Infiniti is a popular name in the world of luxury cars. Many people wonder who owns Infiniti and how it fits into the larger automotive industry. This article explores the history, ownership structure, leadership, and financial standing of Infiniti.
History of Infiniti
Infiniti was launched in 1989. It is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Infiniti’s creation was part of a trend during the late 1980s when Japanese car makers developed luxury brands to compete with European and American premium cars.
The brand’s debut was focused on the North American market. Infiniti started with two models, the Q45 luxury sedan and the M30 coupe. Over time, it expanded globally. By the 2000s, Infiniti vehicles were sold in over 50 countries. The brand became known for blending performance, luxury, and Japanese craftsmanship.
Infiniti has undergone several changes in branding and market strategy. Its headquarters also moved from Japan to Hong Kong in 2012 to strengthen its presence in China and Asia, but returned to Japan in 2019.
Who Owns Infiniti?
Infiniti is fully owned by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is one of the largest automotive companies in the world. As Infiniti is a division rather than a separate company, it does not have its own independent ownership structure. Instead, it operates under Nissan’s corporate umbrella.
Nissan itself is part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, a strategic partnership that allows the three companies to share technology, research, and manufacturing.
Here’s an overview of the major shareholders and investors of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., the parent company of Infiniti:
| Shareholder | Ownership Percentage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Renault S.A. | 35.71% | Largest shareholder; part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance; strong influence over Nissan. |
| Individual Investors | ~43% (collective) | Broad public ownership; includes retail investors with voting rights. |
| Institutional Investors | ~18% (collective) | Pension funds, mutual funds, and insurance firms; provide financial stability and oversight. |
| Mercedes-Benz Group AG | 2.706% | Minority stake; strategic investment for industry collaboration. |
| Effissimo Capital Management Pte Ltd. | 2.634% | Singapore-based investment firm; known for activist investing. |
| Nippon Life Insurance Co. | 1.018% | Major Japanese life insurance company; stable, long-term investor. |
| Daimspain Dag SL | 0.6949% | Investment vehicle holding a diversified automotive sector portfolio. |
| Daimspain DT SL | 0.3723% | Related to Daimspain Dag SL; strategic investment entity. |
| Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd. | 0.2545% | Large Japanese asset manager; supports domestic industries including automotive. |
| Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. | 0.2359% | Leading insurance group; diversified investments across Japanese industries. |
| Other Shareholders | Various | Includes financial institutions, funds, and small investors globally. |
Renault S.A.
Renault S.A., the French automaker, remains the largest shareholder of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. as of 2025, with a 35.71% ownership stake. This relationship stems from the Renault-Nissan Alliance formed in 1999, aimed at helping Nissan recover from a financial crisis at the time.
Renault’s ownership grants it significant influence over Nissan’s strategic direction, board appointments, and major business decisions. However, after years of negotiations, Renault agreed to reduce its influence slightly by transferring part of its Nissan shares into a French trust to balance the partnership, but it still retains voting rights on the bulk of its stake. Renault’s continued commitment signals strong interest in maintaining collaboration on technology, electrification, and global market expansion.
Individual Investors
Individual retail investors collectively own approximately 43% of Nissan shares. This group includes everyday Japanese and international shareholders who have invested through stock exchanges. Their holdings are widely dispersed, meaning no single individual exerts meaningful control. However, because of their large collective ownership, individual investors have a strong combined voting power at annual general meetings. Their presence ensures that Nissan remains partially accountable to public market sentiment and domestic economic shifts.
Institutional Investors
Institutional investors hold around 18% of Nissan’s total shares as of 2025. These investors include major pension funds, mutual funds, asset management companies, and insurance firms. Institutional shareholders are important because they typically focus on long-term value creation, pushing Nissan toward sustainable profitability and responsible governance. Their engagement often involves dialogues with Nissan’s management on corporate strategy, environmental initiatives, and capital allocation.
Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Mercedes-Benz Group AG, formerly known as Daimler AG, owns approximately 2.706% of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. This minority stake reflects historical strategic interests between European and Japanese automakers in technology sharing and market collaboration.
While Mercedes-Benz does not have a controlling influence at Nissan, its shareholding facilitates easier cooperation on joint projects, particularly regarding electrification and autonomous driving technologies.
Effissimo Capital Management Pte Ltd.
Effissimo Capital Management, a Singapore-based activist investment firm, holds about 2.634% of Nissan shares. Known for influencing corporate reforms in companies where it invests, Effissimo has been an active voice for improved transparency, governance standards, and better shareholder returns at Nissan. Their presence brings additional pressure on Nissan’s management to maintain profitability and good governance, especially after the tumultuous period following Carlos Ghosn’s departure.
Nippon Life Insurance Co.
Nippon Life Insurance Co., Japan’s largest private life insurance company, owns around 1.018% of Nissan shares. As a traditional, conservative investor, Nippon Life supports Nissan as part of its strategy to invest in key sectors that underpin Japan’s economic strength. Its ownership, though relatively small, represents a vote of confidence in Nissan’s future and helps maintain a strong domestic shareholder base.
Daimspain Dag SL
Daimspain Dag SL owns approximately 0.6949% of Nissan shares. This entity operates as an investment vehicle, managing diversified assets across sectors including automotive. Though its direct influence over Nissan’s management decisions is limited, it represents foreign investment confidence in Nissan’s future profitability and global strategy.
Daimspain DT SL
Daimspain DT SL holds about 0.3723% of Nissan’s total shares. Like Daimspain Dag SL, it is an investment entity that positions Nissan shares as part of a diversified investment strategy. These holdings reflect investor belief in the strength of Japan’s automotive industry and Nissan’s evolving strategy toward electric vehicles and global competitiveness.
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd.
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management, one of Japan’s largest asset managers, owns approximately 0.2545% of Nissan. As a part of the powerful Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, this institution’s shareholding demonstrates traditional support from Japan’s financial sector. The firm prioritizes sustainability and good governance, so its presence adds another layer of pressure on Nissan to maintain high corporate standards.
Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.
Tokio Marine Holdings, a leading Japanese insurance conglomerate, owns about 0.2359% of Nissan’s shares. Tokio Marine’s involvement aligns with its broader investment strategy of supporting domestic champions while diversifying its asset portfolio globally. Though a small stake, Tokio Marine’s ownership supports Nissan’s ties to Japan’s financial elite and brings a stable, conservative shareholder voice to the table.
Other Shareholders
Apart from the major shareholders listed above, a variety of smaller institutional and retail investors also hold minor stakes in Nissan. These include domestic banks, pension funds, and international asset managers. Though individually insignificant in terms of influence, collectively they contribute to Nissan’s broad and diverse shareholder base. This widespread ownership helps mitigate concentration risk and ensures Nissan remains accountable to a wide range of stakeholders.
Who is the CEO of Infiniti?
As of July 1, 2023, José Román serves as the Global Head of Infiniti Motor Company. He concurrently holds the position of Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., reporting directly to Executive Vice President Asako Hoshino. Román, an Ecuadorian national, brings over 25 years of automotive industry experience, having worked in markets including Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and Japan. Before his current role, he was the Corporate Vice President, President, and Managing Director of Nissan Mexicana and the Nissan Importers Business Unit.
Regional Leadership: Tiago Castro
In addition to Román’s global oversight, Tiago Castro was appointed Vice President of Infiniti Americas, effective April 1, 2025. Castro is responsible for Infiniti’s performance in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, encompassing strategic direction, planning, operations, the retail network, and sales and marketing efforts.
Parent Company: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Infiniti operates as the luxury vehicle division of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Infiniti’s strategic decisions, including product development, marketing, and global operations, are aligned with Nissan’s overarching corporate objectives.
Alliance Influence: Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance
Nissan is a key member of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, a strategic partnership that facilitates collaboration among the three automakers. This alliance allows for shared technology, joint procurement, and coordinated product development, which can influence Infiniti’s operations, especially in areas like electrification and autonomous driving technologies.
Leadership Oversight
While José Román leads Infiniti globally, his dual role within Nissan ensures that Infiniti’s strategies are integrated with Nissan’s global sales objectives. Similarly, Tiago Castro’s leadership in the Americas aligns regional operations with both Infiniti’s luxury brand positioning and Nissan’s broader market goals.
Annual Revenue and Net Worth of Infiniti
For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. reported consolidated net revenue of ¥11.52 trillion, equivalent to approximately $87.53 billion. This represents an 11.63% increase from the previous fiscal year’s revenue of ¥9.57 trillion ($78.42 billion).
Despite the year-over-year growth, the company faced significant challenges, including declining vehicle sales in key markets such as the United States and China, increased production costs, and intensified competition in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. These factors contributed to a downward revision of Nissan’s revenue forecast for fiscal year 2024, from an initial projection of ¥14 trillion to ¥12.7 trillion.
Fiscal Year 2024 Net Income
Nissan’s net income for fiscal year 2024 was ¥426.65 billion (approximately $3.24 billion), marking a substantial increase from ¥221.9 billion ($1.68 billion) in fiscal year 2023. This improvement was primarily driven by cost-cutting measures, including a reduction of 9,000 jobs and a 20% decrease in global production capacity.
