There's a lot of hope for new Diesel passenger cars in the US. I've mentioned that Ford, GM and Chrysler have the ability to bring Diesels to market if they get off their asses. But what about the Japanese? I recall that in the 80's some of them offered Diesels in the US. I know that Mitsubishi, Toyota, Isuzu and Nissan had some. But I don't recall ever seeing a Honda or Subaru with a Diesel. In Europe Diesels are an important part of the market, and it's an area where the Japanese are underrepressented.
Now word is that Subaru is working on a new Boxer Diesel, and Nissan can always rely on partner Renault. Mitsubishi and Isuzu are becoming irrelivant in the US market, but Mitsu could come back from the brink. Mazda can rely on partner Ford for they're safe if Diesels make a come back. Toyota won't be left out of any part of the market. But again I have questions about Honda, did they ever offer a Diesel? Where would they source a powerplant in a pinch?
I'm interested in seeing how the Japanese respond to any shift in the US. Is this an area that "Domestic" manufacturers could have the upper hand?
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2 comments:
Ford sold the Escort with a Mazda diesel in the 80's.
Yes you are correct, they also sold the Ranger with two different Mitsubishi sourced Diesels, a Turbo and non-Turbo.
And I did say that some Japanese companies did make Diesels. I shouldn't have been so broad with my strokes though.
Still, lack of Diesel options has been a sticking point for some Japanese manufacturers in Europe. Meanwhile, Ford and GM have European Diesels that could and should be brought to the US market.
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