Mazda to release clean-diesel cars in 2011

Mazda Motor Corp. plans to roll out passenger cars powered by a new type of low-emission diesel engine in Japan and Europe in 2011 to tap the growing demand for environment-friendly vehicles. It will power Mazda’s mainstay passenger cars in Europe, as well as a new car to be launched in Japan, following the introduction of new vehicle environmental standards by 2010. Diesel engines are more costly to build than gasoline engines because they need to use platinum and other precious metals as catalysts for removing nitrogen oxides and soot. In an effort to broaden its green car offerings, Mazda is also working on hybrid vehicles that will be based on key components supplied by Toyota Motor Corp. (August 31, 2009)