Infiniti sets global headquarters in Hong Kong

Infiniti, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.'s luxury car brand, has based its global functions in Hong Kong, becoming the latest of several international brands to take this step, Director-General of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) Simon Galpin said Thursday.

"As Infiniti grows its presence in the global luxury markets of North America, Europe, China and southeast Asia, we selected Hong Kong as the optimum location for our new global Infiniti headquarters," said Andy Palmer, executive vice president of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

"We see an opportunity to reinforce Asian hospitality within the Infiniti brand, distinct from both Nissan and our luxury competitors," he said.

Located at Citibank Tower in the heart of the Central business district, Infiniti's new global headquarters have about 100 staff.

According to the company, Infiniti seeks to lift total global sales to 500,000 vehicles a year as part of it's six-year mid-term business plan. Its growth strategy is expected to be driven partly by demand in China and other fast-growing Asian markets, which can be served more effectively by consolidating Infiniti's global downstream functions in Hong Kong.

Simon Galpin said Hong Kong's diverse economic developments have attracted a range of multinationals, including Infiniti, to " take advantage of the city's gateway location to the Chinese mainland and its international status".

InvestHK is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas and mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customized services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy.