Mazda to Increase Model Line-Up to Qualify for “Green” Incentives—Report

Mazda is reportedly considering adding its start-stop technology to more of its models during 2009, in an effort for more to be eligible for the Japanese government’s tax incentives for eco-friendly vehicles, reports Nikkei. Without revealing the sources, the news agency suggests that the automaker would be using the idling technology in its major current model line-up, and will be sold in the domestic market during 2009.Significance: Mazda currently uses its “Smart Idle Stop System” in its new Axela compact car launched last week and is hoping to benefit from the new government incentives aimed at kick-starting local demand. The stop-start technology reduces exhaust emissions by restarting the engine from a standstill by injecting fuel directly into the cylinder and igniting it, which Mazda says offers a faster and quieter restart. It also claims that it has the highest ratio of cars eligible for the 75% tax reduction on fuel economy standards in Japan. The success of the scheme remains to be seen, as the market continues to suffer from a lack of domestic spending due to the ongoing economic woes. (June 18, 2009)