00:00 Pras Subramanian
We are at the Quail event at the Infiniti stand. I am now here with Tiago Castro, the leader of America here at Infiniti, with the new vehicle, QX65. Now this is a concept, but we will see such a car. Talk to me why this product is so important in this ultra -competitive SUV space of medium size.
00:16 Tiago Castro
First of all, thank you for joining us here, Pras. It is an honor for me to have you here. Qx65 monograph, beautiful vehicles you see. Uhh, we are trying to attack this up to –h – – -segment in the industry, indeed for the luxury industry, with a real Roll Fastback, really sexy SUV that will bring more Infiniti customers and allow us to continue our path of growth. Hmm, so this is the event here. Showing the vehicle to many people. This is a concept, as you just said, uh, but gives you a good hint of what comes next spring, 2026.
00:57 Pras Subramanian
So, yes, but next spring, right. So, but but infiniti is in the middle, I believe in a product renaissance. Talk to me about this and how the QX species sits in this perspective.
01:07 Tiago Castro
Absolutely. So we’re in the middle of a product renaissance, which really started with the QX80 UH last year. This vehicle has built inertia. In fact, we had the best seven months in the QX80 sales this year. So a really good moment. Oh, we are now moving to the launch of the new QX60. This is our three row SUV UH is smaller than QX80. Uh is doing very well too. Both are year to year. And next year we started the QX65. And the goal now that we accelerate the future is to start a vehicle annually for the foreseeable future.
01:51 Pras Subramanian
So you mentioned, you know, strong sales of the 80s, which are the full-time all-terrain vehicle there. This is a very popular segment in America. But infiniti as a whole with Nissan, do you know you had a rough patch and are somehow coming out of it. What is the kind of game plan there to get this, the two brands are the right way here in the United States?
02:13 Tiago Castro
So first, yes, no one can just say that last year we didn’t have a difficult year. Very clear. Oh, but here’s the important part. We have a very clear understanding of what should happen. There is a complete alignment in the global team and the regional leadership team that, in order for the Nissan to be more strong, the Infinity must be strong. So we will invest in the right product and the right moment. UH Today, in addition to the QX65, you can see two concept cars for the QX80. So this is our leading model. What we are trying to do is check with the market what people really like. We are looking at two sides of the spectrum. One is the QX80 Tracks package. Tracks Pack is consider getting our current engine and increasing the horsepower and torque by more than 50%. The torque is up to 750. So think about it. And then the horsepower is 650 plus. But not Word Plus is just a plus, you know? So I want to say, quite competitive features here.
03:58 Pras Subramanian
Absolutely. Oh with Infiniti and the type of competition. But Infiniti is a Japanese carmaker and presence around the world, tariffs are something like something that is a story these days in the automotive sector. Do you have a deal with Japan in the United States by about 15%, which helps, but not with Mexico and Canada. Where do you sit there? How do you fight the tariffs in terms of Infiniti?
04:25 Tiago Castro
Well, the first step for us was to understand the product portfolio and how we could optimize delivery. For example, the QX50 had to stop production in the US. There are many options in Canada. So we send more vehicles there. We are also increasing the production of the QX60, which was built here in the United States. The good news, for example, is that the QX65 behind us will be built here in the United States. So very important for us to increase this imprint. Hmm, but then we continue to accelerate UM, such as the leading model, which I just mentioned. We want to continue to wear them, not to stop, you know. Customers respond very well and we need to deliver the vehicle.
05:16 Pras Subramanian
So, even if they are built abroad elsewhere where you are facing tariffs, you can still sell the product and you may absorb some of these costs.
05:25 Tiago Castro
Absolutely. And then identify you know where, for example, is to reduce costs in all other places. There are other things you can do. So this is a developing UH challenge for sure. Oh, but we have to do that.