However, the company’s profitability was impacted by higher selling expenses and inventory optimization efforts, particularly in the U.S. market, along with rising manufacturing costs.
Market Capitalization as of April 2025
As of March 14, 2025, Nissan’s market capitalization stood at ¥1.59 trillion (approximately $10.21 billion). This represents a significant decline from the previous year’s market cap of ¥2.21 trillion, reflecting investor concerns over the company’s financial stability, competitive positioning in the EV market, and the collapse of merger talks with Honda.
The decrease in market capitalization underscores the challenges Nissan faces in regaining investor confidence and achieving sustainable growth amid a rapidly evolving automotive industry landscape.
Below is an overview of Nissan’s historical revenue and net worth (market capitalization) for the last 10 fiscal years:
| Fiscal Year | Revenue (¥ Trillion) | Revenue (USD Billion Approx.) | Net Worth / Market Cap (¥ Trillion) | Net Worth / Market Cap (USD Billion Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 11.52 | 87.53 | 1.59 | 10.21 |
| 2023 | 9.57 | 78.42 | 2.21 | 16.16 |
| 2022 | 8.42 | 65.28 | 2.18 | 15.78 |
| 2021 | 7.86 | 72.51 | 2.02 | 15.12 |
| 2020 | 7.86 | 72.51 | 1.50 | 13.21 |
| 2019 | 11.57 | 106.64 | 3.20 | 29.35 |
| 2018 | 11.57 | 108.16 | 4.20 | 38.41 |
| 2017 | 11.38 | 104.60 | 4.30 | 39.13 |
| 2016 | 11.72 | 108.00 | 4.50 | 41.52 |
| 2015 | 11.08 | 99.26 | 5.20 | 48.30 |
Brands Owned by Infiniti
Here’s a list of the brands owned by Infiniti:
| Model/Series | Description | Key Features | Market Segment | Key Technologies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infiniti QX50 | Compact luxury SUV, focusing on tech and luxury features. | Variable compression engine, innovative tech features | Compact luxury SUV | VC-Turbo engine, ProPILOT Assist, leather seating, spacious cabin |
| Infiniti QX60 | Mid-size luxury SUV with three-row seating for families. | Comfort and versatility, tech-heavy features | Mid-size luxury SUV | Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, safety features, 12.3-inch display |
| Infiniti QX80 | Full-size luxury SUV offering top-tier performance and luxury. | High power, plush interiors, advanced tech | Full-size luxury SUV | Adaptive suspension, 12.3-inch infotainment system, premium audio |
| Infiniti Q50 | Luxury sports sedan offering balance of performance and comfort. | Sleek design, premium materials, tech-heavy interiors | Sports sedan | Turbocharged engines, Apple CarPlay, ProPILOT Assist |
| Infiniti Q60 | Luxury sports coupe that combines performance with elegance. | High performance V6, sporty design | Sports coupe | Dynamic steering, dual touchscreen interface, Nismo tuning |
| Infiniti Q70 | Luxury sedan (discontinued in many markets) that combines comfort with performance. | Spacious interiors, luxurious finishes | Full-size luxury sedan | Hybrid options, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist |
| Infiniti QX Inspiration (EV) | Electric vehicle concept SUV signaling Infiniti’s future direction toward electrification. | EV-focused design, eco-friendly tech | Luxury electric SUV | Zero-emissions technology, sustainable materials, autonomous tech |
Infiniti QX Series
Infiniti offers a variety of models under the QX series, which includes luxury SUVs and crossovers. These models are integral to Infiniti’s brand identity in the luxury segment:
- QX80: Infiniti’s flagship full-size luxury SUV, offering a powerful engine, refined interior, and top-tier amenities. It caters to high-end consumers who need a balance of performance and luxury.
- QX50: This compact luxury SUV offers cutting-edge design, innovative technology, and premium features. It features a variable compression turbocharged engine, a unique offering in the compact SUV market. As of 2025, it continues to serve as a top choice for those looking for luxury with practicality.
- QX60: A mid-size luxury SUV designed for families, featuring three rows of seats and a sophisticated interior. It combines comfort and performance, along with advanced safety technologies.
Infiniti Q Series
The Q Series includes sedans that embody Infiniti’s luxury performance values, combining sleek design with technological innovation:
- Q50: A luxury sports sedan that combines sporty driving dynamics with comfort and technology. It features a variety of engine options, including hybrid models, and continues to be a popular choice in the premium sedan market.
- Q60: This coupe represents Infiniti’s foray into the performance coupe market, offering a powerful V6 engine, elegant design, and high-tech interiors. As of 2025, the Q60 remains one of Infiniti’s most dynamic offerings, appealing to driving enthusiasts.
