INFINITI announced sales increased to 5,624 units across the Middle East in 2013 - a substantial rise of 17 percent compared to 2012. Infiniti's strong performance across the Middle East was significantly enhanced by the popularity of its impressive SUV/crossover line-up. QX60 sales grew at the fastest rate of any Infiniti model to a total of 1466 units, while QX80 performed strongly with a 9 percent rise in sales to 978 units. QX70 maintained sales and remained Infiniti's most popular model. The gas-electric QX60 swaps the usual 265-hp, 248 lb-ft, 3.5-liter V-6 for a powertrain the company likes to call the Infiniti Infinite Direct Response Hybrid system. This layout matches a supercharged 2.5-liter twin-cam 16-valve four with an electric motor and a compact lithium-ion battery pack. The supercharged four is rated at 230 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, while the 15-kW electric motor kicks in 20 horsepower and 29 lb-ft. Claimed total system power stands at 250 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, Q50 preview at Dubai International Motor Show brought strong customer interest. Q50 will be launched in spring 2014. In its first full year on sale after its launch in 2012, the seven-seat Infiniti QX60 became Infiniti's fastest growing model in the line-up. Infiniti QX80 with its combination of all terrain capability and first class accommodation also gained a significant increase over 2012 with a rise of 9 percent. QX70 retained its long-held title of Infiniti's most popular model with over 1,500 units sold. With the eagerly awaited launch of Infiniti Q50 later this spring, Infiniti enters 2014 confidently. Juergen Schmitz, General Manager, Infiniti in the Middle East, said: “The results of 2013 demonstrate how our region is already responding to Infiniti's global growth strategy which began during 2012. A key element of that plan was the introduction of new models, leading to the regional launch of what is now badged QX60. Its immediate popularity has made it our second best-selling model and added further depth to our ever popular SUV range, which continues to sell strongly. “The combination of high demand for both new and existing models, with the highly-anticipated Q50 to follow in spring this year, underscores that this is a new era for Infiniti.” — SG
