Honda, Toyota to come up with diesel engines

Following rivals Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, Japanese carmakers Honda and Toyota are planning to develop diesel engines for their passenger cars. Taking cue from its rivals who concentrate more on diesel cars to keep pace with demand, Honda, which has only petrol-powered vehicles in its portfolio in India, is coming up with a small diesel engine for the Indian market. The diesel passenger car is expected to hit the market in 2011. On the other hand, Toyota will also be launching a diesel version of the Corolla Altis, making it its first diesel-driven passenger car in India. However, Toyota has neither decided the schedule for the launch nor the cars it will power, an official said. (May 18, 2010)