According to Japanese newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun, Mazda could well become the first Japanese automaker to sell a diesel hybrid model…as early as fiscal 2016. However, sales of this vehicle would be limited to markets in Japan and Europe.
Comparable to gas hybrid vehicles, this Mazda model would be powered by a combined diesel engine and an electric motor. This type of vehicle could throw down the gauntlet to conventional gas hybrids, because diesel offers better fuel efficiency with lower fuel consumption.
Mazda will develop a system in which an engine-powered small motor will play a supporting role to the main diesel-fueled engine. Mazda’s aim is to develop a diesel hybrid whereby it can travel about 40 kilometres on a litre of light oil — that’s about 30% better than ordinary diesel-powered vehicles can run.
It’s no coincidence that Mazda is focusing on the European market for this project: indeed, 1 car in 2 sold in Europe runs on diesel. The outcome also looks promising in Japan, where last year almost twice as many diesel vehicles were sold compared to the previous year.
Diesel engine vehicles represent 50% of new cars sale in Europe. In 2013 in Japan, approximately 76,000 units were also sold, about 1.9 times more than sales from the previous year.
Source : the-japan-news.com
Comparable to gas hybrid vehicles, this Mazda model would be powered by a combined diesel engine and an electric motor. This type of vehicle could throw down the gauntlet to conventional gas hybrids, because diesel offers better fuel efficiency with lower fuel consumption.
Mazda will develop a system in which an engine-powered small motor will play a supporting role to the main diesel-fueled engine. Mazda’s aim is to develop a diesel hybrid whereby it can travel about 40 kilometres on a litre of light oil — that’s about 30% better than ordinary diesel-powered vehicles can run.
It’s no coincidence that Mazda is focusing on the European market for this project: indeed, 1 car in 2 sold in Europe runs on diesel. The outcome also looks promising in Japan, where last year almost twice as many diesel vehicles were sold compared to the previous year.
Diesel engine vehicles represent 50% of new cars sale in Europe. In 2013 in Japan, approximately 76,000 units were also sold, about 1.9 times more than sales from the previous year.
Source : the-japan-news.com