Infiniti, the luxury and performance car maker, is twenty years old this week. It first opened its doors on November 8, 1989 with just 51 retailers and two models. Much has changed in the two intervening decades. Showrooms have expanded to make room for a full range of luxury performance vehicles, including a coupe, convertible, sedans and SUVs.

The name chosen in July 1987 symbolised the desire to be always looking forward. With a fresh spelling and a badge with its two central lines leading off into an infinite point on the horizon, Infiniti – with four “i”s – was born.

Looking ahead, the ever-expanding product line will be joined by a second-generation Infiniti M Saloon in spring 2010, followed by an all-new Infiniti QX SUV in summer 2010. Farther out, Infiniti recently announced its first-ever hybrid – the 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid and a future Infiniti EV.

“A dream that started 20 years ago in the United States is now the blueprint for a global luxury automotive brand,” said Toru Saito, Corporate Vice President in charge of Global Infiniti Business Unit. “In the beginning, Infiniti was an innovator in design, performance, technology and in taking care of our customers throughout the entire ownership experience – just as it is today.”