Why the M45 and Q45 are big failures?

[bolido2000]

I looked at the sales figure for January and the M45 sold a miserable 320 units, while the Q45 sold 234.
What does Infiniti need to do to make the Q45 appealing (M45 is simply ugly)? Or the problem is specifically Infiniti's lack of image?

 

[ElFenix]

i'm gonna say infiniti's lack of image. they are decent cars for their market, its just that the sheep won't follow.

 

[Mani]

THe M45 is an ugly car marketed to a middle-to-older aged crowd, and really only has performance to set it apart from its competition - that alone isn't enough. They tried to advertise it as some sort of modern musclecar, but that just doesn't work for a Japanese Luxury automobile.

The Q45 doesn't really have much charisma either, and for the price people would rather own a Lexus, BMW, or Mercedes because you get the name recognition and whatever else the name promises (reliability and service for Lexus, performance and ultimate driving experience for BMW, prestige and luxury for Merc). The Q also markets to older buyers, who just aren't as concerned with the performance, which is the key advantage it offers over its competition.

It really just comes down to the fact that Infiniti has done a very poor job of making a name for themselves. People immediately have images conjured up in their minds when they hear Lexus or BMW, but Infiniti just doesn't ring with many people. I'd say the company needs to fire a good portion of its marketing staff.

 

[Crab cake]

Bland styling. It's as simple as that. People don't come into the showrooms to look under the hood. Not people in this demographic anyway.

 

[amnesiac]

Originally posted by: Mani
THe M45 is an ugly car marketed to a middle-to-older aged crowd, and really only has performance to set it apart from its competition - that alone isn't enough. They tried to advertise it as some sort of modern musclecar, but that just doesn't work for a Japanese Luxury automobile.

The Q45 doesn't really have much charisma either, and for the price people would rather own a Lexus, BMW, or Mercedes because you get the name recognition and whatever else the name promises (reliability and service for Lexus, performance and ultimate driving experience for BMW, prestige and luxury for Merc). The Q also markets to older buyers, who just aren't as concerned with the performance, which is the key advantage it offers over its competition.

It really just comes down to the fact that Infiniti has done a very poor job of making a name for themselves. People immediately have images conjured up in their minds when they hear Lexus or BMW, but Infiniti just doesn't ring with many people. I'd say the company needs to fire a good portion of its marketing staff.

Hey, they're doing a pretty good turnaround in recent days. The G35 sedan and coupe are tremendous successes and the FX45 is generating a lot of buzz. Give the company a couple years and they'll have a much better image.

 

[vi edit]

The Q45 is just a Pathfinder with overdone cladding, and doesn't provide the yuppy image that BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus do.

 

[ThePresence]

I drive a Q45 alot, and I gotta say that the Q45 is one of the best cars I've ever driven. Puts Lexus to shame. Gotta love 340 horses.

 

[SeaMonki]

I wonder how many of those new maximas will nissan sell? probably not much better than M45 or Q45s.

 

[ThePresence]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
The Q45 is just a Pathfinder with overdone cladding, and doesn't provide the yuppy image that BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus do.

You may be thinking of the QX4.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
The Q45 is just a Pathfinder with overdone cladding, and doesn't provide the yuppy image that BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus do.

The Q45 is a luxury sedan. The QX4 is the Pathfinder clone.

 

[prodigy]

I think the Q is a really nice car but the M45 is kind of plain and ugly. I suppose I might like it if I was 50 years old.

 

[zippy]

Those cars are extremely bland. In fact, I didn't know what you were talking about until I went to the infiniti web site and looked to see what they are. Really boring stuff. And the QX4 is a pathfinder clone as everyone has said.

However, I know about the G35 coupe, G35 sedan, and FX45 - those are some sweet vehicles. If Infiniti can embrace these nice, new vehicles and find some better, more recognizable cars to replace the boring M45 and Q45 (and make their own damn real SUV instead of the QX4) they will be in good shape in a few years.

 

[vi edit]

The Q45 is a luxury sedan. The QX4 is the Pathfinder clone.

Heh. Another reason why nobody buys them...the names all sound the same!!!!!!!!

