Mazda is bringing a new clean diesel version of its CX-5 SUV to the US market which indicates that interest in such vehicles is on the rebound there says Diesel Technology Forum executive director Allen Schaeffer.
At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Mazda North America officially announced that it is introducing the clean diesel version CX-5 Skyactiv-D SUV to the US market in 2017.
The Skyactiv-D 2.2-litre diesel engine has an SCR after-treatment system. Last year, Mazda accounted for 70% of diesel passenger vehicle sales in Japan.
“Some have questioned whether diesel is still a viable option for passenger vehicles in the US in the wake of the VW emissions crisis,” says Schaeffer.
According to HybridCars.com in October 2016 more diesel passenger vehicles were sold in the US market than other alternative fueled vehicles, including plug-in hybrids and battery electrics combined.
Shaeffer says that Mazda also announced it is considering more clean diesel models in the U.S. joining others who have made recent moves to expand the US diesel market such as Chevrolet, GMC, Mercedes, Ford, Ram, Jeep, Land Rover, Jaguar, and Nissan.
“Today’s announcement is a clear signal that manufacturers remain committed to clean diesel as an essential option for meeting consumer needs for fuel-efficient vehicles without compromising performance or utility,” says Schaeffer.
“The new Mazda Skyactiv-D option in the CX-5 gives consumers a great new option in the red-hot crossover SUV market. Along with light-duty pickups, this is the fastest growing sector in the US market, and also a focal point of opportunity for diesel as well,” says Schaeffer.
