REPORT: Subaru to launch diesel cars in Japan in 2011
The Japanese market has never been particularly fond of diesel cars, but Subaru is getting ready to try anyway. Subaru launched its first diesel boxer engine in Europe in 2008 and so far has sold over 30,000 examples. The diesel accounts for 54.1 percent of Legacy sales in Europe right now. With new emissions regulations set to take effect in Japan in 2010, Subaru is working on improving its diesel before offering it in the home market. At theNew York Auto Show we spoke to Subaru spokesman Dominic Infante who re-affirmed that Subaru still has plans to offer its diesel in the U.S. sometime in the next decade.
Subaru also plans to start leasing of its electric Stella mini car this summer in Japan for commercial fleet customers. At some point in the coming decade, Subaru also plans to offer hybrid vehicles based on Toyota technology.
[Source: Nikkei via Green Car Congress]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
why not the LS2LS7? 11:36AM (5/31/2009)
Well, if they have the engine already, I guess they should try.
But by my understanding, in Japan, you basically have to replace your engine after a few years due to emissions rules. This means the longer lifetime of a Diesel engine has no value there and the increased cost of the engine hurts you multiple times if you keep the car. Seems like a losing combination to me.
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gorr 11:46AM (5/31/2009)
Diesel is the most polluting fuel, this compagny is not offering any green technology to their consumers and even plan to worsen the bioshere in 2011. Stop right now to buy any products from the compagny and other similar car compagnies like gm, chrsler, ford, handa, nissan, toyota, mercedes, etc.
Just buy old junk used cars like 1987 corrollas or civics or 1995 neons. You will be able to buy watered conversions in a couple of months with a redone carburation system of 500$ to 1 000$.
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jeffzekas 2:27PM (5/31/2009)
Go, Subaru, Go! But DON'T wait a decade to bring diesels to the US!
Do it NOW!
And no, old cars aren't "better"! My son's '83 Toyota puts out TWENTY TIMES the pollution of a new Subaru!
We need the Subaru Diesel NOW!
Sublo 9:47AM (6/01/2009)
"Diesel is the most polluting fuel"
Where on Earth do you get your data to substantiate this claim??? Spouting out emotional statements like that is pointless and will serve nothing more than to color opinions of those who don't know any better. Back up that statement. There are many, MANY gas equivalent vehicles that emit more CO2 and Sulfur than their diesel counterparts. Modern (last few years) diesels passenger cars are extremely efficient and relatively clean.
jharlan 1:04PM (5/31/2009)
He's back. I was afraid something had happened to him.
This would get a good reception in the US. People in all the rural areas love their 4 wheel drive Subarus, but their fuel economy has been mediocre because of the 4 wheel drive. With a modern diesel the fuel economy should be competitive. They would have to meet emmision standards so why not?
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MikeW 12:50PM (6/01/2009)
The fuel economy has been mediocre not because of four wheel drive, but from big crappy engines and transmissions.
Finally the 2.5 single cam has a 6 speed manual.
But it still has a timing belt and fixed valve timing (sure there is the 'vtec' type system to reduce mileage by having one valve have little to no valve lift at low engine speeds)
harlanx6 1:19PM (6/01/2009)
In spite of their shortcomings they sure are popular in the mountainous regions of the west. As far as fuel economy they seem to be equivalent to a CR-V or a RAV-4. They need to do better for sure.
FuturAuto 2:02PM (5/31/2009)
In a world that beg for eletric cars they are just releasing new diesel's cars? Thats not right...
_________________
http://www.futurauto.com.br
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jharlan 2:38PM (5/31/2009)
Futurauto, I believe you are right about EV demand, but we need cheap effective batteries. Until the E storage technology catches up electric car sales are going to be slow. In this transition period we will just be buying more fuel efficient ICE or ICE hybrids, because of the fuel infrastructure and the lack of range restriction. It's going to take some patience.
Snowdog 5:05PM (5/31/2009)
The biggest issue with bringing the Sube Diesel to NA is that it probably needs a Urea tank, which will put a damper on it for most people.
Not viewed that favorably here:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=131970
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Kumar 10:41AM (6/01/2009)
Read somewhere last week that Subaru is working on a new diesel (other than the current one) for the 2011 release. Sounds like they're trying to go the VW Jetta/Golf route with the US engine to avoid too much extra expense/requirements when it comes stateside.
Josh 5:13PM (6/02/2009)
Diesels Can be very clean! I make my own fuel and my last emmissions was down to 4%PPM compare to last year on 10% bio fuel at 9%.PPM that is the best they have ever seen. I too would love EV but, Right now you can't beat a bio fuel powerd diesel THE POWER, 610 miles on one 28 gallon tank in a 9,000 lbs truck! I shoot stright water in to my diesel for a extra 100 hp. Propane can give a diesel super power with no SMOKE Can't wait! Go SUBARU!
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