Honda has announced its plan to update the two diesel motors that currently power most of its line up. This comes amid decisions by many auto-makers to curb production of small diesel engines in wake of impending enforcement of new emission norms.
The top brass of HCIL stated that while they realised that most of the car buyers are rational about their purchases, there is a demographic that is sentimental about the choice of fuels. Honda wishes to capitalise on this market by updating the diesel motors as per the BS-VI standards.
In order to comply with the new emission norms, the 1.5-litre engine powering the Amaze, WR-V, City and BR-V and the 1.6-litre engine powering the Civic and CR-V will be updated. The respective petrol engines will also be overhauled to meet compliances. The updated motors are slated to roll by the fourth quarter of this fiscal year.
With the price difference between petrol and diesel engines all set to increase, it is infeasible for companies to develop small engines that comply with the new emission norms. Thus, companies like Tata and Maruti Suzuki have ceased production of small diesel engines, the latter going to the extent of announcing a phase-out of all its diesel cars from April 2020.
Honda believes that the need for diesel engines shall not subside immediately, and hence it is essential to ensure a smooth transition while on the lookout for better alternatives.
However, Honda is not the only company loyal to the trusty torque makers. Ford too had announced that it would continue making and selling diesel-powered cars post BS-VI implementation.
