(April  2, 2015) NEW YORK — The Infiniti QX30 Concept, Infiniti's design vision that will inspire a new premium compact crossover, made its North American debut at the 2015 New York International Auto.

Shown for the first time recently at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show, the QX30 Concept cements Infiniti's ambitions to expand into the global premium compact segment, which is forecast for significant growth with the entry of younger affluent customers.

Combining the sleek lines of the coupe with the command seating position and all-wheel drive of a crossover, the QX30 Concept is just as adept at navigating urban commutes as it is exploring weekend getaways.



"QX30 Concept foreshadows an entry in the premium compact segment that provides a stylish alternative to the existing offerings in this segment," said Infiniti President and CEO Roland Krueger. "The vehicle embodies our conviction to give customers the freedom to go wherever they want, whenever they want – in a style that turns heads and makes a statement, in a way that expresses their individual character."

By the end of this decade, Gen X and Gen Y will represent about 80 percent of buyers in the premium compact segment. Research among this new generation of buyers shows an increasing rejection of traditional notions toward premium cars. Their idea of a premium car has less to do with size or power but more to do with distinctive design and outstanding execution.

With its sharp looks and original features, the QX30 Concept was designed by an international team to appeal to these global customers who are less likely to follow tradition. The concept's compact footprint matches their search for a product that suits their urban lifestyle. The elevated stance of the crossover also provides a higher visual perspective in city traffic and in parking maneuvers.

Infiniti first signaled its intentions to enter the premium compact segment when it revealed the Q30 Concept in Frankfurt in 2013. The introduction of the QX30 Concept is another building block in Infiniti's aggressive strategy to grow in key global markets, particularly China and Europe, while expanding its offering in established markets such as the United States.

The QX30 Concept is the latest in a series of concept vehicles for which Infiniti has announced a definite and clear intent for production.

The Q30 will be built in the United Kingdom this year, while a sports coupe based on the Q60 Concept revealed in Detroit earlier this year will go into production next year. The QX30 Concept-inspired crossover will also be launched next year.

Infiniti continues to broaden its lineup to cover the spectrum from smaller premium vehicles, namely the Q30, to full-size crossovers such as the QX70. In fact, Infiniti has drawn on its heritage of creating successful high-performance crossovers such as the QX50 and QX70 to craft the QX30 Concept.