Early History

• In 1985, Nissan created a special task force (dubbed "Horizon Task Force") to research and develop a new luxury line of automobiles. By 1987, the project had taken on the name "Infiniti."
  
  

Introduction

• The first Infiniti cars made their debut in fall of 1989 (as 1990 models). The models were sold through a specially selected network of U.S. dealers (51 initially). Two models were introduced: the Q45 luxury sedan and the M30 sports coupe.
  
  

Notable Models

• The Q45 was not only Infiniti's first vehicle; it was the brand's longest lived. The Q45 was sold until 2006. Infiniti introduced its entry-level sports sedan, the G35 (later renamed the G37), in 2003. The brand's first SUV, the Infiniti QX4 (later known as the QX56), was introduced in 1997.
  
  

Accolades

• Car and Driver gave the 2009 Infiniti G35 one of the slots in the magazine's "10-Best" awards. Cigar Aficionado magazine named the 2009 Infiniti FX50 the winner of its "Top Luxury Crossover" award.
  
  

Competitors

• Infiniti's primary competitors are BMW, Lexus, Acura and Mercedes-Benz. The brand's identity is that of a luxury automaker; thus, vehicles such as the G35 are often cross-shopped with vehicles such as the BMW 3-Series or Acura TL.