Nissan is struggling and the automaker unveiled a transformation plan that called cutting costs, eliminating models, and closing plants.
Unfortunately, the cuts will hit Infiniti pretty hard as it appears the brand will transition to badge-engineered luxury cars.
According to Automotive News, Infiniti will stop trying to chase Mercedes and instead adopt a “Nissan-plus” strategy.
Also Read: Nissan Cutting Global Production And Lineup By 20%, Closing Barcelona And Indonesia Plants
This will effectively kill the Infiniti that we know today as future models will share platforms and powertrains with downmarket Nissan siblings. They’ll also be assembled alongside Nissans in an effort to maximize efficiency.
The publication says this could eventually result in the death of rear-wheel drive models. In the case of the Q50, the sedan could replaced by a model based on the same platform that underpins the Nissan Altima.
Of course, the transition wouldn’t happen overnight and the publication suggests a closer tie-up won’t occur until 2022 or 2023. However, when it does, Infiniti is expected to launch a slew of new models.
In the meantime, there are still new Infinitis on the horizon. The QX55 was teased last year and promises to be a “fusion of athleticism, elegance and utility.” The model will be a crossover coupe based on the Q50 and Infiniti hopes it can evoke memories of the popular FX.
Of course, it’s not all good news as the Q70 was withdrawn from the United States and Canada for the 2020 model year. At the time, the company said the decision to drop the flagship sedan was due to consumer demand for crossovers and SUVs. However, Infiniti said they were “absolutely committed to the car market with our Q50 sports sedan, which continues to be one of the top sellers at our retailers, and the Q60 sports coupe.”
