Japan to offer incentives for clean diesel cars

Japan is looking to introduce incentives for consumers buying clean diesel cars starting in 2009, in a bid to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, a government official said. Details including the credit amount will be announced by the end of 2008 with options to implement incentives in April 2009, an official at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) said. Subject to the incentives will be diesel-engine cars with tighter regulations on nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions to be introduced in Japan in October 2009. Nissan Motor Co. will become the first carmaker to launch a diesel car that meets the criteria in September, when it rolls out the diesel X-Trail sport utility vehicle. Among other Japanese carmakers, Honda Motor Co. is planning a clean diesel car in 2009, while Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Subaru-maker Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. have also promised a diesel car for Japan. Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz is currently the only brand selling diesel passenger cars in Japan. (August 21, 2008)