Mazda Bets On Diesel-Only Car For Japan Launch Of Key 2015 Model

Japan's Mazda Motor Corp (7261.T) will sell only diesel-powered cars in the domestic launch of its key model for 2015, gambling it can convince the country's army of hybrid petrol-electric drivers that the days of sooty, noisy diesels are long gone.

Masamichi Kogai, Chief Executive of Japan's fifth-biggest auto maker, placed his diesel bet in Tokyo on Friday as he unveiled the CX-3, a compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV).

“In Japan, more and more people are choosing to drive diesels,” Kogai said. The CEO also said the greater power offered by diesel engines is a selling point for bigger cars, including compact SUVs.

Mazda has high hopes for its new entry in a small but growing segment of the global auto market. Kogai said the compact SUV segment is expected to double in size by 2020, attracting stiff competition from the likes of Nissan Motor Co's (7201.T) Juke and Hyundai Motor Co's (005380.KS) ix 35.

REUTERS