Infiniti is in such bad shape it’s now available for store pairing

Infiniti dealers are struggling to make a profit, so some are teaming up with Nissan dealers

Infiniti is in trouble due to oversights, missteps and broken promises. This left the brand with an aging and largely bland product lineup that consumers shunned.

The numbers illustrate Infiniti’s U.S. sales, which have plummeted nearly 45% over the past decade. The company sold 116,455 cars in 2013, but last year that number dropped to 64,699. That’s a huge drop, one that the redesigned QX80 can never offset.

More: Infiniti may kill QX50 and QX55, offer rebadged Nissan Rogue

Infiniti seems to have acknowledged how bleak things are, as they are looking to their families for shelter. In this case, it’s Nissan, which can make things a little awkward.

According to Automotive News, the average Infiniti dealer sells just 24 cars per month, making it difficult for some of them to justify being independent. To solve the problem, Infiniti has reportedly decided to allow some dealers to “co-locate with Nissan stores.” This situation seems to occur on a case-by-case basis in a “competitive market where Japanese brands cannot lose representation.”

In fact, Infiniti seems concerned that some dealers might abandon the brand. It’s hard to blame them, as one dealer told the publication he’s lost “millions of dollars” since signing on to sell their products. He went on to say that his dealership will lose $600,000 to $900,000 this year, but other Infiniti dealers expect losses of $2 million or more.

Nissan’s Steve Milette confirmed the collaborative effort to AN, telling them that their assessment “prioritizes the health of retailers and the Infiniti business.” He went on to say that companies also consider other factors such as sales, costs and facility size.

Even if the joint location is approved, it will have to offer an Infiniti-like experience. That’s easier said than done, as the company reportedly requires separate entrances, showrooms and breakrooms. Co-branded dealers will also reportedly require a unique sales and service team, although some behind-the-scenes staff could apparently be shared.

This means Nissan and Infiniti dealers can coexist but remain largely independent. Prior to this, Infiniti sales in Canada were much lower. In 2023, retailers there sold just 6,208 vehicles.