IT’S an historic day for Infiniti as the first customers of the British-built Infiniti Q30 take their keys and begin driving away from Infiniti showrooms across the country.

Production only started in December at the Sunderland plant and with the final quality checks complete the vehicles have been released for sale.

The new model represents Infiniti’s first entry into the fast-growing premium compact segment. It offers a comprehensive technology package that enhances the car’s driving experience while providing maximum safety to all occupants.

The Q30 has just been awarded best-in-class “small family car” 2015 by independent vehicle safety organisation, Euro NCAP. Q30 clearly surpassed all of its competitors that were tested in this segment last year. This is further evidence of Infiniti’s advanced safety approach.

This is the start of a busy time for Infiniti in 2016 with the QX30, an active crossover, soon to follow the Q30 down the Sunderland production line in early spring, with an expected on sale date soon after.

Infiniti’s new sports coupe Q60, first revealed at the Detroit motor show earlier this month, is expected to arrive in UK showrooms in the summer. The sports coupe will be fitted with an all-new 3.0 V6 petrol engine producing 400PS.

The 3.0 litre V6 engine will also make an appearance in the Q50 premium sports saloon during 2016.

Q50 has been the backbone in Infiniti’s recent sales success with 70% of all sales in the UK belonging to the mid-sized saloon. Total sales of all models increased by over 60% compared to 2014 with continuous growth month by month up until December. An all-time high of 7,000 vehicles sold in Western Europe represent an increase of 45% from 2014 across the entire region.

With the addition of the Q30 premium compact to the Infiniti portfolio, the retail network is also being expanded. In the UK new retail partner Motorline have started the building process to open up a new centre in Bristol.

Infiniti will also be opening up its first authorised repairer based in Exeter. Both centres are expected to be operational by the end of January.

Carl Bayliss, regional director for the UK commented: “2015 was an excellent year for Infiniti. Not only in terms of sales but we are starting to build the foundations and plans for the new products arriving in the next 12 months. It is going to be another very exciting year for Infiniti in the UK.”