Luxury carmaker Infiniti began producing cars in China for the first time today, as it rolled out its localized Q50L model aimed specifically at Chinese consumers.

"Today we are here to witness Infiniti's big step forward in China," said Daniel Kirchert, president of Dongfeng Infiniti Motor Co. "Local production demonstrates Infiniti's long-term commitment to the Chinese market. We will bring Infiniti's renowned global quality standards and its premium experience even closer to Chinese consumers."

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The first Infiniti Q50L officially rolled off the assembly line today in Xiangyang, Hubei Province, as Infiniti looks to become a major player in the Chinese premium car market, and to turn China into the company's second volume hub.

The plant in Xiangyang is a manufacturing complex jointly established by Dongfeng Motor and Nissan. The plant is capable of an annual production capacity of 250,000 vehicles, 60,000 of which are dedicated for Infiniti production, Infiniti said.

Infiniti said it will also soon start producing the localized QX50 long wheelbase version at the Xiangyang Plant. Both vehicles are tailored for the Chinese market, expanding Infiniti's product portfolio for the Chinese consumers.

The Dongfeng Infiniti joint venture was established by Infiniti and local partner Dongfeng Motor to expand in China's premium car market. The brand hopes to boost sales in China to 100,000 vehicles by 2018, more than half of which will be locally produced.

During the first three quarters of 2014, Infiniti has been the fastest growing premium auto brand in China as its sales increased by 91% from the previous year to nearly 20,800 vehicles.

TagsInfiniti, Infiniti Q50L, Dongfeng Infiniti Motor, Xiangyang, Daniel Kirchert, nissan, luxury cars, Chinese luxury car market