• Official opening in the federal capital on September 4th, 2010
• Innovative car dealership concept with exclusive interior design
• Comprehensive and courteous customer service
• More than 1,300 square meters of sales and service area
Rolle, September 1st 2010, Following its premiere in Hamburg and its start in Dresden, Infiniti now opens its third German center in Berlin. Right on time for the launch of the rear-wheel drive luxury performance M37, the luxury automotive brand from Japan will start its official sales activities in the federal capital on September 04, 2010. With its innovative car dealership concept and sophisticated interior design, once again, Infiniti makes a terrific impression in a German metropolis, this time in the modern complex of buildings “Quartier am Salzufer” in Berlin-Charlottenburg (Infiniti Zentrum Berlin, Salzufer 8, 10587 Berlin).
Just like with the 36 other European Infiniti centers, the entire atmosphere and avant-garde interior architecture of the Infiniti Center Berlin create the impression of an exclusive design hotel. Thus, this site meets the IREDI concept (Infiniti Retail Environment Design Initiative), which was specifically developed and determined by Infiniti for the design of its centers throughout the world.
“With its modern architecture and central location in the heart of Berlin, the “Quartier am Salzufer” is the ideal location for us,” says Ben Günther, managing director of Autohaus Günther GmbH and operator of the Infiniti Center Berlin. “The building fits seamlessly into the IREDI concept, so we don‘t have to compromise with regard to our appearance.” The citizen of Hamburg should know as he has been running Germany’s first Infiniti Center in his hometown for approximately 10 months – with resounding success.
“Having Ben Günther at our side as a partner also for the Infiniti Center Berlin really makes us proud,” says Jürgen Schmitz, regional director for Infiniti in Central Europe. “He knows the enormous potential of the brand, is ready for action, and brings the right amount of enthusiasm to the capital. We are happy to be able to introduce him and Infiniti as a new highlight to the vibrant metropolis.”
Lobby, Lounge and Gallery concept for sales and service
Entering the Infiniti Centre Berlin, customers find themselves in a comfortable and luxurious Lounge atmosphere. Renowned artists and designers - including the acclaimed furniture designer Walter Knoll – created an ambience that feels more akin to an exclusive boutique hotel. The avant-garde paintings are originals specifically created for Infiniti by the Swiss artist Alexia L.
Also unique to Infiniti is the I-View concept: a state-of-the-art 57-inch HD screen and interactive touch screen configuration displays support the sales talks through exact representations of the customers’ preferred model configurations. In the spacious Gallery showroom on about 1.300 square metres eight models of the Infiniti range including special trim variants are on display. Of course all models are available for customer test drives.
„Total Ownership Experience˝ as novel customer service
The exterior and interior design of the Infiniti Centres combines with an equally unique and individual product-related service. Geared to the high demands of the Infiniti customers in line with the brand’s exclusive standards, the „Total Ownership Experience” programme translates the Infiniti brand philosophy into a unique ownership experience with style, personality and service as key elements.
“Total ownership experience” is a demanding service and support program specifically developed by Infiniti. “We believe that personal attendance and courteous service are decisive for the satisfaction of our customers,” Thomas Günther, manager of the Infiniti Center Berlin, explains. “Throughout Germany and Europe, we will live up to this requirement. This concerns free pick-up of customers’ vehicles for annual inspection within up to 250 kilometers, but also mobility all across Europe – even if the customer might travel in a car other than his Infiniti.” In order to offer consistent service to German customers, Infiniti aims for a network of eight to ten sites in Germany by the end of 2011.
“Opening the Infiniti center in our federal capital is a challenge and, at the same time, an honor”, Thomas Günther continues. “With our Berlin team, we want to offer our customers first-class service that cannot be topped – very much in line with the Infiniti philosophy of “Total Ownership Experience”.”
Performance meets luxury
The Infiniti line-up for Germany includes a range of attractive models that have been especially re-designed and re-engineered to match European tastes: with the G37 Line including sedan, coupe and convertible, the EX37 and EX30d coupe crossover as well as the crossovers FX37, FX30d plus FX50S extraordinary performance models are available.
As a sixth model the all-new Infiniti M luxury sedan joined the European line-up recently. Powered by the proven 3.7-litre gasoline V6 developing 235 kW (320 PS), the Infiniti M37 backs up its athletic looks with a strong driver focus and the brand’s biggest and best-appointed interior yet. Two other drive options, the Infiniti M30d with a V6 diesel and Infiniti M35h equipped with a sporting yet efficient hybrid system, complete in October 2010 and in spring 2011 the program.
Facts & Figures: Infiniti Centres in Europe
• Design and architecture of all Infiniti Centres worldwide follow the IREDI concept – Infiniti Retail Environment Design Initiative.
• Infiniti Centres are modeled on a Lobby/Lounge/Gallery layout. Visitors worldwide enter the Centre through a Travertine stone-surrounded door into a Lobby with natural light and high ceilings.
• A special feature is Infiniti’s unique I-View model configurator: on a 1.45cm sized HD touch screen customers can configure colours and interiors according to their wishes.
• All paintings are originals specifically created for Infiniti by the Swiss artist Alexia L.
• The CD which customers can play during test drives contains music exclusively composed and recorded for Infiniti.
The first European Infiniti Centre was opened in Paris on 1 October 2008, followed so far by 36 Centres in major cities, including Madrid, Barcelona (two Centres), Valencia, Milan, Athens, Antwerp, Warsaw, Rome, Tel Aviv, Zurich, Rotterdam, Sofia, Amsterdam, Prague, Padua, Brussels, Geneva, Budapest, Istanbul, Reading, Hamburg, Bologna, Bucharest, Lyon, Dresden, Zagreb, Kattowitz and Cannes.
About Infiniti
Infiniti is a premium car brand that comes from Japan and has been active for 20 years in the US and Canada. Its line-up of performance sedans, coupes and crossovers is sold through a dedicated network of Infiniti Centres which share a commitment to individualized and exceptional customer service. For more information, see www.infiniti.com
Press information, pictures, detailed price lists and specifications, company logo and video footage are available on www.infinitipress.eu / Germany. No password is required. Or for further information, please contact:
Alexander Sellei, Communications Manager Germany
M: +49 151 40 423 324
E: alexander.sellei@infinitipress.de
Wayne Bruce, Global Communications Director
T: +44 1234 755095 Mobile: +44 7768 802176
E: wayne.bruce@infiniti.eu