(October 29, 2011, Shanghai): Infiniti, automotive luxury brand opened its 39th Center in China today; Shanghai Dongchang. In an exciting and colorful ceremony, the flagship Center was opened by Mr. Toshiyuki Shiga, Chief Operating Officer of Nissan Motor Company Ltd.
Mr. Toru Saito, Corporate Vice President and Leader of global Infiniti Business Unit, Mr. Allen Lu, Managing Director of Infiniti Business Unit China, Mr. Hu Jianping, Chairman of Shanghai Dongchang Infiniti Auto Sales Service Co., Ltd., and Mr. Shao Zhili, General Manager of Shanghai Dongchang Infiniti Auto Sales Service Co., joined the celebrations along with many other guests.
Said Mr. Toru Saito: "At the heart of this Center and at the heart of Infiniti is our uncompromising combination of performance and hospitality. Our vehicles combine advanced technologies and inspired performance with distinct, luxurious style; this unique Infiniti style is reflected in every detail of Shanghai Dongchang, where our customers will be treated with exceptional Infiniti hospitality."
Added Mr. Allen Lu: "Shanghai is China's most important trade and economic center, boasting a style all of its own - a style that perfectly mirrors the Infiniti brand. The unlimited potential of the luxury vehicle market here is another reason that we're expanding in Shanghai. Today's grand opening of Shanghai Dongchang Infiniti marks our fourth Center in Shanghai and the 39th in China. This demonstrates Infiniti's attention to and confidence in China, which we anticipate growing rapidly with an additional 11 Centers opening before the end of the year. "
Located in the Baoshan District, Shanghai Dongchang Infiniti was built and tailored in every detail to meet Infiniti's Retail Environment Design Initiative (IREDI): a global design concept demanding high standards across both sales and service.
In addition, this new flagship in Shanghai center will be the start of a new extensive sales operations and customer service initative for Infiniti in China to support Infiniti's commitment to their customers. Focus will be a specially defined recruitment programm on top of the existing Infiniti training. Infiniti teamed up with Japanese companies who are reowned for their excellent Japanse hospitality schemes. Futhermore, the centre will incorporate additional facilities in the future to enhance the customer experience such as entertaining multi media merchandise collection of Infiniti and Red Bull Racing as well as marketing initiatives with global sponsorship partners.
On display at Shanghai Dongchang Infiniti Center will be the lineup of Infiniti automobiles, including the Infiniti G Line, Infiniti M performance sedan, Infiniti EX and FX crossovers, and the Infiniti QX full-size SUV.
Infiniti's innovative marketing strategy has increased brand awareness to a cross section of customers and potential customers in China; customers who are able to ‘feel’ the difference through a variety of events. For example:"Infiniti G-Force", a driving experience to demonstrate Infiniti's exhilarating performance; the Infiniti car owners club - "VIP (Very Infiniti People) Club" launched in December last year with five influential owners from a wide variety of fields; the partnership with Cirque du Soleil with their shared values of exquisite finesse and meticulous attention to detail in all areas of our business and actually Infiniti's deepening partnership with Red Bull Racing Formula One team and the youngest-ever back-to-back World Champion Sebastian Vettel as Infiniti's first global ambassador.
Concluded Mr. Allen Lu: "Since our launch in China in 2007 Infiniti has gained the attention of, and won popularity among Chinese customers, which resulted in year-on-year sales growth of 100% in 2010. And despite the challenges as a result of the earthquake, 2011 is also looking very positive; our recovery plan is working well and we are optimistic of reaching our target of 20,000 sales this year."
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