Infiniti Begins Latin American Sales Operation in Panama

PANAMA CITY and YOKOHAMA, Japan, July 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time ever, Latin America's car buying public will have the opportunity to buy Infiniti's luxury performance automobiles.  Group FASA today announced that they will be selling the stylish Infiniti cars and crossovers from their new Infiniti Center Panama City, where their focus will be on exclusive customer service and personal customer relationships.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080506/INFINITIBADGELOGO )

In announcing the arrival of the Infiniti brand, Toru Saito, Infiniti Corporate Vice President said: "Our definition of luxury performance is different.  Infiniti offers a unique combination of Japanese hospitality and driving pleasure with daring designs, and pioneering performance and safety innovations.  Furthermore, our customers in Panama will experience extraordinary levels of personal service from Grupo FASA's Sales and Service Teams.  All our customers are VIPs to us, and we will develop personal, long-term relationships with each and every one of them.  At Infiniti we do things differently, and we represent a bold challenge to our competitors here in Latin America."

Panama will be the first Latin American country to offer the inspiring lineup of Infiniti luxury performance automobiles, including the Infiniti G Line, Infiniti M performance sedan, Infiniti EX and FX crossovers, and the Infiniti QX full-size SUV.

Ivan Espino, General Manager for Infiniti Panama, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Grupo FASA as the growth of luxury car sales continues in this country - last year saw a volume increase of 15.8% to 1,670 vehicles.  We are thrilled to compete in the Panamanian luxury market with Infiniti's aggressive and passionate vehicle lineup and we are committed to becoming one of the top luxury brands in the country.  The vehicles are provided by Infiniti and we will provide the unique service that luxury car buyers are looking for in Panama."

Infiniti, offering a line of luxury performance sedans, coupes, SUVs and crossovers featuring exhilarating performance, emotive design and cutting-edge technology, continues to launch across the globe.  It includes a dedicated network of Infiniti Centers that share a commitment to exceptional hospitality throughout the entire period of ownership.  Infiniti was first introduced in 1989 in the United States, with its name chosen to communicate that with Infiniti customers could experience infinitely more performance, design and first-class customer service.  Infiniti "world firsts" include Around View® Monitor (AVM), Blind Spot Intervention™ system and a high-performance hybrid sedan.

Last year's Infiniti global sales were 145,675 units, representing growth of 30.8% over 2009. So far in 2011 Infiniti has unveiled the ETHEREA, a new luxury concept car aimed at younger buyers; announced a marketing agreement with Formula One World Champion Red Bull Racing, which is currently leading both the drivers' and the team championships by significant margins; announced an all-new three-row luxury crossover, the Infiniti JX, which will be on sale spring 2012; and announced market entries for Mexico, Chile, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.

About Grupo FASA

• Established in 1934, Grupo FASA is a leading consortium in the Panamanian automotive market.  It is a financially solid company with over 800 motivated, professional employees with high ethical values.  
• Grupo FASA stocks are quoted and sold in the Panamanian Stock Exchange.
• Grupo FASA is formed by Panamotor (NISSAN), Bavarian Motors (BMW), and MINI. It has represented North American franchise HERTZ since 1963 and operates six rental points in Panama with a fleet of more than 500 automobiles.
• The Infiniti Center in Panama City is located in Calle 50 y 61 Este, and is a standalone 2,040 sqm facility, including service center facilities.

About Infiniti

Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles, including the G Coupe, Sedan and Convertible, Infiniti M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, and the QX full-size SUV.  More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience® can be found at www.InfinitiUSA.com or join us at www.facebook.com/infiniti, www.youtube.com/infiniti, or twitter.com/infinitinews.

SOURCE Infiniti