A host of Japanese automakers have pledged to introduce diesel cars with platinum autocatalysts to their ranges, it has been reported.

Recently, the Japanese diesel car market has lagged behind Europe, where consumer awareness of the environmental benefits and fuel economy of diesel cars is greater.

However, over the past 12 months Honda, Nissan and Fuji Heavy Industries, which manufactures Subaru cars, have all confirmed they are planning to bring out new clean diesel models, Reuters reports.

Meanwhile, European marques are also expected to bring out diesel models in Japan, the report predicts, with Volkswagen gearing up for a launch as early as 2009.

Takanobu Ito, Head of Honda Motor automobile division, said: "Once the public realizes how attractive diesel cars are, I think - and hope - they could spread very quickly."

News of the addition of diesel models to marques' fleets comes ahead of Japan introducing more stringent emissions standards in 2009.

The Japanese government is also looking to cut a surplus of diesel fuel.

Source:

Diesel cars seen taking baby steps in Japan, 26/10/07
http://uk.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUKT9915920071026?pageNumber=1

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