Infiniti Prepares Concept to Challenge Audi A3 and Lexus CT200h

Nissan is reportedly preparing the setting for a new entry into the Infiniti family. The new model will be an entry-level Infiniti that will fit below the G series and will compete against models such as Audi A3 and Lexus CT 200h. The new model will be a part of a global product blitz to built Infiniti’s lineup to 10 vehicles by 7 by 2017.

The car would be based on the Etherea concept, revealed in March at the Geneva auto show. The compact will come in addition to the Infiniti JX crossover and Infinity badged electric vehicle based on the Nissan Leaf EV. The latter model will share the Nissan Leaf’s platform and drivetrain, but will have unique Infinity styling, trim and features.

Nissan pushes Infiniti into the unknown, as the Japanese carmaker can hardly grab 8 percent from the world auto market in the next six years under a new midterm business plan unveiled on June 27th. While announcing the plan,CEO Carlos Ghosn, said that he wants 10% of the global luxury market in that time fame.

By 2017, Infiniti is forecasted to increase global sale up to 500,000 units, from about 150,000 units today.The campaign will involve building models overseas, as the vehicles have been made in Japan since the production of the QX56 SUV.

"I cannot imagine that 500,000 Infiniti cars are going to be shipped from one location," Ghosn said of future production sites. "The natural location is North America and/or China."

Nissan is planning a strategy to cover more segments of the auto market .Ghosn said the 64 models in the Nissan and Infiniti lineup now, cover about 80% of global segments.