Honda to Introduce Diesel Passenger Vehicles in Japan by 2009

12 June 2007

The Nikkei reports that Honda Motor will introduce its advanced diesel engine in passenger vehicles in Japan by 2009, marking a first for a Japanese automaker.

Honda has developed an advanced emissions aftertreatment system that will allow it to meet stringent US Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards without the use of urea-based SCR. (Earlier post.) Honda has decided to release diesel vehicles that use this engine simultaneously in Japan and the US in 2009, and possibly as early as in 200, according to the Nikkei. The clean engine is to be phased into such mainline models as its CR-V and Accord.

To promote the use of clean diesel engines, the Japanese government is considering tax breaks on car purchases similar to those available for hybrids, which reduce the tax from 5% to 3%.

Nissan plans to introduce a Tier 2 Bin 5 diesel Maxima co-developed with French partner Renault in the US in 2010, with plans to introduce it in Japan later. (Earlier post.)