Symbol of a Rejuvenated Infiniti Brand

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Infiniti, Nissan's luxury brand for overseas markets, unveiled the "Q30 Concept," a premium compact model slated for production at its Sunderland plant in the UK starting in 2015.


The Q30 Concept, with its distinctive design,Mercedes-Benzis a compact model belonging to the C-segment, a fiercely competitive class that includes rivals such as theA-ClassandB-ClassandBMW's1 Series, and Audi'sA3, among others.2011 Geneva Motor Showis an evolution of the concept car " Ethrea" announced at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, presented with a more realistic design.

The "Q30 Concept," featuring an exterior design remarkably close to a production model, embodies Infiniti's distinctive new design language while also stemming from the partnership between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler.


While the specific components used have not been disclosed, the production "Q30" is expected to share core parts such as the platform, engines, and transmissions with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class.

Although detailed dimensions, such as body size, have not been released, it is estimated to be a compact size, around 4,400mm in length, similar to the "Ethrea." The vehicle has a high stance, appearing at first glance to be a crossover model. However, Infiniti describes it as "Infiniti's first 5-door model, blending the characteristics of all body styles – coupe, sedan, hatchback, and crossover – to meet diverse needs."


Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti's Executive Design Director, who designed the Q30 Concept, stated, "It evokes a coupe, a hatchback, and a crossover, but it's a car that breaks through those categories."


The Q30 Concept is also a proposal for users who do not choose a car based on it being a "sedan" or "SUV," or who are not bound by traditional categorizations, but rather by whether it suits their lifestyle.


At the show, Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen stated, "Infiniti is becoming a younger, trend-setting, more exciting brand. The Infiniti 'Q50' and the 'Q30 Concept' will fulfill this mission."

Johan de Nysschen, formerly the representative of Audi Japan and president of Audi North America, was scouted by Infiniti. He was instrumental in establishing Audi as a leading premium brand in Japan and North America.


The target audience is young users seeking a premium brand. The "Q30 Concept" showcases Infiniti's new design vision with its modern and distinctive character, aiming to "appeal with a new, more modern sense of premium to Generation X (born 1960-1974) and Generation Y (born after 1975), who will account for 80 percent of premium segment users within the next decade."


Coinciding with the world premiere of the Q30 Concept, Infiniti also announced that it plans to launch the new sports sedan, the Infiniti Q50, in Europe in mid-November. This vehicle is scheduled to be released in Japan as the next-generation Nissan Skyline.