- Q70: While the Q70 is no longer part of Infiniti’s active lineup in many markets, it remains a part of the brand’s legacy. It was once a luxury sedan that provided a perfect blend of performance and comfort.
Infiniti’s EV Strategy
Infiniti is transitioning towards a sustainable, all-electric future with plans for an all-electric lineup by 2030. While this isn’t a separate brand or sub-brand, Infiniti’s push into electric vehicles (EVs) is central to its future strategy. As of 2025, the QX Inspiration, an electric SUV concept, is expected to lead the way for the brand’s EV vehicles.
Infiniti Performance Technologies
While not a distinct “brand,” Infiniti Performance Technologies represents the brand’s involvement in both motorsports and high-performance engineering. Infiniti has been involved in Formula 1 through its partnership with the Renault F1 team in previous years. The company applies its motorsport learnings to enhance the performance and technology of its consumer models.
Final Words
In conclusion, Infiniti is fully owned by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. It operates as the luxury vehicle division of Nissan and benefits from Nissan’s global manufacturing and research strength. Ownership of Nissan itself is shared among major players like Renault and various investors. Infiniti continues to play a vital role in Nissan’s efforts to compete in the luxury automotive sector.
FAQs
What company owns Infiniti?
Infiniti is owned by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese automaker.
Is Infiniti owned by Renault?
No, Infiniti is not owned by Renault. However, Renault owns a minority stake in Nissan, which in turn owns Infiniti.
Is Infiniti a separate company?
No, Infiniti is not a separate company. It is a division of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Does Mitsubishi own part of Infiniti?
No, Mitsubishi does not own Infiniti. However, Mitsubishi is part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
Are Toyota and INFINITI the same company?
No, Toyota and Infiniti are not the same company. Toyota is a Japanese automaker, while Infiniti is the luxury division of Nissan, also a Japanese automaker. Toyota’s luxury division is Lexus, which competes with Infiniti in the luxury car market.
Is INFINITI part of Lexus?
No, Infiniti is not part of Lexus. Infiniti is the luxury division of Nissan, while Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota. Both brands compete in the luxury vehicle market but are independent of each other.
Is INFINITI a higher-end Nissan?
Yes, Infiniti is considered a higher-end, luxury version of Nissan. Infiniti offers more premium features, sophisticated designs, and enhanced performance compared to Nissan’s mainstream models.
Are Honda and INFINITI the same company?
No, Honda and Infiniti are not the same company. Infiniti is Nissan’s luxury division, while Honda is an independent automaker. Honda’s luxury division is Acura, which competes with Infiniti in the luxury vehicle market.
Is INFINITI a reliable car?
Infiniti vehicles generally have a good reputation for reliability, though individual models can vary. Infiniti often scores well in consumer reports and owner satisfaction surveys. However, like all luxury brands, maintenance costs can be higher compared to mainstream brands.
Is Infiniti made by Nissan?
Yes, Infiniti is made by Nissan. It is the luxury vehicle division of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Infiniti vehicles are designed, engineered, and manufactured under Nissan’s umbrella.
Where are Infiniti cars made?
Infiniti cars are manufactured in several countries, including:
- Japan (main production facilities for several models)
- United States (the Infiniti QX50, for example, is produced in Smyrna, Tennessee)
- China (some models are produced in joint ventures)
Who manufactures Infiniti?
Infiniti is manufactured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Infiniti is Nissan’s luxury division, and all Infiniti vehicles are designed, produced, and marketed under the Nissan umbrella.
Who makes Infiniti cars’ engines?
The engines for Infiniti cars are made by Nissan. Infiniti vehicles share many of the same engines and technology with regular Nissan models, albeit with enhancements for luxury and performance.
Who makes Nissan Infiniti?
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. manufactures both Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. Infiniti is the luxury arm of Nissan, and both brands share platforms, technologies, and engineering resources.
What is the Infiniti country of origin?
Infiniti is a luxury automotive brand originating from Japan, as it is a division of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Nissan’s headquarters are located in Yokohama, Japan, and Infiniti vehicles are primarily designed and manufactured there, although production occurs in other countries as well.
Who makes Infiniti Q50 cars?
The Infiniti Q50 is manufactured by Nissan. Like other Infiniti vehicles, it is designed, engineered, and produced under the Nissan umbrella, with production taking place in various global facilities, including those in the United States and Japan.
What country makes Infiniti vehicles?
Infiniti vehicles are primarily made in Japan, but they are also produced in the United States (especially the Infiniti QX50) and China in joint venture facilities. The brand’s design and engineering come from Nissan’s headquarters in Yokohama, Japan.