Infiniti dealers infuriated over losing GT-R

[mikeyb]

How would you feel if one of the most anxiously awaited automotive arrivals in recent history were just swiped from your showroom floor? Infiniti dealers are reacting to Carlos Ghosns announcement last week that the GT-R, the latest iteration of the companys Skyline sports car designed for total global consumption, would be sold in the U.S. with a Nissan hood ornament. Ghosn cited the fact that brand's North American operations couldnt prove the Infiniti emblem on the GT-Rs hood would generate more sales or profits.

Infiniti sales were down a sharp 9 percent in the first quarter of the year and dealers were hoping the GT-R would fill out the brands narrow lineup (four cars, two SUVs), as well as be a halo vehicle around which the company could rally. All is not lost, however, as the redesigned G35 sedan that debuted at the NY auto show last week was received very well by the press.

[Source: Automotive News via AutoWeek]

 

[vindication]

well it was nissan branded with a Nissan symbol in the firtst place.

 

[Black_Protege_5]

Yea it's branded the way it should be. It was never right being branded an infinity. And most people who would buy the car would most likely take off the Infinty badge and put a nissan badge. I know I would.

 

[mikeyb]

Infiniti should market the next G series with a v8 to compete with the M3, Audi S4/RS4, Benz C55, and Lexus IS 500.

 

[vindication]

I dont think Nissan will do that.

 

[mikeyb]

I dont think Nissan will do that.

Well the M45 and FX45 have v8s that will bolt right into the G35. They would have to incease the hp from the 4.5.

 

[ZoomZoomH]

isn't the GTR gonna cost like at least 70-80k or something, since it'll have Z06-level performance, or exceeding it...

 

[mountjonas]

How would you feel if one of the most anxiously awaited automotive arrivals in recent history were just swiped from your showroom floor?

pffff. it's not like they sold them here as infinitis for one year and then changed it back to nissan. so if they're acting like the car was "swiped" from them, then they're just a bunch of bitches. i see so many infinitis around here, so it's not like they've fallen on hard times.

 

[lasermp5]

Just wouldn't be right the other way around. I for one am very glad they came to this decision.

 

[warrier04]

good call. to me, badging nissan->infinity just means paying more.

 

[dbzeag]

The only reason "Infiniti" exists is because North Americans are very short sighted and can't see paying a lot for a luxury car that has a Nissan name. Same with VW, just look at the Phaeton sales numbers. Same with Toyota, same with Honda. Did Honda release the Acura S2000? Did Toyota release the Lexus Supra in the last generation?