[JohnMan]

Since Nissan's Infiniti has moved it's global hq to HK, it's only a matter of time before Infiniti's showroom comes over here too (check out the billboards on the North Lantau Highway for instance). But how much of a challenge is Infiniti to BMW? I ask this because Infiniti's sporty models more directly compete against BMW than say Lexus, which tends to be more soft and cushy.

Infiniti's G35 and G37 sport sedans can compete against the 3 series, and the Infiniti M, especially the M56, can give the 5 series a big run for it's money.

So is Infiniti a real challenge to BMW in the HK market? Or is it just another pretender to the throne?

[Icy J]

Originally Posted by JohnMan

Since Nissan's Infiniti has moved it's global hq to HK, it's only a matter of time before Infiniti's showroom comes over here too (check out the billboards on the North Lantau Highway for instance). But how much of a challenge is Infiniti to BMW? I ask this because Infiniti's sporty models more directly compete against BMW than say Lexus, which tends to be more soft and cushy.

Infiniti's G35 and G37 sport sedans can compete against the 3 series, and the Infiniti M, especially the M56, can give the 5 series a big run for it's money.

So is Infiniti a real challenge to BMW in the HK market? Or is it just another pretender to the throne?

haven't those things been around for ages already?

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Not in Hong Kong. You can get parallel import Nissan Skylines, which are basically rebadged Infiniti G37's, but all of the other Infiniti's are absent from the HK market. I was actually under the impression that Infiniti was a US only Nissan luxury marque. However, it looks like they've expanded all over Europe and the Middle East and are now hitting Asia pretty hard too. They're setting up dealerships in Australia, HK, and South Africa as we discuss.

I think they'll make a great addition to HK roads. I personally own a 2004 Infiniti FX35 which is sitting garaged in Colorado right now. Excellent sporty SUV with killer looks.

Infiniti could potentially give BMW a run for their money, but it really comes down to pricing. They'll have to come in very competitively if they want to capture market share. HK is all about brand names, I doubt many people here know the difference between an Infiniti automobile and an Infinity Stereo

[css]

with the pricing of infiniti being so high, i could see that they dont really care the HK market, there are just here to focus target china / singapore and other asia markets imo. @around 800k for FX37V, why dont i buy x5 / ML / Q7 instead? 3700cc and 320hp only wont cut it in fuel consumption neither, not to mention the higher license fee also.

the yen currency is really killing the JP cars market in HK...

[JohnMan]

Originally Posted by oda

with the pricing of infiniti being so high, i could see that they dont really care the HK market, there are just here to focus target china / singapore and other asia markets imo. @around 800k for FX37V, why dont i buy x5 / ML / Q7 instead? 3700cc and 320hp only wont cut it in fuel consumption neither, not to mention the higher license fee also.

the yen currency is really killing the JP cars market in HK...

Good point on the pricing, VW's booming sales in HK is derived in part because of the relatively low value of the Euro. Still, if Infiniti is looking to establish themselves in HK, would'nt they drop pricing at first to create market share? They know they are up against the likes of BMW, which is a formidable competitor, they would probably do something to attract customers here.

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Wait, Infiniti has already released pricing? How do you know the FX is going cost 800k?

[krazyking]

For the most part, I don't think Infiniti can touch BMW's sales in HK. In HK, most buyers tend to go with higher end cars with the big brands, just because cars are expensive here as it is. So if someone is going to shell out money to buy a G35/G37, they might as well pay a little more for a German car. I think the Infiniti will mostly sell to the 'racer boi's' and those who don't see the purpose in spending more for a BMW - because in the end Japanese cars are easy to mod and maintain and reliable for the most part. BMW's are expensive to mod, $$$ to maintain and have their share of problems.

[ct087ct087]

this one? hope you read chinese

http://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/lifes...00302_001.html

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Originally Posted by ct087ct087

this one? hope you read chinese

http://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/lifes...00302_001.html

I can't read Chinese, but numbers are numbers, 828,800 might be a lucky one, but I think 628,800 would have been luckier. Way overpriced.

[scflaw]

Had a G35 back in toronto, they're good cars but definately not on par with german cars in terms of interior design or refinement. Handles pretty damn good though. Wouldn't trade in the BMW for it, thats for sure.

[francis_william]

i don't think Infinity can touch BMW. G37 is a good car, no doubt...but look at the sales of the 370Z ....i dont even see 10 in hong kong since its debut . their car are over priced for its brand value.... it will be a fail....

[scflaw]

Originally Posted by francis_william

i don't think Infinity can touch BMW. G37 is a good car, no doubt...but look at the sales of the 370Z ....i dont even see 10 in hong kong since its debut . their car are over priced for its brand value.... it will be a fail....

