The Infiniti Brand Will Soon Be Dead In Europe

Nissan’s luxury division Infiniti will soon disappear from Western Europe. The brand announced today that it will be withdrawing from much of the European market in early 2020 as part of a “restructuring plan,” which will see it put a greater focus on its “largest growth markets,” which are North America and China.

Infiniti has struggled to make an impact in the UK, where last year it sold just 750 cars. It builds the Mercedes A-Class/GLA-based Q30 and QX30 at the Nissan Motor Manufacturing plant in Sunderland, although that will stop by the mid point of 2019.

Infiniti is currently looking at finding “alternative opportunities” for affected employees. Western European Infiniti dealers will remain open, and will do so until a plan for post-withdrawal aftersales care, warranty repairs, servicing and maintenance is decided on.

Infiniti has blamed tightening emissions regulations in the continent for the move. From next year, fleet averages will need to be 95g/km, a target the brand says it will not be able to meet without significant investment.

“Infiniti and Nissan Motor Corporation are confident in this restructuring plan for the long-term vision and success of the brand, for its employees, customers and shareholders,” the company said in a statement.