Carl Bayliss, UK country manager for Infiniti, spoke to Fleet News at Company Car in Action about the brand's forthcoming Q30 launch, and the boost its British manufacture will bring.

Fleet News: What are your expectations for the rest of 2015?

Carl Bayliss: We now have an all but complete range of cars, from the Q50 to the Q70. We've exceeded our expectations, and the level of interest in Infiniti has been unfounded up until this point.

We've had a very strong year so far, up year on year each month. Now the products are starting to stabilise and find their feet within their peers. The expansion in the dealer network has helped, and we're looking to open with further partners soon. 

The new engines across the Q50 and Q70 range are opening us up to a new market, with lower emissions and better economy. The new drivetrains really help; we may have had some larger performance engines, and now these vehicles are more accessible.

We see growth in retail and fleet being strong in equal terms. Growing brand awareness will increase our opportunities, with sponsorship and partnership with top level events. 

The new c-segment Q30 will be launched at Frankfurt in September, with production beginning in December. We expect it to have a significant impact on overall volume.

FN: Are you introducing, or have you recently introduced, any new initiatives for fleets?

CB: There's a big opportunity to look at how we engage with fleets and key influencers such as leasing companies. Traditionally we've been half-in, half-out, making small steps and finding our feet.

There's been a tremendous hunger from the fleet and contract hire world, and from February, we dedicated a team to supporting our UK dealer network. Infiniti centres across the UK will be working the team, building relationships from user chooser and director level to local key accounts we've identified.

We want to further grow links with our partners in the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Having a premium brand in that pyramid gives a strong product offering, and we're looking to actively engage in growing that. We can be the icing on the cake of a diverse product range within the group.

FN: What new fleet models are you due to launch this year?

CB: We're eagerly anticipating the Q30, which will underpin our range as a C-segment vehicle. Coupled with the relationship with the UK (the car is built in Sunderland), we're feeling positive. The 'Made in Britain' label is particularly exciting - it's a strong label to have on any product, especially when you think of all of the other fabulous brands that are made in Britain. 

90% of Q30 customers will be completely new to the brand, and it gives us a lot of preparation to do, but we're looking forward to the task.

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Author: Christopher Smith