Testing Composition

I'm testing the composition of this to make sure all punctuation is done correctly, as well as properly. This line is written directly into the composer itself; how neat!


This is writing directly into Notepad. Then copying, pasting, and putting into the composer. ; <-- that is a semi-colon. Neat!


This is writing into word, then copying into notepad, then into composer. Punctuation marks are fun! Aren’t they? I think so; do you?

LE VOYAGE INSPIRE by INFINITI JX

Challenging Gravity - 12pm EDT, Thursday, March 29, 2012 Facebook.com/Infiniti

Exemplifying a unique partnership, Cirque du Soleil and luxury auto maker Infiniti are pleased to present the first-ever, live streaming event featuring the all-new Infiniti JX in a Cirque du Soleil performance. Viewable exclusively online at 12pm EST, Thursday, March 29 on Facebook.com/Infiniti and Facebook.com/CirqueduSoleil, see the versatile Infiniti JX combine with the artistry of Cirque du Soleil…all at gravity challenging heights!

Inspired by the all-new Infiniti JX, Cirque du Soleil's Special Events team has incorporated Infiniti's all-new, 7-passenger luxury crossover into an approximately 11 minute performance, complete with 9 Cirque du Soleil performers - all streamed live from Cirque du Soleil's headquarters in Montreal. And immediately following the performance, stay online for an exclusive, interactive video Q&A where you may have your questions about the performance answered in real-time by Mario D'Amico, Senior Vice President, Cirque du Soleil Corporate Marketing and Wendy Durward, Director, Infiniti Canada.

With a shared commitment to creativity and performance, Infiniti is an Official Sponsor and exclusive Automotive Partner of Cirque du Soleil.

To Learn More and Access the Live Performance
- Access to the live-event is no-charge and you may RSVP NOW and/or submit a question for the interactive video Q&A in advance on the 'Events' page at www.facebook.com/infiniti

- At 12pm EST, March 29, 2012, simply visit the 'Infiniti Live' Page on www.facebook.com/infiniti or www.facebook.com/cirquedusoleil


The Creativity of Cirque du Soleil Special Events
Since 1984, Cirque du Soleil is known for its live shows presented under big tops (tents) or in theatres. But while the heart of Cirque du Soleil's main activity remains creating live shows, the organization has extended its activities towards conceiving, designing and producing a wide range of unique experiences and upscale events. Whether for major international events like the Academy Awards or the 2012 Super Bowl Halftime performance with Madonna, to global brands from Infiniti to Xerox, the Cirque du Soleil Special Events team is dedicated to designing and producing unique, exquisite experiences.

About Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is primarily a creative content provider for a wide variety of unique projects. In addition to shows, the company, which has its International Headquarters in Montreal, extends its creative talent to other spheres of activity. While maintaining stringent standards of artistic quality and originality, Cirque du Soleil brings to innovative projects the same energy and spirit that characterize each of its shows.

Cirque du Soleil is a Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. Since its beginnings in 1984, more than 100 million spectators in over 300 cities on six continents have been thrilled by Cirque du Soleil.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.
To find out more about the ONE DROP Foundation, visit www.onedrop.org.

About Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance vehicles designed to inspire at every turn, including the all-new 2013 Infiniti JX luxury crossover which joins the G Sedan, G Coupe, M Sedan, EX, FX and QX. Infiniti continues to launch across the globe through a dedicated network of Infiniti Retailers that share a commitment to exceptional hospitality throughout the entire period of ownership.

CEO Carlos Ghosn on the Return of Datsun

CEO Carlos Ghosn: I’m sure everybody knows that yesterday we announced the revival, the relaunch, of the Datsun brand as a complement to, on the one side, Infiniti, and on the other, Nissan.

This is something that has been prepared within our Power 88 plan and will be a pillar of offering mobility for all, making sure that people—particularly in high growth markets—will have an offer from our company.

A lot of people in emerging markets today are driving motorcycles, some of them are driving used cars, others can buy a new car but, in fact, it’s antiquated with very old technology and a very old platform – cars which have been there for 20 years or more. What we want to offer is a modern, affordable car—something that people will be very happy to own, a product that is generous, giving them exactly what they want, and at an affordable price.

As you can imagine, the reception in Indonesia has been very strong, particularly as the government at the moment is launching the green-car program. We considered the launch of the green-car program, we considered that this segment of the market may represent up to 40% of the future car market in Indonesia.


Q1. Is a new brand a risk?

CEO Ghosn: There is no risk. We just see an opportunity. Today, in all the markets we are present, there is a level of price below which we cannot compete, we have no offering. The risk is to do nothing because it means that in India 40% of the market escapes us, in Russia 40% of the market escapes us, and what we think will be 40% of the Indonesian market will escape us. That’s the biggest risk. The risk is to do nothing.

By taking the initiative and introducing the Datsun brand we’re going to compete in a market in which could not compete before and we’re going to compete strongly. We’re not coming with antiquated product. We’re coming with a modern, strong, attractive product under the brand of Datsun. That’s why it’s more of an opportunity than a risk.

Q2. Is the return of Datsun late?

CEO: Are we late? You’re never late to do the right thing. There is never a great moment to start something. When you’re ready, you should do it. When you’re not ready, you shouldn’t. So I don’t think we’re late. On the contrary, I think we’re a major car manufacturer who is looking at entry-level products and saying, “I can play a role,” and, as you know, our mission is not only sustainable mobility but mobility for all.

By taking this initiative of establishing the Datsun brand and launching products, we’re going to be appealing to people who would love to own a car but cannot afford it.

And particularly what we want is a product we are proud of—a product that is reliable, good quality, generous, modern. Not an antiquated car, but something modern that people will buy.

Q3. Where do ultra low-cost cars fit in with the plans for Datsun to return?

CEO: Where will the ultra low-cost car fit? Well, the ultra low-cost car will fit with the Datsun brand. You cannot presume the Datsun brand is for that, but the day we come with a ultra low-cost car it will go inside the Datsun brand.

Q4. It’s only two years to 2014. How far along is the development of cars for the new brand?

CEO: Two years is a very short time to come with a completely new brand? Not at all. We’ve been working on it. We can work on things without talking about them. We’re not announcing something and then saying, “Tomorrow, we’re going to start work on the Datsun brand.” What we’re announcing today is, “We’ve been working on this.” The cars are already in development. Fortunately, we can still surprise you with what we’re doing. It’s not like now we’re going to start work—we have already sketches, models, we know exactly what we’re doing. We’re announcing today in the middle of a work-in-progress.

Q5. Why go back to the Datsun brand instead of creating a new one?

CEO: Datsun is part of the heritage of the company. Why do I want to do something new if I can use the heritage of Nissan, which is long. Datsun is a good name. Datsun is part of the history of Nissan and Datsun has been part of the strength of Nissan. A modern Datsun, a revived Datsun, a Datsun of the 21st century compared with the Datsun of the 20th century. But I think it’s part of our heritage and we want to make it strong. This name belongs to us and Datsun was known for a product, which was robust, reliable and affordable. These are good attributes, but we’re not going to be limited. We’re going to add to it quality and we’re going to add to it modernity.

Q6. Does it matter that Datsun isn’t well known in some of the target high-growth markets?

CEO: That’s okay. It’s fine. If in some market there is no recognition when starting with Datsun or another brand, then it’s the same. But at least in the markets where there is recognition, we’re starting with something

We announced that we’re going to be positioning the Datsun brand in Indonesia, India and Russia, but this is a first step. Obviously the Datsun brand will become global particular to high-growth countries, but we’re going to go by priorities. Our priorities for the moment are India, Indonesia and Russia.

Q7. How will the cars be tailored for different markets?

CEO: Datsun is going to be a global brand with a local product. Market by market we’re going to be extremely pragmatic and fit the product to the market because every market has its own regulations. The green program in Indonesia is very specific: you qualify for the green-car program if you have an engine with a displacement that is less than 1.2 liters, the price has to be below $10,000, you have to have a local content higher than a certain percentage.

Every country has its own regulations for the affordable segment and, if you do that, you’re going to have an incentive. In the case of Indonesia, the luxury tax will not apply, which today is about 10% of the cost.

We don’t want to have a product that fits all needs because every market has its own specific incentives to encourage popular transportation, to encourage people who are today riding motorcycles and used cars to move to new cars. That’s why we’re going to very pragmatic and region by region and country we’re going to make decisions based on the a product which we will fit to each market.

In some markets we can do it jointly with Renault, we can do it jointly with another partner of the company. But the master word is that we are here to make an offer to make sure that every single person who would love to buy a car can buy a car, and can buy a car from our company. That’s the reason for launching the Datsun brand.

We want no more sections of the market where there is no offer from our company, particularly in the high-growth markets. This is part of our strategy to take leadership in the emerging markets.

We are the number one Japanese brand in China. We said clearly that we want to be the number one Japanese brand in Russia. We clearly are also going for leadership in Brazil, and the positioning of the Resende plant is in it. And obviously in the southeast of Asia we would like to play completely our role as a leading Japanese brand.

And this is part of our strategy to occupy all the space possible, contribute as much as possible to the development and the growth of the emerging markets.

Q8. How much will the Datsun vehicles cost?

CEO: We cannot talk about the price range overall because in every market the taxation is going to be different. Some markets have very high taxes, in other markets there are no taxes at all. But we can tell you that the price range is going to be in a segment of the market where usually we don’t compete.

But again, you should not say this is another entry-price point made by a car manufacturer. What we want to do is a modern, affordable, reliable car in this segment of this market.

So obviously in Indonesia the price range is below $10,000, where there is no offer today. In Russia it is going to be something different. In India it is going to be something different, probably below this level – $4,000. So in every segment we are going to position ourselves at a level specific to the segment.

But our objective is to make sure that the person who today has a motorcycle or a used car and wants to buy a new car is going to consider Datsun. Today, we are not in the game.

Q9. Will you be continuing your cooperation with Bajaj in India, and when will a car be released?

CEO: In this segment of the market we are into testing, trying, launching. That’s what you do. In India, we have many cars that we are considering for that price point. Bajaj is one of them. It’s not the only one.

We have many other cars – our own and developed with other companies. We have been putting on the market recently a small pick-up truck with Ashok Leyland, the Dost, which has been very successful. It is an extremely affordable product and taking a very good position in the market.

This is part of our approach to the market. We test different possibilities and then we launch. If the project goes well, obviously we continue. And with Bajaj we are still evaluating the proposal that they made on a four-wheeler, which is expanded from their three-wheeler. And they we will decide after examining this possibility if we will use it or not.

But this doesn’t mean that that stops the collaboration. The collaboration will continue. But this is a collaboration that is extremely pragmatic, based on win-win. As you know, in India we work with many companies: Ashok Leyland, Bajaj. We may continue to work with other partners because our objective is to have the strongest offer adapted to the Indian market.

Q10. What is your opinion on rising oil prices and their effect on the Japanese economy?

CEO: If you think that oil at $100 a barrel is high, you ain’t seen nothing yet. When we launched electric cars we said clearly that we are preparing for a long period of time when oil prices are going to be very high. We took as a basis for the launch of the LEAF $80 a barrel. That was in 2007. In 2010 people said that it would go down, that it’s not going to work.

Today we are at $100 and Europe is not growing and the United States is still in recovery mode, still below the level where it was in 2007. So when the US will be in full growth and Europe comes back – because it will – I don’t think the price is going to remain at $100.

If you consider that oil prices are expensive today, we don’t. We think that they are going to go up, and we are prepared for this. What is taking place today is part of what we have foreseen and we think that there is more to come in the future.

Q11: Will you sell Datsun in Japan?

CEO: I don’t think that today we have plans to launch Datsun in Japan or any developed country. Again, we are business people. If we see a demand, why not? But we are not planning for it. This is for high-growth emerging markets. Again, we are business people. We should never say never, but it’s not planned.

Q12: Why are you marketing Datsun cars to young people when old people are the ones who remember the brand?

CEO: We are not launching the Datsun name, reviving the Datsun name, counting on the fact that many people remember Datsun. Datsun is part of our heritage. We know the brand, we know how strong this brand has been in some markets. Again, for young people, launching Datsun or some other [new] brand is the same, because they don’t remember.

So why not Datsun? In markets where Datsun left a good name of reliability, robustness, we are going to be capitalizing on it. Between launching the Datsun name and a new name, Datsun is equal or better. So we are going for something belonging to the heritage of Nissan that we would like to revive.

Q13: What will the displacement of Datsun cars be?

CEO: We are going to be very pragmatic. It’s not going to be one displacement for all. In Indonesia it’s going to be 1.2 liters or lower. So, it’s going to be pragmatic.

Let’s not forget, this is going to be a car for consumers in high-growth markets. And this segment is very important. Today, this segment is 43% of the market in India. We have zero offerings. This segment is 42% or 43% of the market in Russia. We have zero offerings. We think that this segment will be 43% of the market in Indonesia but today we have no offer. We are just going to get into the segments of the market where today we don’t compete. We said zero – we have zero market share. Again, it is not a risk, it is an opportunity.

Infiniti Launches National Certified Collision Repair Network

Infiniti today launched a new nationwide Infiniti Certified Collision Repair Network, a dynamic, comprehensive program designed to recognize and distinguish body shops that meet or exceed standards for repair work, training, equipment and delivery of Infiniti customer service. The new certification program is open to both Infiniti retailer-owned and independent collision shops.

“The purpose of the certification program is to provide the resources to help ensure consistency of the repair of Infiniti vehicles on a national basis,” said Carnie Colliver, senior manager, Parts and Service, Infiniti Americas. “Each Infiniti owner that comes into these certified facilities presents additional face-to-face opportunities to reinforce the Infiniti Total Ownership Experience.”

The certification program will be conducted in conjunction with DuPont Performance Coatings (DPC), which will assist in the implementation of the program’s certification process, and I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, which will conduct technician training.

“Facilities that have the willingness to participate in this program must have the commitment to achieve higher standards in the collision repair industry. This program will be a platform to satisfy all aspects of their customers’ automotive service needs,” said Colliver.

Infiniti Certified Collision Repair Facilities will be able to distinguish their facility from non-Certified repairers, by an ever expanding marketing package including but not limited to:

• A shop plaque acknowledging to customers the facility is a member of the Infiniti Collision Repair Network and recognized as meeting the requirements set forth by Infiniti
• Customer marketing materials explaining the benefits of using the certified shop network for repairs and the use of OEM collision parts
• Exclusive website for Infiniti Certified Collision Repair Facilities to obtain program and technical information
• Infiniti owner awareness marketing initiative
• Shop locator for owners to identify Certified shops in their area

“The overriding goal is to provide a better customer experience - with an assurance of safety through the repair process and facility standardization, and the financial preservation of the vehicle to help minimize diminished value after collision repairs,” added Colliver. “Certified network collision repair facilities will deliver a professional relationship consistent with the Infiniti brand – and enjoy the added prestige of being recognized by Infiniti as meeting our stringent factory standards.”

For more information on enrolling contact the Infiniti collision group via email at: CollisionRepairNetwork@Infiniti.com.

About Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles, including the G Coupe, Sedan and Convertible, M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, and the QX full-size SUV. More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience can be found at www.InfinitiUSA.com.

About DuPont Performance Coatings
DuPont Performance Coatings is the world's leading provider of innovative products, services, and solutions aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the vehicle refinish process. From the back of the shop to the front of the shop, no one does more to help refinishers improve productivity. For additional information about DuPont Performance Coatings, please visit www.pc.dupont.com.

About I-CAR
Formed by the collision industry in 1979, I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, is an international, not-for-profit training organization. All I-CAR activities and resources focus on helping the industry achieve a high level of technical training. I-CAR is dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers. www.i-car.com.

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INFINITI ANNOUNCES GLOBAL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN WITH SEBASTIAN VETTEL

Infiniti today announces the forthcoming launch of a major global advertising campaign featuring Sebastian Vettel.

Vettel, the double Formula One World Champion, will be the focus of an above the line strategy encompassing digital media, viral content films, a series of collector's posters and Infiniti's first ever globally broadcast television commercial.

The launch of the TV ad, filmed on location in Spain prior to the final pre-season F1 test session in Catalunya in early March, is scheduled to coincide with the weekend of the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix (26-27th May).

The collaboration builds on the relationship established between Infiniti and the Red Bull Racing driver in 2011, when Vettel was named as Infiniti's first ever Global Brand Ambassador. Along with driving an Infiniti FX50S as his personal road car and making regular media appearances for the brand, Vettel was also central to the design and development of his 'ultimate Infiniti', the Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Version. This 300kph racing-inspired Infiniti FX will be making the transition from concept car to a limited edition production run, as announced at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month.

2012 marks the second year of partnership between Infiniti and Red Bull Racing and will see more prominent Infiniti branding on the F1 cars, drivers and team equipment. Both organisations are exploring the opportunities for a technical collaboration in the future.

Speaking about the upcoming advertising campaign, Simon Sproule, Corporate Vice President, Global Marketing Communications, Nissan Motor Company, said: "This is an exciting new campaign which, following on from last year's successful Vettel FX project, further illustrates how Infiniti is maximizing its partnership with Sebastian Vettel.

"Sebastian is undoubtedly the biggest name within the world's most high profile form of motorsport, and he epitomizes Infiniti's 'Inspired Performance' tagline. We feel he is the perfect person to lead the brand's first ever global advertising campaign.

"The campaign will help to communicate Infiniti's unique approach to performance and luxury, a philosophy shared by Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing."

Commenting on the upcoming ad, Sebastian Vettel said: "Having driven the range of Infinitis for the past year and co-developed a special edition FX, I was happy to work with Infiniti on this campaign. I had great fun shooting the advert in Spain, and I can’t wait to see the finished product in the coming weeks!"

Infiniti Becomes Exclusive Launch Sponsor of the SI Augmented Reality Experience

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED'S NCAA TOURNAMENT PREVIEW ISSUE TO FEATURE AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE EXCLUSIVELY DESIGNED FOR SMARTPHONES

Infiniti Becomes Exclusive Launch Sponsor

Beginning today, the Sports Illustrated Magazine app for smartphones adds groundbreaking technology that combines a universal scan tool capable of reading all print-to-mobile-action codes and an enhanced augmented print viewer into one device. This groundbreaking technological enhancement coincides with today’s debut of the Sports Illustrated Magazine app for the iPhone. Previously, the Sports Illustrated Magazine smartphone app was available exclusively for Android smartphones. 

This new technology is on full display with the SI NCAA Basketball Tournament Preview set to hit newsstands today. Readers can use their smartphone to scan the cover gatefold in order to view six computer-generated images "floating" over the cover image collage. Those images are clickable and will launch exclusive videos including one which announces Sports Illustrated's College Basketball Players of the Year and another announcing SI's Coaches of the Year. Additional videos include: SI Senior Writer Seth Davis' providing an NCAA Tournament preview; a compilation of fan videos; SI's stories of the year and a feature on great moments from the 2011-12 season. 

"So often the conversation about technology revolves around new devices. What we’re really excited about is the potential to use technology to bring print pages to life in surprising ways," said Terry McDonell, Time Inc. Sports Group Editor. 
Advertising partner Infiniti takes advantage of the tool by watermarking the inside front cover gatefold which, when triggered, will launch an Infiniti commercial. Infiniti's campaign also includes post roll running in conjunction with the aforementioned SI videos. The post roll features NCAA Men's Basketball Coaches in a program that supports Coaches vs. Cancer. 

"It's a perfect match for Infiniti, a brand that prides itself on creating world's first technologies, to partner with Sports Illustrated to become the exclusive sponsor of its App featuring the first-of-its-kind universal scanner tool," said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Americas. "Together, we are able to use technology to deliver inspiration and awareness in the fight against cancer."

This new integrated platform is capable of reading all print-to-mobile action codes (2D barcodes such as QR and Microsoft Tag, Invisible Watermarks, 1D barcodes such as UPC codes). The enhanced print engine (or augmented print engine) enables augmented reality / augmented print experiences such overlaying and rendering 2D and 3D images that synchronized with the printed page and include dynamic content such as videos, content and social connections.

These technologies enable the app to function as a true engagement platform for delivering integrated print-to-mobile and print-to-social programs that enhance advertisers print placements more connected, dynamic and interactive. The platform was created in partnership with Nellymoser, a highly-respected mobile marketing and tech services company. "We value our close partnership with Sports Illustrated and their push to continuously innovate their magazine with print-to-mobile experiences that engage and entertain SI readers," said John Puterbaugh, Founder and CEO of Nellymoser. "By overlaying dynamic content on top of the printed page via the mobile phone, mobile AR adds a degree of brand interactivity to the magazine experience that is unmatched. We're excited to bring this high quality mobile experience to SI Magazine and others."

The Sports Illustrated phone app, available on iOS and Android, enables SI subscribers to access the weekly magazine in an optimized format on their smartphone. The Sports Illustrated phone app is available as part of SI's All Access subscription package, which includes print, the Web, and all major tablet and smartphone platforms.

About SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a multimedia sports brand that takes the consumer into the heart and soul of sports. The SPORTS ILLUSTRATED franchise is anchored by the weekly magazine-the most respected voice in sports journalism, reaching a weekly audience of nearly 22 million adults-and www.SI.com, the magazine's 24/7 sports news website that delivers more than 300 original stories to its users each week. The franchise also includes SPORTS ILLUSTRATED KIDS (www.sikids.com), a monthly magazine targeted to kids age 8 and up; GOLF MAGAZINE and www.GOLF.com; www.FanNation.com, a social networking and sports-news aggregation platform; SI Presents, the magazine's specialty publishing division; as well as SI Books, SI Pictures, SI Productions, SI Digital and SI Events. Founded in 1954, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a division of Time Inc., the world's leading magazine publishing company and a subsidiary of Time Warner.

About Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full line of luxury performance automobiles, including the G Coupe, Sedan and Convertible, Infiniti M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, and the QX full-size SUV.

Infiniti "Round by Round" Bracket Challenge Supports Coaches vs. Cancer Charity Program With up to $700,000 Donation

" Popular Fan Program Coincides with the Broadcast Launch of the All-New Infiniti JX Luxury Crossover During the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship -

For the second year in a row, Infiniti is sponsoring the "Round by Round" bracket game to benefit Coaches vs. Cancer, which is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), with a sizable increase in the target donation amount for the fight against cancer. Fan participation will again determine the final amount given, up to a possible $700,000 total.

For the "Round by Round" portion of the 2012 bracket challenge, registered fans at cbssports.com/Infiniti make picks for each of the 67 match-ups throughout the Championship tournament, including the First Four and the always electrifying Men's Final Four. Fans are encouraged to return to the bracket and select their picks throughout the total of six competition rounds. Participants will be eligible to win a grand prize of a trip for two to the 2013 NCAA Men's Final Four in Atlanta.

The "Round by Round" Bracket Challenge coincides with the launch of the all-new 2013 Infiniti JX luxury crossover, which goes on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide later this month. New broadcast ads for the Infiniti JX debut during the tournament.

The 3-row/7-passenger Infiniti JX offers a vibrant symphony of both luxury and style, highlighted by the new Infiniti design language direction, as well as a suite of personal luxury accommodations. Along with its standout styling and craftsmanship, the breakthrough JX design offers excellent legroom in all three rows, ample cargo room behind the 3rd row, and an innovative middle seat design that provides entry to the 3rd row without removing the 2nd row child seat.

The JX continues Infiniti's tradition of developing world's first technologies, adding a new feature, Backup Collision Intervention (BCI), to the currently available Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) system. With this technology, when the transmission is in reverse, the JX will help the driver detect crossing vehicles and objects behind the JX and, if necessary, the system can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision. The new JX also offers an advanced Infiniti Connection telematics system with Google CalendarTM, Drive Zone/Speed Alert and Infiniti Personal Assistant.

The "Round by Round" Bracket Challenge, is part of Infiniti's comprehensive corporate partnership with the NCAA, CBS Sports and Turner Sports, NCAA Men's Basketball and the 2012 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. This year Infiniti has also contributed more than $300,000 to 48 individual NABC member coaches' designated charities in a similar fan-driven "Infiniti Coaches' Charity Challenge," including $100,000 to the winning coach's charity. Infiniti will also present in-game "coaches' spotlights" during the tournament.

"Infiniti continues to be inspired by the excitement of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship and the coaches' dedication to cancer charities," said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore. "We thank the fans once again for their role in pushing the total support to more than $1 million this year."

In addition to the online "Round by Round" Bracket Challenge promotions, Infiniti will sponsor custom "Inspiration is Contagious" co-branded features, which will be shown during the coverage on TBS, CBS, TNT, truTV CBS. Infiniti also serves as the presenting sponsor of the "Infiniti NCAA Tip-Off," a TBS and truTV pre-game show airing throughout the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. CBS Sports and Turner Sports will present fully integrated game and studio productions across all four networks throughout the tournament, utilizing the same graphics, musical beds, unique camera angles and an integrated talent line-up. "Infiniti NCAA Tip-Off" will run 17 times during the NCAA Tournament and include a special feature dedicated to "Inspiration is Contagious." The segment will drive traffic to the "Round by Round" challenge to benefit Coaches vs. Cancer at the cbssports.com/Infiniti page.

"The challenge captures the commitment and competitive nature of the coaches. When it comes to fighting cancer, these guys just don't want to lose," says Donald Distasio, executive vice president for the American Cancer Society and Eastern Division operating officer. "For fans, it's a good feeling when your team wins, and it's going to feel even better to know they raised dollars that make a difference in the fight against cancer."

Infiniti is also the exclusive sponsor of CBSSports.com's "Bracket Challenge." The fan who can claim bracket dominance will win a true Infiniti luxury experience for four to the 2013 Men's Final Four in Atlanta. To promote these exclusive sponsorships and the new 2013 Infiniti JX, Infiniti will have a strong presence on NCAA March Madness Live, formerly March Madness On Demand, of which Infiniti is the exclusive automotive sponsor for the March Madness App, CBSSports.com, SI.com and NCAA.com. In addition, Infiniti will stage several premium homepage takeovers on AOL, CBSSports.com, ESPN, SI, Yahoo Sports! and YouTube.

Social media also will play a vital role in keeping consumers engaged by reminding them to make their selections for "Round by Round" to benefit Coaches vs. Cancer on the Infiniti Twitter handle @InfinitiNews and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/infiniti.

And, to further build on Infiniti brand awareness, Infiniti is the presenting sponsor of the Tip-Off Tailgate area at the Final Four site in New Orleans. Along with Infiniti branding and vehicle displays, Infiniti will put its luxury stamp on the Tip-Off Tailgate experience with the Infiniti Lounge at the Final Four where the Taste of New Orleans with Chef John Besh, the Final Four with Chef Marc Forgione, and the National Championship Mixology will be held.

About Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles, including the G Coupe, Sedan and Convertible, Infiniti M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, and the QX full-size SUV. More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience can be found at InfinitiUSA.com.

About NCAA
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CBS Sports, a year-round leader in television sports, broadcasts a portfolio of events on the CBS Television Network, including the NFL's American Football Conference; THE NFL TODAY; college basketball, including the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship; golf, including The Masters and PGA Championship; college football, including the SEC ON CBS; the U.S. Open Tennis Championships; CBS SPORTS SPECTACULAR, including track & field, auto racing and gymnastics. In addition, the division directs the CBS College Sports Network, a 24-hour national cable network; produces Inside the NFL for Showtime; and partners with CBS Sports.com in creating a recognized leader among sports Internet destinations.

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Turner Sports, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., is an industry leader in televised and online sports programming, airing championship level sporting events on TBS, TNT and truTV, and managing some of the most popular sports sites on the Internet. Turner Sports' television line-up includes the NBA, Major League Baseball, the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship, NASCAR and professional golf.

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About Coaches vs. Cancer
Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches, their teams, and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The program leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. Since 1993, the initiative has raised more than $80 million dollars to fund groundbreaking research, provide up-to-date cancer literacy, advocate for public health policies and deliver services to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. To learn more, visit coachesvscancer.org.

About the National Association of Basketball Coaches
Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the NABC was founded in 1927 by Forrest "Phog" Allen, the legendary basketball coach at the University of Kansas. Allen, a student of James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, organized coaches into this collective group to serve as Guardians of the Game. The NABC currently has nearly 5,000 members consisting primarily of university and college men's basketball coaches. All members of the NABC are expected to uphold the core values of being a Guardian of the Game by bringing attention to the positive aspects of the sport of basketball and the role coaches play in the academic and athletic lives of today’s student-athletes. The four core values of being a Guardian of the Game are advocacy, leadership, service and education. Additional information about the NABC, its programs and membership, can be found at www.nabc.com.

INFINITI POWERS UP THE FX SEBASTIAN VETTEL VERSION

Infiniti today confirmed the FX Sebastian Vettel version, shown first in concept form at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, is to enter a strictly limited production run of 200 units to be sold across Europe and Middle East regions. The announcement was made by Bernard Loire, Infiniti Vice President for Europe and the Middle East.

The production version will match the 420PS output of the concept car making it the most powerful Infiniti yet to be sold by the European business unit. Although no price is available yet, it will also be the most expensive.

The car is a collaboration between Red Bull Racing's champion racing driver and global brand ambassador, Sebastian Vettel, and Infiniti's Chief Creative Officer, Shiro Nakamura. With its sophisticated technology, lightweight components and features such as Rear Active Steering for maximum agility, the V8 FX50S Premium - Infiniti's current flagship as well as its best-selling model in some markets - provides the ideal starting point for the FX Sebastian Vettel version. Changes including increased power, lower weight, longer gearing, increased downforce and lowered, stiffer suspension turn what is already a sports car among crossovers into a crossover supercar. 

Customer reservations are being taken now ahead of first deliveries from early 2013.

Infiniti Emerg-E, "...a new way of thinking about the sports car of the future."

Imagine a superfast, near silent sports car, cruising the neon-lit streets of an after-dark London. This is the compelling image that gave birth to INFINITI EMERG-E, and this concept is its realization.

INFINITI EMERG-E is a highly advanced, mid-ship, electric motors powered sports car concept. It projects Infiniti's already advanced electric vehicle technology deep into the future with a range-extender powertrain that delivers the performance expected of sports car bearing the Infiniti badge. Combining thrilling performance with the scope to drive in urban conditions for up to 30 miles with zero emissions, it emits no more than 55g/km of CO2 (NEDC cycle) over a 300 mile combined range. INFINITI EMERG-E lays down a radical new marker for mid-ship sports cars, and explores one of a number of the alternative propulsion avenues that Infiniti is considering.

The thinking that brought the INFINITI EMERG-E concept about came from the department of Francois Bancon, Division General Manager of Exploratory and Advanced Product. "When I was in charge of exploring the next step, I thought, how can we be innovative? We started with Essence. It was very successful, but arguably not a dynamic performance flagship. Then came ETHEREA, an indication of Infiniti's future in the compact luxury segment. Now we have to think about a flagship, an emblem for the brand - not necessarily a big car, a limousine, because Infiniti is about inspired performance, and sporty cars,"said Bancon.

Creating a sporty, dynamic and unusual flagship is one inspiration for the INFINITI EMERG-E program, but equally important is Infiniti's continued exploration of alternative propulsion systems, a logical next-step for a company that is already selling the advanced Infiniti M35 Hybrid. 

That exploration takes an unusual form with INFINITI EMERG-E, its range-extender driveline a first for Infiniti. 

"Infiniti has a deep knowledge of what an internal combustion engine is because this is what we are providing, and we also have a deep knowledge of what hybrid is, which we are also providing in the market right now," explained Bancon of Infiniti's decision to pursue a range-extender series hybrid technology. "This is about changing the rules of the game. You have more and more cities in Europe that are banning internal combustion engine emissions, but with this car you can run downtown in London, for example, with no guilt - you are not guilty, because you are zero emission. At the same time, you're going to have fun on a racetrack with the maximum performance you can enjoy."

INFINITI EMERG-E also represents a new way of developing cars for Infiniti. It is the first car developed in Europe, and the first car it has built as part of a UK government sponsored technology initiative. That initiative is run by the Technology Strategy board, whose aim is to fast track the arrival of low carbon cars to the UK's roads. The TSB's competition is framed to encourage contact with innovative and pioneering suppliers who might not normally gain access to major manufacturers, providing Infiniti with the opportunity to harness promising new technologies that might enable it to produce better low carbon cars. That projects like INFINITI EMERG-E only qualify for partial funding if they pioneer new technologies - which this Infiniti clearly does - also encourages innovation.

"This is a new way of thinking about the sports car of the future," said Bancon.

Development
INFINITI EMERG-E was designed under the direction of Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura. While some of Nissan Global design bases were involved in this project, the overall design development were mainly led by Nissan Design Europe (NDE), Paddington, London, and built by Nissan's European Technical Centre (NTCE), Cranfield.

It's a highly significant car for Infiniti because it advances on many fronts. It is the first mid-ship sports car the marque has ever produced. It takes the Infiniti design vocabulary in a fresh, intriguing and convincing new direction. It stretches Infiniti's already accomplished expertise in the areas of electric vehicles and alternative propulsion systems. And it will provoke debate about the form an Infiniti flagship should take. 

INFINITI EMERG-E is also unusual for being a project part-funded by the UK Government's Technology Strategy board, a development that has significantly deepened the resource that the brand can draw on for the creation of new models, while lending this project an intriguingly international flavor. 

The desire to stretch Infiniti's knowledge of electric vehicles lead to the idea of a range-extender electric vehicle, and just such a machine began to be developed in Japan. An unexpected opportunity to advance the project through Britain's Technology Strategy Board (TSB) - whose mission is to speed the passage of low carbon vehicles to UK roads - provided the chance to access new technologies and work with a variety of organizations. These included universities, suppliers and OEMs, this facet of the development broadening the scope and ambition of INFINITI EMERG-E. The opportunity to work in a consortium revealed that fellow member Lotus Engineering was also developing a range-extender electric sports car, the two companies deciding that it made sense to collaborate. That decision, explained Bancon, was eased by the fact that "Nissan (and Infiniti) have had a relationship with Lotus for 10 years, mostly about methodology. We have never agreed a contract to do a car with Lotus, but we have done many studies together, utilizing their additional resource when ours was taken," he said. Further benefits included co-funding of the INFINITI EMERG-E project from the TSB, and access to a range of highly innovative suppliers.

A key feature of the INFINITI EMERG-E Concept is that it contains a blend of technologies and solutions that have not previously been tried, as required by the TSB funding rules. The sharing of several components by other members of the consortium is also an element of the TSB initiative, the aim being to promote developmental economies of scale, although the approach to their deployment differs. 

"A key aim of the TSB approach is to develop projects that are closer to commercial reality," said Jerry Hardcastle, Vice President Vehicle Design and Development, the Nissan Group Technology Centre Europe and senior member of the UK's Automotive Council. "So there's more of a chance of the technology making it to market."

That chance will gain extra momentum when Infiniti produces two fully functioning INFINITI EMERG-E demonstrators in the next step of this highly unusual and innovative concept development program. 

Design
Although Infiniti has only been on sale in Europe since 2008, the brand made a big impact when it was launched in the U.S. in 1989 as Nissan's luxury marque. From the very beginning the Infiniti name has symbolized "Inspired Performance," the ownership experience painstakingly tailored to combine these qualities with exceptional customer care. Those first two decades culminated with the 2009 unveiling of the Essence, an elegantly sensuous-looking high-performance coupe. Apart from making a very favorable impact that resonates to this day, Essence was the first of a trilogy of concept cars showcasing the three core strands that characterize Infiniti's design values. The second concept was ETHEREA, and INFINITI EMERG-E is the third.

This dramatic trilogy of show cars embodies the three strands that form the foundation of Infiniti's Design Values. The elegantly spare muscularity of their bodywork is inspired by the Energetic Force to be found in nature. Their Seductive Aura is also immediately apparent, from the sensuous, hourglass squeeze of Essence's cockpit to the graceful, unbroken arching of Etherea's roofline and the subtle, cloth-like folds of INFINITI EMERG-E's haunches. Yet the drama in the lines of all three show cars is tempered by the qualities of Dignified Intelligence that suffuses all Infinitis.

The concepts also bear a unique set of highly individual hallmarks that characterize an Infiniti. These include a radiator grille elegantly book-ended by a double arch and Infiniti's highly distinctive crescent-cut rear pillar. Just as distinctive are the headlights, which are redolent of the eyes of a human, this shape reinforced by a fine eyebrow line of LEDs. 

INFINITI EMERG-E takes the brand's design vocabulary in an exciting new direction, this being the first time that it has been applied to a mid-ship sports car. 

"Infiniti has always had rear-wheel drive styling," said Nakamura. "The FX is a good example - it has a long hood, short rear deck, it is not wedged and has a very horizontal movement. But a mid-ship layout usually has a different attitude - it's slightly wedged, so that's a challenge for us."

That challenge was all the greater, said Nakamura, because a mid-engined car was never a part of the original plan for Infiniti or its design philosophy. "Designing a mid-ship car sounds very exciting, but at the same time there's even less freedom because of the package constraints and the distribution of weight. Because of the FX and Essence, we have already established an Infiniti look and proportion. Also, we now have front-wheel drive cars with ETHEREA. We've got to go beyond our existing proportions, so this is a good experience."

That experience began with the creation of three-quarter scale model proposals from Infiniti studios in Japan, the UK and California. The winning design, the work of California-based Infiniti designer Randy Rodriguez, was recreated as a full-size clay model constructed at Nissan Design Europe's Paddington studio. 

The aim has been to combine the brand's characteristic long nose with the heavier volume at the rear, while maintaining what Nakamura calls "the emotional flow of an Infiniti." Unlike most mid-engined cars, INFINITI EMERG-E is not a wedged design, although there is considerable energy in its shape.

"We wanted to make it elegant yet dynamic, to show graceful power," said Nakamura. "Mid-ship cars are usually more crude - this is like silk wrapping over the wheels."

Taisuke Nakamura, NDE Design Manager, explains that, "The volume of INFINITI EMERG-E starts from the badge and the grille and flows like a stream from here all the way to the chopped tail." This fluency of line is all the more effective for the extra length grafted into the INFINITI EMERG-E platform ahead of the windscreen, the fast angle of its A-pillars and the subtly flexing curve in the upper surfaces of INFINITI EMERG-E's flanks, a characteristic of every Infiniti. So is the crescent-cut sculpting of the car's rear pillar - fast-becoming a key Infiniti signature - which gives INFINITI EMERG-E a distinctively shaped greenhouse. 

The furl of the neck of a Kimono is the inspiration for INFINITI EMERG-E's subtly voluptuous lateral air intakes, explained Nakamura, adding that he did not want to see the crude grille of an air intake.

Bold headlights also identify INFINITI EMERG-E, their crescent-shaped LED illuminations visible during day and night. It is a future Infiniti design cue that was first shown on the ETHEREA concept. The penetrating quality of these lamps and their eyebrows is suggestive of human insight, a product of Infiniti's Dignified Intelligence approach. The double arch grille also resonates with the flowing shape of the INFINITI EMERG-E's shapely rear wings. The crowning visual highlight is the dramatic liquid silver paint that envelops this leanly tensioned, low, wide and more masculine Infiniti. Underlining the theme of Energetic Force, this liquid metal paint emphasizes the INFINITI EMERG-E's sculptural, fluid lines.

"We're moving the design language forward," said Nakamura. "We’re still in the same form language as the Essence - elegant, sensual, but taut and sharp - and now that we're confident, we can go beyond front engine, rear-wheel drive proportions," he concluded. He also said that "designing a sports car is always fun."

Technology
"Silence is the new vroom," said Bancon of INFINITI EMERG-E's potent and technologically advanced drivetrain. "It is elegantly silent, and responsible." INFINITI EMERG-E is a range-extender electric vehicle, and it is propelled at all times by a pair of 201bhp (150kW) EVO ELECTRIC motors driving the rear wheels. These advanced motors direct their power via a single speed (XTRAC) transmission to create what is effectively an open differential, this arrangement significantly reducing driveline friction losses. A quartet of inverters controls the motors and their energy regeneration role under braking, the recovered power directed to a lithium-ion battery mounted behind the seats. The battery can be recharged from a mains power supply (domestic and fast-charge) and stores sufficient energy to propel the INFINITI EMERG-E for 30 urban miles, at which point the on-board petrol engine starts up to act as a generator. This light, ultra-compact, Lotus-engineered three-cylinder 1.2-liter35kW engine has been purpose-designed for its range-extending role. It operates between crank speeds of 1500-4000 rpm, producing peak power at only 3500 rpm. 

The INFINITI EMERG-E high performance, low emission propulsion system is installed within a lightweight, extruded aluminum chassis unit to which ultra-light carbon fiber panels are attached, Infiniti keen to explore the potential for this material in future low production volume models. Given that it provides a 20 percent strength gain in tandem with a 50 percent reduction in weight compared to the sheet molded composite often used in sports car construction, it's easy to see why INFINITI EMERG-E's carbon upper body construction is a major contributor to the car's 3,523-pound curb weight - impressively low for an EV offering performance at this level. 

INFINITI EMERG-E has been developed for excellent aerodynamic performance, both to reduce energy-draining drag - which stands at 0.34 Cd - and to generate positive downforce, and downforce balance, to enhance its high-speed handling. "One of the biggest challenges was cooling the car, especially for the range-extender and the car's EV mode," explained Hardcastle. There are a surprising number of air intakes and extractors let into INFINITI EMERG-E's body, but they have been introduced with such flair and subtly that they enhance the sensuous drama of the car.

As you'd expect of a machine created for ultimate performance, INFINITI EMERG-E features the double-wishbone suspension of race car practice, its arms of aluminum to save weight. Its carbon fiber panels have been developed in the UK in conjunction with a number of leading motorsports specialists (Lola Composites, supported by Cranfield University), with the aim of using the material in higher volumes than has previously been possible.

"This is 400 wild horses of muscle in a silky dress," said Francois Bancon. 

Craftsmanship
The cocooning cockpit of a sports car, the artful grace of craftsmanship, the intrigue of experiencing an innovative machine - all these qualities and more are to be found inside INFINITI EMERG-E. 

"We wanted to explore the excitement and desirability of a true sport car," said Bert Dehaes, Project Lead Designer. "And because it is an electric vehicle, we also wanted to show its innovation."

INFINITI EMERG-E is a strict two-seater sports car, and it provides the classic reclined seating position that heightens the driver's sense of connection to car and road below. The cockpit is clearly oriented around the driver, and as with all the best sports cars, its simplified controls are located for speedy and intuitive use, this more mechanical, functional look reinforcing the theme of inspired performance. Yet the overwhelming impression is of the flowing lines of this cabin's highly distinctive architecture, their contrast with its high-precision cut lines and the elegantly executed attention to detail. 

The swooping lines of Infiniti's trademark double-wave dashboard structure, a lightweight, floating center console and the inviting textures of locally sourced, semi-aniline leather upholstery make this a sports car cockpit with a difference, especially in the detail, and the dark chrome center console finisher echoes the crescent cut signature in the car's rear pillars. But the most dramatic detail appears when INFINITI EMERG-E is powered up, bursts of light briefly streaking around the cabin to provide live confirmation that the EMERG-E is ready for action.

This lighting is an essential part of the INFINITI EMERG-E experience, not only because it confirms the electric heart of the car, but also because it provides a striking, modern alternative to the conventional roar of an internal combustion engine. The lighting sequence signals the flow of energy within the car, a heartbeat signature radiating from the ignition to illuminate the floating centre console and the silhouettes of the seats. A small, jewel-like lamp in the steering wheel boss also lights up momentarily to reinforce the drama. After three seconds these illuminations fade out, leaving the eye free to concentrate on the excitement of driving INFINITI EMERG-E.

Among the finer details is the dramatic undercut of the dashboard ahead of the passenger, a sculptural device that doubles as an air vent. The line of this cut runs in a single, energetic swoop into a center console whose lightweight, carbon fiber construction makes a satisfying reminder that the entire outer structure of the car is made from the same material. The center console’s upper surface is angled to present the INFINITI EMERG-E's transmission controls to the driver, who sits behind a finely detailed instrument pack that includes a gauge indicating the percentage of total available power. The instrument illumination mostly glows blue, but shades to hot purple when INFINITI EMERG-E is driven with vigor. 

The excitement of the drive is further heightened by a neatly integrated, touch-screen display, a wheel whose upper and lower portions are flattened off, and a light in the center of the boss that illuminates when the car is deploying full power. A pair of slender, lightweight, luxuriantly supportive bucket seats provide grippy Alcantara side bolsters and leather centre panels, the fine stitching of this upholstery confirming Infiniti's painstaking mastery of interior detail. 

"It's very cool to design a mid-engined sports car," said Dehaes. "We produced a lightweight feel that's sharply cut, like a tailored suit. It fits well with Infiniti's approach. An EV is pure and clean so the interior is the same, but it's a friendly interior and ergonomic too, but not brutal."

The inviting nature of the interior is a reflection of Japanese hospitality, while the influences of traditional craftsmanship can be seen in the slightly shiny texture of the semi-aniline leather encasing the dashboard and seats, the subtle violet-tinted lacquer sheathing the cabin's carbon fiber elements and INFINITI EMERG-E's novel flooring. Fashioned from an architectural material called Sefar, this fine metallic mesh allows light to shine through to provide an intriguing, translucent glow. "It's the first time this material has been used in an automotive application," said Gail Patrick, Senior Color Designer, adding, "it adds depth and allure," while underlining the car fact that this car is electrically propelled. 

Exotic though all this sounds, Dehaes emphasizes that "this is not a show car that goes wild - it's important to be realistic and believable. It's a car you'd design for yourself."