ROLE

Q30 is a vital part of INFINITI's plans for global growth

Record growth during first nine months of 2015
Strong performance across INFINITI markets worldwide

The launch of the Q30 active compact comes at a moment of significant opportunity for the INFINITI brand, and will play a vital role in global growth and strengthening of its presence in key sales regions.

INFINITI sold a record 154,600 new vehicles worldwide during the first nine months of 2015, representing an increase of 16% compared to the same period in 2014. The brand also set records in China, EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa), Canada, Mexico and Australia.

In September alone, INFINITI posted global sales of 17,900, an increase of 29% over the same month last year. This marked the best September in INFINITI's history, and the brand has now reached a 13-month streak of best individual months on record.

These excellent results provide a strong foundation for future growth in key regions. The launch of Q30 shows that we're well positioned to carry forward this momentum<." - Roland Krueger, President of INFINITI.

Investment in premium vehicle manufacturing

Q30 is INFINITI's first vehicle produced in Europe
£250 million investment in production facility in Sunderland, UK
300 new jobs to support Q30 production
4,000 employees specially trained in premium vehicle manufacturing
New production processes to deliver premium quality

The Q30 gives INFINITI the best platform from which to achieve its goals in key markets globally. It will become the company's first vehicle built in Europe, using new production facilities in Sunderland, United Kingdom. Representing a £250 million investment, plant extensions totalling over 25,000m2 will provide INFINITI with the production facility to satisfy the high demands of premium vehicle manufacturing.

A successful recruitment programme has already been completed, filling over 300 new jobs to support Q30 production at the upgraded production facility. Including the newcomers, approximately 4,000 employees at the Sunderland plant have been specially trained in premium vehicle manufacturing to gain a better understanding of the brand and its core values. As part of this programme, members of the Sunderland production team have visited a number of INFINITI's global markets, such as China, Japan and the U.S., to better understand the expectations of premium buyers.

In addition to extensions to the Body Shop facility and Trim and Chassis Assembly Line at Sunderland, a number of enhancements have been made to ensure the necessary quality and flexibility needed for premium vehicle manufacturing. These include the introduction of 100% robot welding for Q30 production.

Following start of production of the INFINITI Q30 in Sunderland, the first cars will be delivered to customers in Europe at the end of November and into the start of December, with global markets to follow in the coming months.

Q30 is the beginning of INFINITI's push to expand its product line-up

Q30 an in-house development engineered to exacting standards
Premium compact segment among the fastest growing globally

"Q30 is INFINITI's commitment to offer a broader range of premium products in new segments, and is part of an intense product launch period that will see us further enhance our offer to an increasing number of customers." - Roland Krueger, President of INFINITI

With the launch of the Q30 active compact, INFINITI has started to deliver on its promise to expand and refresh its product portfolio within new premium segments.

Staying true to the concept revealed at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Q30 is an in-house development designed and engineered to meet exacting INFINITI standards.

INFINITI is adding this new product at the right time and is set to continue its growth trajectory in the second half of the decade. The Q30 is entering a buoyant market for premium vehicles, with the premium compact segment currently among the fastest expanding globally.

INFINITI entering the compact segment for the first time

Q30 defies categorisation with its rare shape and elevated stance
Unique height and dimensions with coupe-like proportions
Superior fit and finish details, inside and out

"From the very beginning of product development, it was clear that Q30 presented an outstanding opportunity for INFINITI. The company's inspiration was to create an empowering drive for a new generation of premium buyers." - Francois Bancon, INFINITI Vice President Product Strategy

Representing the first vehicle of its kind for the company, INFINITI has dared to be bold and ambitious with the Q30 active compact. The car defies categorisation with its rare shape and elevated stance. Its expressive design targets premium customers seeking urban individuality.

Combining unique height and dimensions with coupe-like proportions, the Q30 conveys a 'ready to go anywhere' attitude while maintaining an 'at home in the city' versatility – perfect for those wanting to create their own unique experiences.

Generations X and Y are a new breed of premium car buyers. For these buyers, a car is an expression of 'self' rather than 'status', and they insist on setting their own standards through unique, category-defying products. For them, personalising a brand is a means to individual expression – a 'made for me' approach that is at the core of new luxury.

To satisfy these demands, every decision that went into crafting the Q30 was made for the individual. For example, the alloy wheels allow for true personalisation, with a laser-cutting process enabling the precise application of an accent colour of choice. The process is so precise that coloured lines can be as thin as 0.3mm, offering a subtle way for customers to make the car their own when specifying one of the Q30's special interior design trims.

Complementing the expressive nature of the Q30, perceptual quality levels meet the expectations and high standards of buyers in the premium compact segment. Superior fit and finish details, both visible and tactile, are available across all grades. For example, a satin chrome-plated trim, rather than plastic chrome, gives Q30 a 'cool-to-the-touch' feel, even in hot temperatures, while consistent use of black lacquer trim across wheel arches and side sills highlights the Q30's elevated stance, contributing to the strong, unique road presence of the vehicle.