Nissan has announced that it is to launch a new clean diesel sports utility vehicle (SUV) in Japan.

The version of the current X-Trail model will feature high-performance catalysts and engine management technologies to allow it to meet new Japanese emissions standards.

The M9R engine, developed with French firm Renault, is one of a new class of clean diesel technology vehicles, which are predicted to rival petrol hybrid engines as firms bid to produce energy-saving, low pollution motoring.

Nissan also claims that the diesel engine could eventually meet California's strict low sulphur emissions standards.

It is a decisive move for the car manufacturer as diesels represent a small proportion of the market.

The diesel X-Trail will be launched in Japan in autumn 2008.

Sources:

Nissan to launch diesel SUV in Japan in 2008
http://ca.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=businessNews&storyID=2007-08-06T014314Z_01_T43346_RTRIDST_0_BUSINESS-NISSAN-DIESEL-COL.XML

Nissan to launch first 'clean diesel' vehicle next year
http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/afx/2007/08/06/afx3989396.html

Nissan Develops Clean Diesel Technology to Meet SULEV Emission Standards Tech-On!, Aug 07, 2007

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20070807/137582/

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20070807/137582/?SS=imgview_e&FD=1954898699

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