Nissan reconsidering Maxima diesel, U.S. production seems unlikely
Click above for a high-res image gallery of the 2009 Nissan Maxima
Surprise, surprise. As much as many Americans clamor for oil-burning engines for their future automobile purchasers, the fact of the matter remains that diesel engines do not translate into sales in the United States. The latest example of a mainstream diesel-powered machine being killed before it even gets off the ground may very well be the Nissan Maxima, which was scheduled to get a 3.0L diesel engine from corporate partner Renault before the end of the year.
Spokespeople for the Japanese automaker won't go quite so far as to admit that it's canceled, but it sounds like the writing is on the wall. Blame lowered gasoline prices and the general lack of new vehicle sales in the current economic climate. General Motors put its long-running 4.5L diesel V8 program on indefinite hold just a few weeks ago and rumors swirl that Honda may also officially drop its planned diesel engine for its Acura division. Sigh.
Gallery: 2009 Nissan Maxima
[Source: Edmunds AutoObserver]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rick 5:15PM (3/18/2009)
I wonder how much of the Maxima's sales are a factor? I have seen only 1 on the road. If they aren't selling well, why bring over a diesel? Of course I don't have any numbers, just thinking out loud.
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Kumar 8:44PM (3/18/2009)
They'd sell more if it were in the Altima, but the Altima already has the hybrid.
This is probably based more on BMW 3 series diesel sales.
I'm guessing there are 2 distinct diesel markets
1. Powerful diesels that get marginally better fuel economy due to their size in high end models that few people want, yet make the car companies boatloads. It's similar to Chrysler putting hybrid or diesel in the most expensive SUVs in their line.
2. Small diesels that get great fuel economy, that many people want, yet make the car companies little money per car. VW seems to be doing ok with this model, but just selling boatloads at MSRP.
Rumor is that VW is going a little 'upscale' with the GTD Rabbit. While I'd prefer just a plain old diesel Rabbit, that would be hard, ...very hard...., to pass up. ;)
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Snowdog 7:25AM (3/19/2009)
Diesel GT (higher than 140HP) is unlikely in North America as they would have a harder time meeting emissions(probably needing UREA). So expect a plain old Rabbit Diesel when it arrives here.
I think any Diesel with a Urea tank is a complete non starter that will only sell to diehard diesel fans, which is too small a market to chase.
ale 8:53PM (3/18/2009)
this is dumb that they consider diesel doesnt equate into good sales. Shame on Nissan in the first place, while they have great reliability, they have crap fuel economy (except maybe the Z) and u need a hybrid system just to be on level with the other offerings. Case in point the Nissan Versa and Cube, barely squeeze 30 mpg, that's sad...
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Hike15 9:14PM (3/18/2009)
id take it if we could have a regular transmission
not that crap cvt they ruined the gasoline powered version with...
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MikeW 3:08PM (3/19/2009)
The CVT is fine, ratio spread could be improved from 5.4:1. Learn to operate the manumatic interface.
anyway the diesel would be 6 speed stick or, maybe, TF-80SC 6 speed auto.
Z 12:56PM (9/22/2009)
Bring it it will sell like the BMW 335D which sold out in the in these USA
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