Infiniti, the fastest growing Japanese luxury automotive brand in the Middle East region, has climbed seven places from ninth to second in this year’s prestigious J D Power & Associates Initial Quality Survey.

As well scoring highly in the overall automakers’ category, individual Infiniti models also claimed top awards.

The Infiniti EX was awarded top ranking in the entry premium vehicle segment, with the Infiniti G second in the same category. The Infiniti M took the top spot in the midsize premium segment and the Tochigi plant, which builds the Infiniti EX, Infiniti M and Infiniti G, was awarded second place in the 2008 Assembly Plant Quality Awards for the Asia/Pacific Region, said an official spokesman.

JD Power & Associates Initial Quality Survey is the motor industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership and was conducted between February and April 2008.

This year’s findings are based on responses from more than 81,500 people who acquired new 2008 model-year cars and trucks.

The industry average was 118 quality issues per 100 vehicles sold. Infiniti’s score was 20 points better than industry average, taking it No 2 among all automakers, compared to ninth position last year.

General manager of Infiniti Business Unit in the Middle East Abhijeet Pandit described the findings as independent endorsement of the built-in quality that is at the core of the brand’s market popularity.

“Such high scores in this prestigious survey is testimony to the great strides Infiniti is making in enhancing quality of its models. Initial quality has been shown over the years to be an excellent predictor of long-term durability and surveys like this can only confirm to Infiniti owners that they made the right purchasing decision,” said Pandit. – TradeArabia News Service