Infiniti Becomes an Official Sponsor and Global Automotive Partner of Cirque du Soleil

YOKOHAMA, Japan, March 24, 2010 --

- With Photo

Infiniti today announced that it has partnered with the world-renowned Montreal-based entertainment group, Cirque du Soleil(R), to become an Official Sponsor and exclusive Automotive Partner. The sponsorship marks a first for both Infiniti and Cirque du Soleil.

"Our new sponsorship with Cirque du Soleil will show that Infiniti is much more than exciting machines that move you from one place to another. Infiniti has an emotional, inspirational appeal, offering a very personal style of modern luxury and respectful treatment for the world's most discerning luxury customers" says Toru Saito, corporate vice president and leader, Global Infiniti Business Unit.

Building on previous Infiniti / Cirque du Soleil sponsorships in Canada, Russia, Korea, and the Middle East, the new global partnership gives Infiniti brand exposure through 180 Big Top and Arena touring shows in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe, and Russia - as well as three Theatrical Shows in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Combined, these shows will bring in over 5.4 million attendees offering Infiniti an unparalleled exposure to the affluent customer base of Cirque du Soleil.

"The partnership between Cirque du Soleil and Infiniti is a natural fit for these two perfectly aligned brands as both embody Inspired Performance", says Jon Brancheau, director global marketing, Global Infiniti Business Unit. "At Infiniti, our intention is to move people emotionally as well as physically. We believe that this partnership will personify our brand's desire to invoke graceful strength, vibrancy, craftsmanship and exhilaration in consumers."

"As a company committed to partnering with only like-minded brands, Cirque du Soleil is excited about the opportunity to expand our relationship with Infiniti," adds Ryan Sandilands, senior director of corporate alliances, Cirque du Soleil. "After several successful years working with Infiniti Canada, we look forward to connecting with Infiniti's passionate customers around the world, inspiring creativity and powerful emotions in everyone."

The first partnered shows begin in April 2010 in Portland (Oregon), New York, and Montréal.

Infiniti joins a host of top tier Official Sponsors, including American Express, CGI, Sun Life Financial, and W Hotels.

About Infiniti

Infiniti's Global lineup includes models such as the Infiniti G sedan, coupe and convertible, all-new Infiniti M luxury sedan, Infiniti EX crossover, Infiniti FX performance crossover, and all-new Infiniti QX full-size luxury crossover. Currently Infiniti has over 250 retail outlets worldwide. More information about Infiniti can be found at www.infiniti.com.

About Cirque du Soleil

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is now a major Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees from over 50 different countries, including more than 1,200 performing artists.

Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in 300 cities on five continents. In 2010, Cirque will present 20 shows simultaneously throughout the world.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit http://www.cirquedusoleil.com.

To find out more about the One Drop Foundation, visit http://www.onedrop.org.

Note to Editors:

A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire. It can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk.

    
    Infiniti Contacts:

    Simon Wittenberg, Infiniti Lifestyle Communications
    T: +44-207-491-9934
    E: simon@sidhuandsimon.com

Infiniti Contacts: Simon Wittenberg, Infiniti Lifestyle Communications, T: +44-207-491-9934, M: +44-7752-966-167, E: simon@sidhuandsimon.com