2013 Infiniti Nanjing International Auto Show Interview

Time: September 29, 2013, 11:00-11:20

Venue: Nanjing International Expo Center, Hall F, Infiniti booth, Q50 interview room

Guest: Mr. Xing Mingzhong, General Manager of Nanjing Wenhua Infiniti

Reporter: The automobile three-bag policy will be formally implemented on October 1. What impact will this have on Infiniti?

Xing Mingzhong: We have been paying attention to this policy. Since Infiniti entered the Chinese market, as early as the introduction of the Three Guarantees policy, it has already started four years / 100,000 km of free warranty maintenance and other industry-leading services. In addition, it also provides customers with comprehensive and convenient services such as 24-hour roadside assistance, CCC (Customer Care Center), full container oil delivery service, and worry-free journey planning. At present, Infiniti's services to customers have exceeded the requirements of the Three Guarantees policy and we are very confident in Infiniti's services.

Reporter: What is the reason for Infiniti's new name for all previous models?

Xing Mingzhong: Before Infiniti used one or two letters to name the product, consumers who did not know the product well could not clearly understand the level of the model. Now Infiniti uses the letter Q to represent the sedan model and QX to represent the SUV model series. Divide the model level by two digits after the letter. The larger the number, the higher the level of the model. In the future, Infiniti will launch a more powerful product offensive, and the new naming system will leave plenty of room for future product line expansion.

Reporter: There are many Infiniti models. Before many consumers did not understand Infiniti's models well enough. Will the introduction of a new naming system affect sales?

Xing Mingzhong: We are waiting and seeing. I believe that it will get better and better. Everyone can feel it. Infiniti has begun to exert itself in recent months. From the perspective of dealers, both the strength of media activities and the scope of publicity are expanding. I have strong confidence in the future sales, I believe it will be getting better and better.

Reporter: At present, many luxury car brands have launched domestic plans. What plans does Infiniti have?

Xing Mingzhong: Infiniti officially announced its domestic plan last year. The good news I can share with you now is that Infiniti will have two domestic models in the second half of next year: the Long Wheelbase version of the Infiniti Q50 and the Infiniti QX50.

Reporter: How did Infiniti perform this year in the Nanjing market?

Xing Mingzhong: I think this year is very good. I am very confident. Nationwide, in the three months of May, June and July, the total sales volume increased by nearly 40% year-on-year, and it increased by 53% year-on-year in July. From Nanjing Infiniti to Wenhua, it also maintained steady growth. I believe that according to this trend, the market performance will become better and better.

Reporter: Infiniti has pushed new speeds very quickly, and new cars are constantly coming out. However, the competition between the luxury car market and the luxury SUV market is fierce. Who is the main competitor of JX35?

Xing Mingzhong: The reason why this model has been recognized and loved by many consumers is mainly due to its versatility. It has both the cross-country nature of the SUV and the spaciousness and comfort of the MPV, and its rich configuration, such as panoramic views. Skylights, safety barrier systems, etc., as well as the optimal three-row comfort space at the same level, are very much liked by Chinese consumers. And Infiniti JX's prices are also more reasonable. Now, the three-row seven-seater SUV has become a new trend in the SUV segment; as consumer demand diversifies, similar models have already entered the Chinese market (Q7), indicating that the segment is welcomed by consumers.

Reporter: Infiniti is the first time to participate in the Nanjing International Auto Show? What do you think of this local auto show or feel better?

Xing Mingzhong: The fourth time. The auto show made me nervous and excited. At the Chengdu Auto Show that just concluded last month, Infiniti harvested orders for nearly 300 vehicles. This is a big breakthrough and a place where I was nervous. The place I am more excited about is this exhibition booth. This is the largest booth of Infiniti at the Nanjing Auto Show in recent years. Before that, the largest area was less than 400 square meters and this year it reached 600 square meters. In addition, the Infiniti Red Bull Racing Champion RB9 was brought to the scene, which made me more excited.

Reporter: The luxury car market in the past two years looks very good, but many luxury car brands are also facing losses. What is Infiniti's current profitability?

Xing Mingzhong: In terms of Nanjing Wenhua Infiniti, it is still more optimistic. Seeking truth from facts, we have not yet fully entered the camp of first-line luxury car brands. For us, all sales are currently imported models. The cycle basically takes 3 to 4 months. In this cycle, we can do order sales and control the rhythm.

And Infiniti is also a relatively special luxury car brand, is a lot of young consumers prefer the brand. Compared to many traditional luxury car brand sales, we have some differences. Relatively speaking, our current sales situation is still good. Moreover, at the Nanjing Auto Show, the investment in booths and the increase in the area are all examples of our confidence in this market.

Reporter: Jiangsu now has a total of several Infiniti dealerships?

Xing Mingzhong: There are five 4S shops in Jiangsu, which are located in Nanjing, Changzhou, Wuxi, Suzhou and Nantong. There is also an exhibition hall in the city.

Reporter: Ask a private question. I personally like F1. Will Vettel be likely to appear in China's auto show next year?

Xing Mingzhong: Vettel has become Infiniti’s director of vehicle performance. He has also participated in many domestic activities and will have many opportunities to meet with him in the future. In addition, I myself like to watch F1.

Reporter: Is it possible to build a second Infiniti 4S store in the Nanjing market? Specifically where is Nanjing and has it been planned?

Xing Mingzhong: With the development of the Infiniti brand, this will be a trend. There are no specific plans yet. Infiniti manufacturers are very responsible to the distributors. Under the condition of ensuring normal operation of our company, we will develop second and third dealerships when the market reaches certain requirements. This is one of the reasons why we trust the Infiniti brand. Moreover, the current development will not be as simple as in large and medium-sized cities. In the future, it may also develop more second-, third-, and fourth-tier cities.

Reporter: What exciting things did Infiniti bring to this year's Nanjing Auto Show?

Xing Mingzhong: The main attraction is the design and layout of the booth. The previous exhibition stand was only 400 square meters. The area was relatively small and the display was crowded. This year's booth reached 600 square meters. In the future we hope to do better and do more. In addition, the layout design of the entire booth adopts the latest standards, and all exhibitors use a white system, which is also a feature. If we say other highlights, we think that each model is a bright spot, and everyone can visit us at the booth.