Why did INFINITI discontinue the QX70?
INFINITI, the luxury vehicle division of Nissan, discontinued the QX70 crossover SUV in 2019 after a decade-long production run. The decision to discontinue the QX70 was driven by a combination of factors, including shifting consumer preferences, increased competition in the luxury SUV market, and INFINITI's broader strategic realignment.
Changing Consumer Preferences
The QX70 was introduced in 2003 as the FX35 and later renamed the QX70 in 2013 as part of INFINITI's model nomenclature change. During its production run, the QX70 was positioned as a sporty, performance-oriented crossover SUV. However, over time, consumer preferences in the luxury SUV market shifted towards more practical, family-oriented vehicles with increased cargo space and seating capacity.
As a result, the QX70's niche appeal and relatively small interior space became less appealing to many luxury SUV buyers, who were increasingly drawn to larger, more versatile models like the QX60 and QX80 in INFINITI's lineup.
Increased Competition
The luxury SUV market has become increasingly crowded and competitive in recent years, with a wide range of offerings from established brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus, as well as newer entrants like Tesla and Rivian. This increased competition made it challenging for the QX70 to maintain its market share, as consumers had more options to choose from in the luxury SUV segment.
INFINITI's Strategic Realignment
In addition to the changing market dynamics, INFINITI's decision to discontinue the QX70 was also part of a broader strategic realignment for the brand. INFINITI has been focusing on developing a more cohesive and streamlined product lineup, with a greater emphasis on electrification and SUVs. The discontinuation of the QX70 allowed INFINITI to allocate resources towards developing newer, more competitive models that better aligned with the brand's evolving strategy.
Overall, the discontinuation of the INFINITI QX70 was a strategic decision driven by a combination of shifting consumer preferences, increased competition, and INFINITI's broader realignment as a brand. While the QX70 had a loyal following, it ultimately could not keep pace with the changing demands of the luxury SUV market.
