Infiniti Sets Sights On BMW European Sales

Although it is largely unknown in the UK and Europe, Infiniti, Nissan's hybrid brand has set itself a target in challenging the German company for growth in Europe.

This is a tough challenge for a company who sold approximately 300 cars in the UK last year and just 6500 in Europe as a whole.

But Infiniti's UK sales director, Tony Lewis is confident of their ambition, he said: 'By 2016, we want a 10% of share of the global luxury car segment.'

But how is a somewhat unknown company going to meet these challenges?

'We've got new products to support us,' says Mr Lewis 'In addition, we've got new engines to drive our existing products, so our average fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels are going down.'

The company's M35h is said to be the biggest rival to BMW as it is both fast and economical.

The petrol-electric hybrid can be efficient in its eco mode, but it can also perform like a supercar when putting the pedal to the floor.

Mr Lewis said: 'It does 0 to 60mph in 5.5 seconds, whilst at the same time delivering 44 miles to the gallon.

'So there is little wonder that the hybrid is already attracting the attention of senior managers and those in the boardroom.'

Infiniti hopes that by 2016 it will have 230 dealerships in Europe, each selling various models with different engine options.

But only time will tell whether or not the brand can overtake the sales of BMW and achieve its goal of selling 100,000 cars across Europe.