Nissan Promises Clean Diesel Option for Maxima in 2010

“Nissan is fully engaged in reducing emissions and improving fuel economy and efficiency. Launching a clean diesel engine in the U.S. will offer customers the benefits of fuel economy, CO2 reduction and a satisfying, fun-to-drive performance that is a hallmark of the Nissan brand,” said Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., in a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations. “You can expect to see more diesel engines in our product lineup in Europe, Japan, North America and China by fiscal year 2010.”

Nissan already has clean diesel engines in Europe offering significant fuel efficiency and the ability to run on biodiesel fuel blends.  Together, this combination reduces CO2 emissions and dependence on pure petroleum-based fuels.  During the first half of fiscal year 2007, Nissan will introduce the new Euro 4-compliant, two-liter-class diesel engine in Europe.  By fiscal year 2010, Nissan will launch vehicles with clean diesel engines in Japan, the United States and China.

This initiative is part of Nissan’s plan to reduce CO2 emissions for the future as outlined in Nissan Green Program 2010, the company’s mid-term environmental strategy.  Nissan will be investing in a variety of technologies including fuel cell cars, hybrid cars, biofuel-based cars, electric vehicles, improvement in gasoline engines and clean diesels.  The company is committed to bringing the right technology to the right market at the right time with the right value to the customer.

Diesel Power’s Take: Finally, a non-German OE taking a decisive stand on the future of clean diesels in passenger cars. Diesels have long been popular in France, the headquarters of Nissan’s parent company, Renault. Expect Renault to play a major role in the research and development of this new engine.