William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
December 19, 2012
When Infiniti announced on Monday night that they would be changing their nomenclature to Q and QX, the outpouring of rage and sarcastic comments were overwhelming. Today Johan de Nysschen, Infiniti's president sent an open letter to the press and its fans explaining its decision.
de Nysschen explained that Infiniti will be going on a product offensive in the next few years and and found itself in the situation of finding alphanumeric combinations that weren't already taken by another automaker. de Nysschen also said that the current nomenclature is causing confusion in new markets that Infiniti is entering.
"Our new customers are unfamiliar with the brand and struggle to understand our range hierarchy. Is a JX above or below an FX? Where does an EX fit? What is the relationship between G and Infiniti M? Research confirms the majority of newcomers to our brand consider the naming to be somewhat arbitrary and confusing." said de Nysschen.
There's one part of the letter that has everyone in the automotive media buzzing and dreaming. de Nysschen references a "new high-tech 550+ horsepower performance flagship for the Infiniti M range above it (M56 which uses a V8), using a potent charged induction V6". Interesting if a bit random example to use. But for de Nysschen to reference horsepower and a 'potent charged induction V6' has caused everyone to go into a tizzy about a M or I should say Q70 sedan with a GT-R powertain.
We'll wait and see if that comes to fruition, along with seeing if Infiniti's name change is a good idea.
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
Press Release is on Page 2
A Message from Johan de Nysschen to Infiniti Owners and Fans
Dear Infiniti fans: We love you dearly. And we know you love the brand. Which means it’s only natural that you may feel surprised by the announcement that we plan to change our nomenclature philosophy. No one likes change.
It was a tough decision. We like our current model names as much as you do. But we had no choice but to change. Let me explain.
1. We are embarking on a massive product offensive, and these new cars need names. There are no suitable combinations of Alphanumeric naming options remaining that are not already trademarked by another automaker. In order to expand our line up with the fascinating new models we are developing, we must create a more flexible nomenclature philosophy.
2. Our new advanced technology engines under development will be smaller, lighter, more fuel efficient yet more powerful. And we will introduce some exhilarating performance machines in the future. I’m sure you will agree, it would be a bit odd to have a powerful, luxurious and refined V8 powered Infiniti M56, then position a new high-tech 550+ horsepower performance flagship for the Infiniti M range above it, using a potent charged induction V6, but then call it Infiniti M30, which we would be obliged to do, following our current naming logic.
3. Infiniti is becoming a global brand now. We are already active in almost 50 countries, the majority only very recently. Our new customers are unfamiliar with the brand and struggle to understand our range hierarchy. Is a JX above or below an FX? Where does an EX fit? What is the relationship between G and Infiniti M? Research confirms the majority of newcomers to our brand consider the naming to be somewhat arbitrary and confusing.
4. Infiniti owns the naming assets of Q plus double digit, and QX plus double digit. And it is a permanent part of our heritage.
So the solution is pretty straightforward – use Q for cars, QX for crossovers, and double digits in increments of ten, to denote hierarchy, linked to the price point of the model, not size and not engine displacement. And no, we wont call all-wheel drive models Q50X or QX50X. The fact that a model may feature four-wheel drive will be indicated by specific badging describing this feature on the car and is not part of the model name.
The really exciting implication of all this is that it prepares the way for the introduction of several fascinating new models above and below the current line up, and a wider range of powertrains including some truly stunning performance cars in our future.
So there is only good news for all Infiniti fans around the globe. We are working very hard to bring you great products, a great brand and a compelling ownership experience. And we are really confident you will love the new Q50. It’s simply that good.
Warmest regards,
Johan de Nysschen
President
Infiniti Motor Company Limited
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