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Honda Delaying Diesels for U.S.?

Honda Delaying Diesels for U.S.?

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty PadgettMarty Padgett December 11th, 2008

2009 Acura TSX

2009 Acura TSX

Enlarge Photo

We've reported before that the diesel-powered Acura TSX has been "delayed indefinitely," but now the Detroit Free Press is reporting that Honda's diesels are on the back burner because of expensive materials.

The Freep might have missed the story from October, in which it was reported that the Honda diesel was having trouble meeting strict emissions targets. Honda had initial plans for a four-cylinder diesel in the Acura TSX and planned to roll out more oil-burning models in its flagship brand as fuel prices surged.

Diesel prices have remained high--but gas prices are averaging around $1.75 a gallon nationwide.

While Honda dithers over diesels, Nissan is sticking by plans to stick a diesel in the Maxima sedan in 2010, the Freep adds.

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Make sure you check out our partner sites dedicated to focused news, reviews and more for Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and the Toyota Prius. 2009 Acura TSXEnlarge PhotoWe've reported before that the diesel-powered Acura TSX has been "delayed indefinitely," but now the Detroit Free Press is reporting that Honda's diesels are on the back burner because of expensive materials. The Freep might have missed the story from October, in which it was reported that the Honda diesel was having trouble meeting strict emissions targets. Honda had initial plans for a four-cylinder diesel in the Acura TSX and planned to roll out more oil-burning models in its flagship brand as fuel prices surged. Diesel prices have remained high--but gas prices are averaging around $1.75 a gallon nationwide. While Honda dithers over diesels, Nissan is sticking by plans to stick a diesel in the Maxima sedan in 2010, the Freep adds. --- Make sure you check out our partner sites dedicated to focused news, reviews and more for Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and the Toyota Prius.

Posted in: 2008, 2009, Acura, Honda, Diesel, TSX



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Responses (4 total)

  1. By Ed #1, Posted: 12/11/2008

    Too bad... but inevitable.
    With $1.50 gas now, and diesel at $2.50 (!!), the advantages of diesels evaporate, while their extra costs do not. Plus that Acura did not pass emissions in all 50 states.

  2. By R2dad #2, Posted: 12/11/2008

    Honda should be making decisions for the long-run; this is Detroit behavior. Looks like I won't be buying that next gen Ridgeline with a diesel after all.

  3. By Ed #3, Posted: 12/12/2008

    The US is not a friendly environment for the diesel, short or long term.
    Instead of being $1 CHEAPER than gas, as it is in Europe, it is $1 more expensive, thus evaporating its MPG advantage (if you see it, as you should, in MP$ and Not MPG!)
    And the emissions are what killed the Acura v6, it could not pass them in CA and other states.
    Plus Acura has really lost its way styling-wise. How much worse are the current offerings, Cars or SUVs and especially that Ridgeline, compared to the original Legend Coupe of the 80s!

  4. By Ed #4, Posted: 12/12/2008

    More on this reveals that Honda is also rather short-term...
    " Honda of America spokesperson Sage Marie said the program is in "wait and see" mode due to commercial, not technical, reasons (it was just two months ago that the program was rumored to be shelved when the engine couldn't pass emissions).
    Honda says a combination of factors, including plummeting car sales and the high cost of diesel fuel (especially now that gasoline is down below $2/gallon) are solely to blame.
    While the 2.2-liter diesel is already available in Europe (in the Euro Honda Accord – our Acura TSX), the Acura diesel is expected to be a low-volume model on our shores.
    With that in mind, the automaker has decided to re-evaluate where the market is heading before making a significant investment in oil-burners for this country."

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