Japanese carmakers develop new generation of diesel vehicles

Japan’s car makers are producing a fresh generation of diesel vehicles in a market dominated by mini- cars and hybrids. Diesel vehicles have been negatively viewed by Japanese consumers, who still remember the amount of pollution that diesel engines caused several years ago. Car makers are hopeful that the perception will change with the emergence of better technology that enables them to produce clean, fuel-efficient diesel vehicles. The price of diesel fuel, which is 10% cheaper than gasoline, also gives diesel vehicles an edge. High gasoline prices and increasing environmental awareness in Japan make fuel economy an important factor in new car sales. This contributes to the growing demand for hybrids, which in January accounted for more than 20% of the market. But major car makers are now developing a new breed of diesel vehicles that provide fuel economy with less impact on the environment. Mazda Motor Corporation has developed a low-emission diesel engine with a fuel economy of 18.6 kilometers per liter. Mazda’s all-new CX-5 sport utility vehicle (SUV) delivers the highest fuel economy among SUVs, including hybrids. The company plans to sell mid-size sedan models based on the newly developed low emission diesel engine by the end of the year. Mazda also plans to launch the CX-5 in Europe. BMW AG is also planning to sell fuel-efficient diesel SUVs in Japan in the spring. This year, the German carmaker will add diesel engine options to the line-up of its mainstay 3 Series. Another major car maker, Honda Motor Corporation, has developed a new diesel engine which has a greatly improved fuel economy. Honda is preparing to introduce in Europe a Civic subcompact powered by its new diesel engine by the end of 2012. (February 17, 2012)