Nissan is due to become the first Japanese carmaker in more than a decade to offer a diesel powered passenger car to the domestic market as it announced its plans to launch a new clean diesel engine for use in the X-Trail SUV in the fall of 2008.

In Europe the Nissan X-Trail is offered with the 2.0-litre M1D diesel unit developed by Alliance partner Renault which is available in two levels of output, 150hp and 173hp. Torque outputs are 320Nm and 360Nm respectively, 90 per cent of which is developed, in both cases, at 1,750rpm. Both engines are fitted with diesel particulate filters to minimize emissions. Standard on both versions is a six-speed manual transmission, though the 110kW model is optionally available with a new six-speed automatic. –Follow the jump for the press release

NISSAN TO INTRODUCE CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE IN JAPAN - X-TRAIL diesel to debut in 2008 -

TOKYO (August 6, 2007)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced plans to launch a new clean diesel engine for use in the X-TRAIL sport-utility-vehicle, to be introduced in Japan in the fall of 2008. Based on the M9R engine co-developed with Alliance-partner Renault, the Nissan version will adopt original clean diesel technologies (high-performance catalysts and advanced engine management technologies). This clean diesel engine is being developed to lower exhaust gas emissions to levels comparable to those of new emission standards in Japan. Further details on performance and specifications will be revealed closer to introduction.

Introducing its first clean diesel engine in Japan is another action planned under the Nissan Green Program 2010, the company’s mid-term environmental action plan focused on CO2 emissions reduction. Nissan is committed to bringing the right technology to the right market at the right time with the right value to the customer. Major research and development programs include fuel cell cars, hybrid cars, biofuel-based cars, electric vehicles, improvement in gasoline engines and clean diesels.