Mazda Motor Corp. said on Sept. 10 it had developed a clean diesel engine to launch next year in Europe as demand grows for fuel-efficient technology. Japan's fifth largest automaker plans to introduce the MZR-CD 2.2 engine worldwide but first in Europe, where diesel accounts for nearly 60% of vehicle sales.
The technology allows the engine to burn off soot from exhaust fumes 60% faster than traditional diesel engines, the company said.
Mazda becomes the second Japanese automaker to announce its own clean diesel engine after Nissan Motor Co. last week unveiled the country's first clean-running diesel SUV.
Market leaders Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. are also developing their own clean diesel technology, hoping to turn Japanese consumers to diesel which they long perceived as dirty, noisy and sooty.
Japan is planning to introduce incentives for consumers buying clean diesel cars starting next year as part of efforts to fight global warming.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2008
