DaimlerChrysler is working with the Japanese government in order to develop regulations for new types of emissions technology that will see standards come into line with European requirements.

According to the head of Japan operations at the German automaker, emissions and other regulations on diesel engines in Japan currently differ markedly from those in Europe.

Hans Tempel, who heads DaimlerChrysler Japan Holding, points out that Japanese regulations are stricter on certain exhausts while more lenient on others, with methods of testing also different to European protocols.

As a result Mr Tempel says that consumer habits and the discrepancy in regulations make it difficult for European automakers to crack the market.

However, Mr Tempel says DaimlerChrysler is now seeking to address this differentiation and achieve greater parity in emissions legislation in the respective areas, with the promotion of the diesel engine one of the primary reasons for the negotiation with the government.

Diesels make up only a small proportion of car sales in Japan, and imports account for just six per cent of cars sold there.