New Delhi: Honda makers like Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen, Skoda, Nissan and Renault have already phased out their diesel vehicles in India. Now, Honda Cars India may soon join the bandwagon as it is reportedly mulling to discontinue its diesel cars in the country.
In an interview with an online media publication, Takuya Tsumura, president and CEO of Honda Cars India, revealed that the company is not thinking much about diesel engines as it is very difficult to remove RDE (Real Driving Emissions) with an oil burner.
In fact, most car manufacturers have stopped producing their diesel power units for the European market.
Just so you know, the RDE standards will require cars to meet emissions targets even in back-world conditions. These rules will come into force from April 2023.
CAFÉ-2 standards and BS6 II regulations are also due to be enforced from April 2022 and 2023 respectively. Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFÉ) standards aim to reduce fuel consumption by reducing carbon emissions.
Under CAFÉ II, car manufacturers must meet 113 g CO2/km based on an average curb weight of 1,145 kg. Thanks to this, vehicles will be more economical by up to 13 percent.
Currently, Honda’s Indian product portfolio includes four models that are available with diesel powertrains – the premium hatchback Jazz, the subcompact SUV WR-V, the compact sedan Amaze and the mid-size sedan City.
If reports are to be believed, the Japanese car maker could discontinue its aging lineup including the Jazz, WRV and City. The company will focus on expanding the SUV model line along with modernizing its sales network.
Honda has confirmed that its upcoming new SUV for India has completed its development phase and has entered series production after some final touches.
It is likely to be a mid-size SUV that will challenge the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, the new Toyota Hyryder and the upcoming Maruti Grand Vitara.
