infiniti M. The new Infiniti M made its European debut at the show.
In August 2010 Infiniti unveiled its new performance division named Infiniti Performance Line, or IPL.
In 2011, Infiniti chose to sponsor the Renault engines for Red Bull Racing for the 2011 Formula One season.
