THE WAY INFINITI USED SPONSORSHIP TO INCREASE THEIR BRAND AWARENESS.
INTRODUCTION
Increasing market share in global markets is not easy, especially in a competitive segment such as luxury cars. Infiniti the luxury car maker, is embarking on an aggressive global growth strategy driven by new products, market expansion and a globally consistent brand image. Its innovative and challenging marketing strategy aims to improve awareness of the brand and highlight the superiority of its products. Infiniti, originally set up in the United States in 1989 by its Japanese parent Nissan Motor Company, produces luxury performance cars, coupés, crossovers and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Its brand promise is ‘Inspired Performance’. A brand promise represents the benefits and experiences that a consumer can expect from a particular brand. For Infiniti, the ethos of ‘modern Japanese luxury’ is at the heart of everything it does. The luxury car market is highly competitive. As Infiniti is a relatively new entrant into this market it required an innovative and creative marketing strategy to create global awareness of the brand and its brand promise. International marketing is the process of identifying and anticipating customer wants and needs across different national markets and then demonstrating how these requirements are being met. For Infiniti, Formula One is a key element of this creative strategy to build global brand awareness.
To achieve its global growth plans, Infiniti required a high visibility platform to showcase the brand to its new markets. A marketing platform is a mass communication tool that allows a business to increase brand awareness and thereby lead consumers to purchase its product.
Partnering with Red Bull Racing and Sebastian