Nissan to launch clean diesel engines next year

Nissan appears to be ramping up its commitment to diesel technology based on two significant announcements. The Japanese automaker said it would launch a new clean diesel engine for use in the X-Trail in Japan in the fall of 2008. In addition, Nissan said a new clean diesel engine technology shows “great promise” and may be able to meet California’s standard for ultra-low emission vehicles, one of the toughest in the world. It said the X-Trail’s diesel will be based on the “M9R engine co-developed with Alliance-partner Renault” and will use high-performance catalysts and advanced engine management technologies. “This clean diesel engine is being developed to lower exhaust gas emissions to levels comparable to those of new emissions standards in Japan,” it said. (August 6, 2007)