 

[CraigRT]

I like both of those, the Q45 being favorable.. but my guess is they are just too expensive for people. the Q45 is something like 75 grand CAD. it's a VERY nice car, but simply too pricey.. (I think)

 

[bolido2000]

The LS430 doesn't look much better IMO. The Q45 is actually cheaper than the competition. Mid 50K I think? (too lazy to check )

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: bolido2000
The LS430 doesn't look much better IMO. The Q45 is actually cheaper than the competition. Mid 50K I think? (too lazy to check )

hey lexus had to start somewhere... and now they're considered as one of the yuppie brands... acura still has a long way to go...

 

[CraigRT]

Yeah I dunno the Q45 is a sweet car... I'd buy one if I wanted a luxury car and had the money. I think they're sweet... 340 HP too!!

 

[saltedeggman]

Originally posted by: bolido2000
The LS430 doesn't look much better IMO. The Q45 is actually cheaper than the competition. Mid 50K I think? (too lazy to check )

Q45, luxury for 52,000, premium for 62,000
Linky

 

[bolido2000]

Originally posted by: boyRacer

Originally posted by: bolido2000
The LS430 doesn't look much better IMO. The Q45 is actually cheaper than the competition. Mid 50K I think? (too lazy to check )

hey lexus had to start somewhere... and now they're considered as one of the yuppie brands... acura still has a long way to go...

Yeah....a V6 flagship doesn't say much (Acura RL)

 

[Mani]

Originally posted by: amnesiac 2.0

Originally posted by: Mani
THe M45 is an ugly car marketed to a middle-to-older aged crowd, and really only has performance to set it apart from its competition - that alone isn't enough. They tried to advertise it as some sort of modern musclecar, but that just doesn't work for a Japanese Luxury automobile.

The Q45 doesn't really have much charisma either, and for the price people would rather own a Lexus, BMW, or Mercedes because you get the name recognition and whatever else the name promises (reliability and service for Lexus, performance and ultimate driving experience for BMW, prestige and luxury for Merc). The Q also markets to older buyers, who just aren't as concerned with the performance, which is the key advantage it offers over its competition.

It really just comes down to the fact that Infiniti has done a very poor job of making a name for themselves. People immediately have images conjured up in their minds when they hear Lexus or BMW, but Infiniti just doesn't ring with many people. I'd say the company needs to fire a good portion of its marketing staff.

Hey, they're doing a pretty good turnaround in recent days. The G35 sedan and coupe are tremendous successes and the FX45 is generating a lot of buzz. Give the company a couple years and they'll have a much better image.

I have definitely noticed improvement. They are finally making very distinctive products and making a name for themselves somewhat on the value front (nothing beats the price/performance for like cars in the same class) but their outward marketing still sucks. Their product line has to sell itself, and the Q and M45 just don't have enough to offer.

By the way, I drive a Q45 and am have a deposit down on a G35 Coupe.

 

[Pocatello]

The Q45 looks like a Mercury Sable, IMO, very bland.

 

[gregshin]

I actually saw my First M45 yesterday....i lliked it actually....it looks awesome when the car is in motion

 

[WinkOsmosis]

I like the M45. Looks like a big 240sx. I can see why people wouldn't like it though.. it is a bit bland.

 

[woodie1]

When specs on these two first leaked out I was ready to buy another Q. The '94 Q45a I had was a very good car. Then the car magazines started to get them for testing and I decided to pass. Something with 340 hp should be faster to 60 and in the 1/4 for my money. The M45 is a slug IMHO.

 

[samarth]

Originally posted by: woodie1
The M45 is a slug IMHO.

Have you drivent it?
It is a really great car. Plus you get used to the look.
It is sportier than the q45, and cheaper.
I think I would take it over a lexus anyday, considering price, performance and looks.
I think Lexus LS430 should come out as more of a boring car.
It does have more power than an S500 and 745i (from magazines, I havent driven either of these so I have no personal opinion on them).

Edit:
Just read the C&D article that NFS$ posted about.

Infiniti M45
Talk about pumped-up powerplants. Hang on! This baby boogies.<FONT face=Verdana>

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