Totally agree but bear in mind that the jump in licensing fees is huge from a 2000cc to a 3500 cc. Most people that would buy that car couldn't afford to upkeep it, the 370z is definately an awesome car, now put in a new generation sr20 and we're good to go =)

[BigMansWagon]

The Infiniti FX35 is a great drive!

[francis_william]

yea, nissan need to update their 2.0turbo engines.... good old days of S15!!

[clarence]

The thread should change to "How much of a challenge will Infiniti pose to Lexus in HK?"
It is clear Lexus is it's intended target, if u compare FX370 to RX450h then FX wins hands down (apart from fuel consumption). The pricing of M37S ($780k) is also in direct competition with GS350. TBH if u take away the branding the FX offers good value for money at $828k as everything is standard.

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Clarence, in terms of driving dynamics, Lexus and Infiniti couldn't be further apart. Also, the FX37 should be lined up with the RX350. Hybrid technology puts a vehicle in a different price spectrum. We don't compare Corolla's and Prius' despite the fact that performance and size-wise they're very similar.

[clarence]

Originally Posted by Laguna Seca Blue

Clarence, in terms of driving dynamics, Lexus and Infiniti couldn't be further apart. Also, the FX37 should be lined up with the RX350. Hybrid technology puts a vehicle in a different price spectrum. We don't compare Corolla's and Prius' despite the fact that performance and size-wise they're very similar.

If u look at Lexus' official marketing materials (not those from Crown Motors), they want to make the RX450h focusing on performance rather than economy, hence the badging "450h". The hybrid system on Lexus is tuned first for performance with economy being secondary consideration. Also the power & torque outputs for the FX370 is closer to the 450h than the 350.
For Toyota it's the other way round, economy first & foremost. That's why for cars such as CT200h, which is essentially a Prius, it's badged as a "200h".
If u talk abt driving dynamics then of course it's worlds apart, but don't forget wht Lexus is doing now starting from the GS. Both brands are chasing more or less the same customers in HK as HK car buyers are entrenched in their mindset.
As for cost of hybrid system it has come down a lot & the difference is abt 5-10%, not more.

[trekker]

Even if we don't talk about the branding effect and German engineering v.s. Japanese, the exchange rate at the moment will certainly kill any Japanese manufacturers. If any smart car buyers do care about value for money, I don't find there is any reason to buy a Jap car.

[clarence]

Originally Posted by trekker

Even if we don't talk about the branding effect and German engineering v.s. Japanese, the exchange rate at the moment will certainly kill any Japanese manufacturers. If any smart car buyers do care about value for money, I don't find there is any reason to buy a Jap car.

The exchange rate is part of the reason, but the main reason is how greedy the distributor & the manufacturers are. They can adjust the pricing accordingly depending on how much profit they want to make.
Obviously they're all trying to keep or increase profitability & so most of the exchange movements are passed onto the buyer.

[trekker]

I just bought a brand new Nissan 8 seaters from Tai Chong, and knowing the way they sell their maintainence service and their service charges, it's just totally disappointing and it's a total rip off. I have to keep doing service there every 5000km which cost 3-4k to keep my 5 year warranty. However the so-call warranty does not necessary mean you don't need to pay when something goes wrong. I even heard they try to convince people to have their engine washed on their first service. WTF?!

[JohnMan]

Originally Posted by trekker

I just bought a brand new Nissan 8 seaters from Tai Chong, and knowing the way they sell their maintainence service and their service charges, it's just totally disappointing and it's a total rip off. I have to keep doing service there every 5000km which cost 3-4k to keep my 5 year warranty. However the so-call warranty does not necessary mean you don't need to pay when something goes wrong. I even heard they try to convince people to have their engine washed on their first service. WTF?!

But is Infiniti certain to give the dealership rights to Dah Chong? (I have no idea). Could there be a possibility that they could give it to another dealer to differentiate the brand from their Nissan "mother"? (Uncertain, but can't be totally ruled out).

Btw, I know brand-exclusive dealer services are all expensive, but how does Dah Chong compare with BMW HK in overall maintenance service and pricing? Which is the bigger rip-off? If you get a Skyline at Dah Cheong and a 3 series at BMW HK coming in for identical type of service, which dealer is more expensive?

[trekker]

I actually think BMWHK does a very great job. I've been back to BMW service centre twice, first time was for my first service and 2nd time was for my air con check. I didn't even pay a cent for it. Guess how Dai Cheong would do?! They free the first service labour, but you still have to pay for parts and oil. They even charge you for wiper wash fuild(which is bloodily free at petrol station). If you bring your own oil and oil filer, they may charge you something like $300. If you don't, they will charge you close to 2k. After the first service, the cost will be between 3-5k for every 5000km. If I keep on going back for service, the running cost for a bloodily Nissan will be more than my bimmer.

As for the dealership right, you will only see it from then"water" good dealers if Dai Choeng doesn't import it. It is just the way how they monopoly the market. In reality, HK car market is just too small.