Mazda isn’t letting Volkswagen‘s emissions scandal get in the way of offering diesel engines in North America.
Kiyoshi Fujiwara, Mazda’s head of research and development, told Reuters the Japanese automaker hasn’t given up on plans to roll out its 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D engine in the U.S. and Canada, despite the implementation of new regulations in the wake of Volkswagen’s test-cheating diesels.
“We’re committed to launching diesel-fueled cars in the United States,” Fujiwara said. “There’s no doubt about that.”
After a seemingly endless string of delays, 2016 was the most likely date for Mazda’s diesel launch in North America. But on account of Dieselgate, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is looking to beef up emissions tests. Both organizations have been mum on a timeline or what the new tests entail.
This, in turn, could lead to a delay in Mazda’s diesel launch beyond 2016 – but a specific date hasn’t been set. Fijiwara says the tougher testing “will cause a delay in plans for everybody looking to sell cars in the U.S. market. That’s why we cannot say when we are able to launch our diesel cars in the U.S. market at this point.”
“Tests are going to be tougher,” Fujiwara added. “Regulators are not telling us or anybody what additional testing steps they have added to the process.”
