A shipment of Infiniti vehicles, Nissan's luxury sub-brand, has arrived in Auckland. The models include the Infiniti QX70, a medium-sized premium-level SUV, the large QX80 SUV, and the Q50 four-door sedan.
Up to 100 Infiniti models were seen in the holding yard at Ports of Auckland.
It is understood the brand will be handled by a part of the Giltrap Group that already has a large Nissan dealership.
A website for Infiniti New Zealand is live, advertising three models and saying official showrooms will open soon. All three models were spotted awaiting dealer delivery.
The most numerous was the Infiniti QX70. The all-wheel drive medium SUV is powered by a 3 litre V6 turbo diesel, one of the biggest engines in its class.
The QX70's features include advanced climate control, front and rear sonar system, monitor with corner sensors, intelligent cruise control, intelligent brake assist, lane departure prevention and low speed following technology.
Infiniti's large SUV, the QX80, was also spotted. Built on the same platform as the Nissan Patrol, the four-wheel drive 8 seater boasts a 5.6 litre V8 petrol engine.
The QX80 incorporates sports hydraulic body motion control, wireless headphones, blind spot warning and intervention, distance control assist and a 15-speaker sound system with two subwoofers.
The Infinity Q50 sedan will also be available in New Zealand. Infiniti's website says three models of the four-door sedan will be available to Kiwi customers -- two petrol variants and a class leading hybrid capable of cruising at highway speed in full electric mode.
The Q50 features the world's first digital steering system, said to provide smoother, quicker steering. Four cameras and a birds eye, 360 degree view will aid safety systems and parking.
No official announcement has been made regarding pricing but, with stock on the ground, a sales campaign cannot be far away.
Infiniti launched in North America in 1989, focusing on that market for almost two decades. It branched out into Europe in 2008.
Worldwide, Infiniti now has 230 dealers in over 15 countries, including nine in Australia.