Infiniti Readying Small Crossover for China, is it Juke Based?

The first hint of the Chinese Infiniti crossover leaked as dark silhouette looking a lot like the Juke, during a brand press conference said to be held in Beijing. It suggested that the model would use the Nissan platform but incorporate unique styling.

Leftlane News speculated that it could be among the company's debuts at the upcoming Beijing Motor Show, but that appears not to be the case. Infiniti spokesperson Kyle Bazemore has confirmed to Autoblog that a "small premium crossover" is under development for China. However, "Details of the vehicle will be announced at a later date. It will not debut at Beijing Motor Show," he said. Also, don't get too excited about the prospects of driving an Infiniti small CUV, because Bazemore says the company has no plans to offer this model elsewhere.

Since its global headquarters recently moved to Hong Kong, Infiniti has been making a big play at the Chinese market, and that is continuing in 2014. To avoid the high import tariffs, it's beginning production of the long-wheelbase Q50 and QX50 there this year, and it's launching multiple new vehicles in the market, as well.