Why is Infiniti called Dongfeng Infiniti?
4 Answers
Infiniti is called Dongfeng Infiniti because: Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. and Japan's Infiniti are joint ventures. Taking the 2019 Infiniti Q60 as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4685mm, width 1853mm, height 1397mm, wheelbase 2850mm, fuel tank capacity 76l, trunk capacity 415l, and the body structure is a 2-door 4-seater hardtop coupe. The 2019 Infiniti Q60 is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, with a maximum power of 155kW and a maximum torque of 350Nm, matched with a 7-speed automatic transmission. It adopts a front suspension type of double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear suspension type of multi-link independent suspension.
As a long-time observer in the automotive industry, I believe the reason why Infiniti is called Dongfeng Infiniti fundamentally reflects their joint venture relationship. As Nissan's premium brand, Infiniti partnered with Dongfeng Motor Group to establish a joint venture when entering the Chinese market. This naming directly incorporates the Chinese partner, demonstrating the special policies of the Chinese market. Foreign automakers must form joint ventures with local partners in China to achieve localized production. Dongfeng provided advantages in manufacturing and distribution channels - for instance, they built a production facility in Wuhan, Hubei to manufacture Infiniti models, which reduced costs and allowed consumers to enjoy more competitive pricing. This isn't merely a rebranding, but rather the result of strategic adjustments that helped Infiniti gain footing in the competitive premium market. Meanwhile, such localization partnerships better adapt to Chinese consumer preferences, like offering extended wheelbases or localized designs, thereby enhancing brand competitiveness. I've observed similar models with Audi and BMW, proving the industry-wide prevalence of this joint venture naming approach.
As a young car owner, I'm very familiar with the name Dongfeng Infiniti, as it represents the wisdom of brand localization. Initially, when Infiniti was imported, the prices were high and service points were scarce. Later, after the joint venture with Dongfeng, the name incorporated 'Dongfeng,' making the cars more affordable and expanding the after-sales network. Dongfeng is a well-established domestic automaker with significant market influence, and the collaboration made it easier for consumers to gain trust. A friend of mine bought a domestically produced Infiniti QX50, and he mentioned that maintenance costs have dropped, and parts supply is more timely, unlike the weeks-long waits for imported vehicle parts in the past. The name change reflects the importance of the Chinese market, where foreign companies need to be more down-to-earth to attract more people. At the same time, this strategy helps brands circumvent certain trade barriers and accelerate the adoption of new technologies, such as smart cockpit features.
As an automotive enthusiast, I often delve into brand histories. The rebranding of Infiniti to Dongfeng Infiniti is the result of historical evolution. In 2007, Infiniti entered China solely through imports but was constrained by high tariffs. In 2014, the Dongfeng joint venture was established, making it natural to incorporate 'Dongfeng' into the name. This reflects the win-win strategy of Sino-foreign automaker collaborations: the Japanese side provides high-end technology and design, while the Chinese side handles production and market development. Post-collaboration, the Wuhan factory began producing localized models like the Q50L, with performance adjustments better suited to domestic road conditions and more accessible pricing.
