Yes, Infiniti is a foreign car brand. It is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Company. While the parent company is headquartered in Japan, the story is more nuanced for the American market. Many Infiniti models sold in the U.S. are actually assembled in North America, which can influence perceptions of it being a "domestic" car.
The core of the brand's identity is Japanese. The design philosophy, engineering, and corporate strategy originate from Japan. Key models like the QX80 SUV have been historically manufactured in Nissan's facility in Kyushu, Japan. However, to cater to the North American market and reduce costs, Infiniti has significant manufacturing presence here. For example, the QX60 is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, and the QX50 is built in Aguascalientes, Mexico.
This blend of Japanese engineering and North American assembly creates a unique position. You get the reliability and refined technology associated with Japanese luxury brands, coupled with the economic benefits of local production. When considering an Infiniti, it's more accurate to view it as a globally engineered brand with deep roots in Japan, but with a strong commitment to its American customer base through local manufacturing and dealership networks.
| Aspect | Detail | Note |
|---|
| Parent Company | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. |
| Brand Origin | Launched in 1989 | Created to compete with Japanese rivals Lexus and Acura. |
| U.S. Assembly | Smyrna, Tennessee (QX60) | Utilizes Nissan's North American manufacturing plants. |
| Global Assembly | Aguascalientes, Mexico (QX50); Tochigi, Japan (Q60) | Production is spread across global facilities. |
| Key Competitors | Lexus, Acura, Cadillac, Lincoln | Positioned against other luxury marques. |
