Keep your vehicle running smoothly

The summer driving season is nearly over and stores are full of back to school merchandise.

Now that you’ve stocked up on new pencils and notebooks, make sure you don’t miss the bus. Your car has worked hard in the summer heat, so give it a head start on the new school year with some service.

Review the basics – Start with an oil and filter change. This summer has been hot. Through it all, your vehicle’s engine has been working in an enclosed space that is hotter still. Even at a comfortable 80 degrees outside temperature, it could be more than 200 degrees in your vehicle’s engine compartment. That heat puts a lot of stress on the engine’s oil, causing breakdown that can lead to reduced protection and possibly even the formation of sludge. Fresh lubrication will ensure smooth sailing on your travels.

Changing the rest of your vehicle’s filters when have the oil changed, if necessary, is a good practice. Remember the engine’s air filter, fuel filter, and the commonly-overlooked cabin air filter, if your car or truck has one. A new cabin filter will more effectively keep particulates and irritants such as pollen out of your cabin’s airflow. Change it up and breathe easy.

Small but crucial, the often-overlooked crankcase ventilation system filters should be checked and replaced at regular intervals, as well. If you don’t, you could be headed for a more expensive problem down the road. Your engine’s ventilation system traps vapor and directs it through the engine’s intake system instead of letting it seep out into the atmosphere. A failed or plugged system will allow the buildup of excess pressure inside your engine. When that happens, the pressure can squeeze out an oil seal, leading to a serious leak. No doubt your engine will breathe easier.

Don’t forget the details – While you’re under the hood, make sure everything else checks out, too. What kind of shape is the serpentine belt in? How about the coolant that’s in the reservoir? Not only should it be brought to the proper level, but the coolant should be just a few years old. Let it circulate too long and it loses the additives that help protect your engine from corrosion; not only that, it will no longer offer the same level of freeze and boil-over protection.

Batteries also hate the heat, so make sure you’re not making its job harder with corroded or excessively dirty electrical connections. If there is obvious green corrosion at the battery terminal connects, first neutralize the acid, then clean and re-seat all the connections. If your battery is not of the maintenance free variety, it should also be checked for the proper fluid levels. If you’re not comfortable doing these jobs, your dealer’s service department will know how.

Last, because the days are getting shorter fast, do a walk-around to make sure all the lights are working. From running lamps to blinkers and even license plate lamps, check them all. It’s obvious when a headlamp is out, but not everybody takes notice of just how many bulbs there can be on an automobile. Take a look, and if you’re unsure of which replacement bulbs to get, consult your owner’s manual. Or simply stop by and let the expert technicians do it for you.

A quick check of these items will help you stay on course. Check your owner’s manual for recommended maintenance items and make an appointment with your service department.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.

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Tips for fending off nature’s blood-sucking fiends

Exploring the great outdoors is a wonderful thing to do, but it is a joy that brings with it the potential pain of ticks. Ticks lurk just off of trails and in fields, thriving on moisture and humidity and waiting for hosts to pass by. When bitten by one, you are at risk for a number of diseases up to and including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease. To help avoid the scourge of ticks and the diseases they carry while avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, try these natural methods for tick protection.

Lycopersicon hirsutum
According to CDC.gov, the wild tomato plant, or Lycopersicon hirsutum, is a natural resource for the active ingredient 2-undecanone. The essential oil from the leaves and stems of the plant can be applied to skin, clothing and any gear being carried as a means to repel ticks. Applying up to 10 drops to your clothing or skin can help prevent attracting the attention of ticks.

Lavender
According to LiveStrong.com, lavender has tested favorably as a natural means to ward off ticks and prevent tick eggs from hatching. To get natural protection for yourself, utilize no more than 10 drops of lavender essential oil by mixing into the rinse when doing laundry, by spraying it on clothing and backpacks or by applying to skin.

Homemade vinegar-based repellent
OhSimply.com recommends another homemade concoction that scares ticks away. In a spray bottle, mix approximately two cups of distilled white vinegar with one cup of water and about 20 drops of a bath oil scent of your choice. Eucalyptus, citrus and peppermint are recommended for their strong smells, which not only serve to cover up the odor of vinegar, but also help repel ticks on their own. It is recommended that the mixture be reapplied about every four hours or so for maximum effect.

Neem seed oil
According to a study published at ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, neem seed oil proves 100% effective at killing certain tick larvae within 27 hours. As with other essential oils, neem seed oil can be blended with vinegar and oil to be used as a spray to naturally repel ticks.

Treat your pets regularly
Even away from the outdoors, it is possible to have a tick latch onto you that has come into your home via your pet. Using natural remedies on your pets helps reduce your risk for getting ticks at home. CDC.com recommends consulting with your veterinarian to learn about your options for regular treatment of pets.

Awareness
Perhaps the simplest and most natural way to stay clear of ticks is to know how to truly avoid them. CDC.gov recommends that, when hiking or engaging in any outdoor activity, you avoid shrubs and leaf litter and stay as close to the center of a path as possible. At home, you can help make your yard tick-free by removing leaf litter, keeping the grass short, and laying wood chips or gravel between your lawn and any wooded area.
Ticks are not only disgusting to look at and painful once they’ve become attached, but the effects that they can leave on your body can be devastating. Keep yourself free of them by knowing where they might live and how to rid yourself of them quickly, and get back to enjoying the great outdoors once more.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.

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The VR-series engine, which was tested by the WardsAuto editors as offered in the INFINITI Q50 Red Sport 400, is available across the range of Q50 sports sedan models, as well as the INFINITI Q60 sports coupe.

This twin-turbo system enables smooth and immediate response under acceleration, ample power and also boasts direct injection gasoline (DIG) fueling system and lightweight aluminum construction.

The VR-series 3.0-liter Twin-Turbo V6 engine is available in two configurations:

1. 300 horsepower version with 295 lb-ft of torque
2. High-Performance option with 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque

INNOVATION
The two-time Wards’s 10 Best Engine List 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine only serves to enhance INFINITI’s-reputation for building award-winning V6 engines

TORQUE
Both the 300 and 400 hp versions of the engine produce their full torque from 1,600 to 5,200 rpm, engine speeds at which drivers spend most of their time

TURBO
An efficient new twin-turbo system delivers smooth, immediate acceleration – and spins at up to 240,000 rpm under hard acceleration

CONSTRUCTION
Its aluminum engine block and cylinder head design keep weight low. The engine is built at the powertrain plant in Iwaki, Fukushima in Japan

THE INFINITI 3.0 TWIN-TURBO V6 EQUIPPED Q50 SEDAN AND Q60 COUPE
This powerful, technologically advanced engine is available in the Q50 Sedan and the Q60 Coupe. Whether you desire a stylish four-door sedan or a head-turning coupe, INFINITI’s focus on luxury and performance are found in abundance in each.

THE Q50 SEDAN
Empower your drive with the available twin-turbo engine, a sophisticated interior and available INFINITI First Technologies including Predictive Forward Collision Warning. Explore Inventory.

THE Q60 COUPE
The INFINITI Coupe has made a triumphant return with this two-door marvel featuring available Direct Adaptive Steering^® and Dynamic Digital Suspension. Explore Inventory.

Click HERE to listen to the VR-series 3.0L twin-turbo engine perform and see how its twin turbochargers produce high-performance while improving fuel-efficiency 6.7 percent over the 3.7 L V6 previously available in the Q50 and Q60.

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Use your voice to open a new dimension of connectivity between you and your vehicle, with the INFINITI Connection^®[*] and INFINITI InTouch™ Services[*] Alexa Skills. It is your direct link to confidence and convenience right from your home.

Forgot to lock your vehicle? The INFINITI Connection[*] and INFINITI InTouch Services[*] Alexa Skills allow you to connect with and control your INFINITI vehicle(s), as quickly and easily as having a conversation.

INFINITI Connection^® is available on the following models:

• 2017: Q70, QX80
• 2016: Q70, Q70 Hybrid, QX60, QX60 Hybrid, QX80
• 2015: Q50, Q50 Hybrid, Q70, Q70 Hybrid, QX60, QX60 Hybrid, QX80
• 2014: Q50, Q70, QX60, QX80
• 2013: M37, M56, JX35, QX56

The INFINITI Connection^® skill provides INFINITI owners the ability to:

Connect with a vehicle and launch a request
“Alexa, Connect to my QX80 with INFINITI Connection”
“Alexa, Ask INFINITI Connection to connect to my Q70”

Select a specific vehicle
“Alexa, Tell INFINITI Connection to select my Q70”
“Alexa, Select my Q70 using INFINITI Connection”

Remotely lock or unlock vehicle doors
“Alexa, Unlock the doors of my Q70 using INFINITI Connection”
“Alexa, Lock the doors of my QX80 with INFINITI Connection”

INFINITI INTOUCH SERVICES is available on the following models:

• 2019: QX50
• 2018: Q50, Q60, Q70, QX60, QX80
• 2017: Q50, Q50 Hybrid, Q60, QX60
• 2016: Q50, Q50 Hybrid

This service requires an active subscription to INFINITI InTouch Services[*]. As an added security measure, a PIN is required before the Remote Door Lock/Unlock and Remote Engine Start/Stop features can be used. This PIN is established when enrolling in INFINITI InTouch Services. If you have not yet enrolled in INFINITI InTouch Services or need to re-set your PIN, download the INFINITI InTouch Services app or visit INFINITI USA.

The INFINITI InTouch™ Services[*] skill provides INFINITI owners the ability to:

Connect with a vehicle and launch a request
“Alexa, Connect to my Q50 with INFINITI InTouch Services”
“Alexa, Ask INFINITI InTouch™ Services to connect to my Q60”

Select a specific vehicle
“Alexa, Tell INFINITI InTouch Services to select my Q50”
“Alexa, Select my QX60 with INFINITI InTouch Services”

Remotely lock or unlock vehicle doors
“Alexa, Unlock the doors of my Q60 using INFINITI InTouch Services”
“Alexa, Could you please lock the doors of my Q50 with INFINITI InTouch Services”

Remotely sound the horn and flash the lights
“Alexa, honk the horn of my QX60 with INFINITI InTouch Services”
“Alexa, Ask INFINITI InTouch™ Services to turn on horn in QX60”

Remotely start and stop the engine[**]
“Alexa, start my Q50 with INFINITI InTouch Services”
“Alexa, Could you please start my Q60 using INFINITI InTouch Services”

Remotely flash the lights
“Alexa, flash the lights of my Q50 using INFINITI InTouch Services”
“Alexa, Ask INFINITI InTouch Services to select my Q50 then flash the lights”

For more information on enabling the INFINITI InTouch Services Skill for your equipped and enrolled INFINITI call our INFINITI InTouch Services customer support agents at 1-855-444-7244, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to Midnight. Eastern Time.

Disclaimers:

Feature availability is dependent on vehicle model, trim level, packaging and options. Compatible connected device may be required and feature availability may be dependent on device’s capability. Refer to connected device’s owner’s manual for details. Late availability for some features.

Driving is serious business and requires your full attention. Only use features and connected devices when safe and legal to do so. Some features, including automatic crash notification and SOS, are dependent upon the telematics device being in operative condition, its ability to connect to a wireless network, compatible wireless network availability, navigation map data and GPS satellite signal receptions, the absence of which can limit or prevent the ability to reach Customer Care or receive support. GPS mapping may not be detailed in all areas or reflect current road status. Never program GPS while driving. Only use Remote Engine Start and Remote Horn features in accordance with any laws, rules or ordinances in effect in your vehicle’s location.

Some services and features are provided by independent companies not within Infiniti’s control. Should service provider terminate or restrict service or features, service or features may be suspended or terminated without notice or with no liability to INFINITI or its partners or agents. Services and features may require compatible cellular network provided by independent companies not within INFINITI or its partners’ or agents’ control. Cellular network signal strength may vary and may not be available in all areas or at all times. Services and features may not function if cellular network is unavailable, restricted, or terminated. INFINITI and its partners or agents are not responsible for associated costs or other third party changes that may be required for continued operation due to cellular network unavailability, restriction, or termination (including equipment replacements/upgrades, if available, or roaming charges on alternative networks). Technology is evolving, and changes by independent companies are not within Infiniti’s or its partners’ or agents’ control.

Enrollment, owner consent, personal identification number (PIN), and subscription agreement may be required to receive full suite of features and services. Trial periods (if applicable) begin on the date of vehicle purchase or lease of a new INFINITI. Trial periods may be subject to change at any time and may be subject to early termination without notice. Required subscriptions may be sold separately for each available feature or service after trial period ends, and may continue until you call service provider to cancel. Installation costs, one-time activation fee, other fees and taxes may apply. Fees and programming subject to change. Feature may be subject to age restrictions in some areas. Subscriptions governed by service provider’s subscription agreement, terms and conditions and privacy statements available at service provider’s website. Text rates or data usage may apply.

The INFINITI names, logos and slogans are trademarks owned by or licensed to Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. or its North American subsidiaries. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

For important safety information, system limitations, and additional operating and feature information, see dealer, owner’s manual, or www.InfinitiUSA.com/intouch/important-information.

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Fireworks are synonymous with Independence Day and often make appearances at select baseball stadiums to celebrate homeruns, New Year celebrations and big life events like weddings. But fireworks were used to celebrate long before July 4, 1776.

Fireworks were created during the Han Dynasty in China. The Han people, around 200 B.C., were said to roast stalks of bamboo until they were charred black and sizzling. This would suck all of the air from inside the stalks and eventually cause them to explode. Centuries later, Chinese Alchemists started filling these bamboo stalks with gunpowder, steel dust and cast iron shavings to make them sparkle during the explosion. The Chinese started using the “Baozhu,” meaning exploding bamboo in Mandarin, at Weddings and New Year Celebrations to ward off evil spirits.

After the Silk Road opened up trade, these pyrotechnics made it over to the West around the 13th Century. Historians have noted that fireworks became an official part of celebration and were even said to be used at the coronation of Anne Boleyn as the Queen of England. So, it is to no surprise they would be used to celebrate the anniversary of Independence Day.

Today, it seems fireworks have managed to hold onto their oriental roots. According to the 2016 U.S. Census Bureau, over $296 Million worth of fireworks were imported from China, which is expected to increase year after year. Not only is this tradition an expensive one but, one might argue it is the longest lasting tradition as well.

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INFINITI’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Program has been recognized as one of Autotrader’s 10 Best Luxury CPO Programs for 2018.

The experts at Autotrader reviewed and evaluated CPO offerings based on multiple criteria, including powertrain warranty length, available inventory, bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage, deductible amount and transferability to future vehicle owners. INFINITI’s program, which consists of a rigorous 167-point inspection and up to a six-year unlimited mileage, factory-backed warranty, was found to be among the most premium and comprehensive offerings.

“We are honored to be named to Autotrader’s prestigious list,” said Mike Colleran, vice president, INFINITI Americas. “We take pride in INFINITI’s outstanding Certified Pre-Owned program and the genuine confidence and peace of mind it offers to our discerning customers.”

Additional benefits of an INFINITI CPO vehicle purchase include complimentary first year basic maintenance, emergency roadside assistance and complimentary service courtesy vehicle, among many others. INFINITI CPO vehicles are sold at 212 participating retailers.

“The INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty is among the longest in the industry,” according to Autotrader, and covers the following:

Vehicles with less than 15,000 miles receive a 6-year/75,000 mile warranty from the vehicle’s original in-service date.

Vehicles with more than 15,000 miles and are less than 48 months from the original in-service date are covered by a 6-year/Unlimited mileage warranty from the vehicles’ original in-service date.

Vehicles with less than or equal to 70,000 miles and up to 72 months from their in-service date receive a 2-year/Unlimited mileage warranty that begins from the CPO sale date.

For more information about INFINITI’s CPO Program, please visit: http://www.cpo.infinitiusa.com/certified-pre-owned

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Late last month, INFINITI was named the recipient of two of AMCI’s 2018 Trusted Automotive Brand Study awards: Most Trusted Luxury and Most Improved Luxury.

“INFINITI is the only brand in the luxury segment to be both a Most Trusted and a Most Improved brand,” says Dave White, president, AMCI Inside. “It is also one of the rare brands where customers trust the dealers as much as they trust the OEM. That fact was critical in their achievement.”

As the findings of the study note, automotive consumers’ trust is hard to secure, particularly in the luxury market. INFINITI’s placement at the top of the study is a result of the trust INFINITI owners have in the quality of their vehicles and the confidence they have in INFINITI retailers.

“Delivering a truly exceptional luxury experience – from the moment a customer walks in the door, throughout the entire ownership cycle – is our top priority,” said Matt Wilson, director, Global INFINITI Client Experience. “INFINITI’s success in this study is a direct reflection of the mission of both our brand and our exceptional retailers to keep customer satisfaction at the heart of everything we do.”

Now in its second year, the AMCI “Trusted Automotive Brand Study” awards are selected based on a study done in collaboration with C Space, a global customer agency. A nationally representative sample of 2,500 owners across 34 brands participated in the study, giving a completely comprehensive understanding of where customers place their faith. The study’s results confirm that trust accounts for more than 50 percent of a consumer’s decision to repurchase or recommend an automotive brand.

Additional information INFINITI and the brand’s complete line of premium vehicles can be found at www.infinitiusa.com.

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With the school year complete, your teenagers will likely have a lot more free time on their hands. Since summertime free time is hardly ever free, help your child find the perfect summer job.

Fortunately for them, the summer provides for many different employment opportunities. Your child may want to consider pursuing one of these summer jobs.

Tutor
The school year may be over, but many kids are still in need of some academic help during the summer. If your child is a gifted learner, then tutoring might be right up their alley. When someone is passionate about a topic or subject, it is often easy for them to teach that subject to another individual. Therefore, it might be best for your teen to tutor in a subject that they excel in. As an added bonus, going over scholarly subjects with others will make sure that your child doesn’t lose any of their own knowledge during the summer months.

Amusement park attendant
Summer marks the reopening of amusement parks across the country. If you happen to live near one of these parks, then your teen might consider looking toward this establishment for employment. As most amusement parks are only open during the summer months, they are the perfect location for a part-time summer job. The parks are constantly busy during this time, so there are plenty of opportunities for your child to earn a lot of money. Even better, workers can often enjoy the rides and activities for free on their days off, adding to the excitement of their summer.

Lifeguard
One of the most popular activities to partake in during the summer is swimming. Nevertheless, swimming can be a somewhat dangerous endeavor if someone isn’t constantly looking out for any situations that might arise. That is where your child enters the picture. If they are a skilled swimmer, then lifeguarding can be an excellent summer job. Using their athletic skills, your teen can ensure that everyone is safe at the community pool, while simultaneously earning a summer income.

Movie Theater Attendant
Summer is, without a doubt, the busiest time of year at the movies. Therefore, theaters are always on the lookout for new employees during this time. Working at a movie theater will allow your child to earn a lot of hours and money. What’s even better is that they won’t have to work in the hot summer sun! Plus, as an added bonus, they get to see the biggest movies of the year before anyone else.

Camp Counselor
Is your teenager looking for a way to improve their leadership skills? If so, then a camp counselor is the ideal position for them. As a camp counselor, your teen will be given the task to look over a group of younger children. If he or she gets along well with kids, then this is a great summer job to consider. While supervising the campers, your teenager will gain impressive leadership experience. Furthermore, a position as a camp counselor looks very good on a resume.

A summer job not only provides your teen with increased income, but also experience, making it a worthwhile endeavor during the summer months.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.

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High temperatures, daily commutes plus added miles from weekend getaways and road trips mean cars are overextended and need more attention to function properly during the summer season.Get your car ready for summer road trips with these tips.

Start with the basics

The best way to get a car ready for a new season is to wash off the dirt and debris from previous season. Winter and spring weather can wreak havoc on a vehicle, so it’s important to do a thorough once-over, inside and out, of your car’s condition, writes U.S. News & World Report writer Jaclyn Trop. She also recommends checking for rust on the exterior and undercarriage of the vehicle, as well as checking for wear and tear on wiper blades; washing the car, including the floor mats; and applying a coat of wax every 3 months.

According to Autotrader.com writer Colin Ryan, windshields need extra attention and a complete cleaning to handle summer’s light, and now is the perfect time to clean the air filter or replace it entirely.

Assess tire quality

Higher temperatures translate into a greater potential for tire damage and blowouts, which means it’s vital to check and monitor air pressure in your tires, explains Trop. The right pressure is key to tire health, which means both over- and under-inflation of tires can be dangerous. Trop notes that tire tread is also important to review; remember to check the condition of the spare tire, too.

Tires should be in good condition, which means “no cracks, no uneven wear (this might be caused by a suspension problem) and plenty of tread depth,” according to Ryan.

Maintain sufficient cool levels

When it’s hot, loud and stinky on the highway, you want to be cool and comfy on the inside. That only happens if your car’s air conditioning is in good working order. Ryan advises that if your air conditioning was so-so over the winter, now is the time for some serious attention because if “there’s not enough refrigerant in the system, you have a leak.” Any leaks should be repaired by a professional before having the A/C recharged, says Ryan.

Don’t neglect year-round maintenance

Oil changes should be happening year-round, as should checks of brake, windshield-washer and power-steering fluids because they are constantly being depleted, according to Ryan, so don’t let them fall off your maintenance list during the summer. The serpentine belt can be a source of major damage, so make sure to check if for cracks or deterioration, adds Ryan.

You suffered through a harsh winter and a wet spring. Make sure your summer is carefree by giving your vehicle the attention it needs to perform at its best all season long.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City GA.

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INFINITI Motor Company developing an all-new electrified vehicle platform influenced by the stunning Q Inspiration concept car.

• An electrified platform based on Q Inspiration concept car will go into production within the next five years
• Sedan will be manufactured in China at a location to be announced
• Q Inspiration shows INFINITI’s new design form in an era of advanced powertrains and technologies

In late April, INFINITI Motor Company announced it is developing an all-new electrified vehicle platform influenced by the stunning Q Inspiration concept car. INFINITI will produce an electrified vehicle on this platform, one of five new vehicles it will build in China over the next five years.
INFINITI Chairman and Global President Roland Krueger made the announcement last month at a special Auto China preview event at the INFINITI Brand Experience Center in Beijing.

“INFINITI is developing a new platform for electrified vehicles inspired by the Q Inspiration concept car, which shows the new design language for the age of autonomy and electrification. We very much had China in mind when designing the Q Inspiration, which shows a very sporty, performance-oriented electric concept, with a much bigger interior space,” said Krueger.

Representing the next step in INFINITI design, the exterior of the Q Inspiration features clear and concise lines with dynamic and confident proportions. It is the first manifestation of INFINITI’s new form language for an era of advanced powertrains. The concept eschews classical sedan forms with its coupe-like appearance and elongated silhouette, presenting INFINITI’s design vision for vehicles in this segment.

“The Q Inspiration concept car takes the traditional sedan architecture to its next stage of evolution. A shift towards smarter, more compact and less intrusive powertrains; we were able to create an alternative form with flowing gestures, more engaging in character and more enriching in experience. With its long cabin, balanced proportions and muscular stance, the concept heralds in a new era for INFINITI models.”
Karim Habib, INFINITI Executive Design Director

The Q Inspiration cabin follows a minimalist approach, with a concise and clean interior design enveloping the driver and passengers in a serene and comfortable environment. Advanced powertrains have liberated INFINITI’s designers from the constraints of traditional powertrain architecture to realize a spacious interior. Modern technology and craftsmanship merge inside the cabin, presented in a way that enables, rather than distracts, the driver.

INFINITI is also reiterating the company’s commitment to electrification. For Chinese car-buyers, this translates into vehicles with increased performance and fuel economy with reduced emissions.

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