Car manufacturer Honda is looking to take a lead in the low emission stakes by introducing the world's cleanest diesel car before the end of the decade.

Honda president Takeo Fukui has announced that a four-cylinder Honda will be launched in 2009 and will be the first to comply with US emissions standards imposed by the environmental protection agency.

Speaking to reporters in Japan, Mr Fukui stated that the new model will have 30 per cent better fuel economy than a gasoline model of the same type.

Expressing a desire to "take a lead" in the search for low emissions vehicles, Mr Fukui added: "It's the company's responsibility to minimise the impact of emissions."

Norihito Kanai, a senior research analyst at Meiji Dresdner Asset Management, told Bloomberg that Honda's move into the clean diesel market makes good financial sense for the company.

"There will be a big shift to diesels one day as gas prices will probably continue to rise," he explained.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd