Nissan to launch diesel SUV in Japan in 2008
Nissan is going head-first into the diesel market. After the announcement about the company's new clean diesel technology that might pave the way for Nissan diesels in America, Nissan announced today it will launch a diesel version of the X-Trail SUV in Japan some time in fall 2008.This diesel SUV, according to Reuters, could "revive the all-but-dead diesel passenger car segment in the world's third-biggest auto market." As in America, diesels in Japan suffer from an image problem (dirty, smelly), but new vehicles that meet the new emissions standards would be clean and attractive to a lot of buyers (love those high MPG numbers). A diesel X-Trail would be the first new Japanese diesel passenger car in years. Currently, the only diesel passenger car for sale in Japan is the Mercedes E320 CDI sedan. Honda says it will sell diesels in Japan after 2009.
[Source: Reuters]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ryan 11:36AM (7/16/2008)
I don't know who to complain to. It goes unheard. If every other country can use small diesel, fuel effecient engines in small pick-ups then why can't the US? I've read that there wouldn't be a market... but isn't that changing? If they kicked out a Toy Hilux or a Iz D-Max I'd be 1st on the list to buy. I can't even import one.
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Rudolph 5:50AM (4/20/2009)
It's really annoying and sad that there is only one diesel suv sold in Japan, nissan x-trail and it comes both in automatic and manual transmission.
But, x-trail's weird, ugly and over sized headlights are a huge obstacle in my buying decision. Who wants to drive a car whose tasteless exterior appearance you have to ignore for many years of driving to come. Nissan, learn about cool looking headlights from honda, audi and lately volvo as well. Actually, nissan did a bit better headlights job with qashqay (dualis) and it seems like they are slowly moving in the right direction.
If they decided to sell dualis diesel 6MT in Japan i'd be first in the line to get it.
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Rudolph 5:54AM (4/20/2009)
Yeah Ryan, we are gonna have to import diesel suv from other country i guess.
Japan is far behind with diesels...
Imagine if we could buy a hybrid diesel suv!! That would be a dream come true...
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Mr. Cary Bickel 2:01PM (7/02/2009)
I think Nissan should launch the ultimate car and call it Nissan Impossible.
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Don 2:52PM (8/07/2007)
I'm beginning to think we'll never see diesels in the US.
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