As the Diesel Emits: Mazda's Skyactiv-D Dream Dims

Mazda's Skyactiv diesel engine has been rocky since it was first announced back in 2011. The automaker was planning on having it available on one of their vehicles starting in 2013. But since then, Mazda has pushed back the launch again and again, citing the reason of delivering "the right balance between fuel economy and Mazda-appropriate driving performance."

But in light of the Volkswagen cheating emissions on their diesel vehicles, a few people are questioning whether or not Mazda will go forward with their diesel plans.

“It’s been delayed and delayed, and Mazda keeps saying it’s coming. At this point, I don’t understand why they would need a diesel for this market. I don’t see it happening,” said Dave Sullivan, an analyst for AutoPacific to Bloomberg.

Sullivan points out that in light of the Volkswagen scandal, the U.S. Government is going to make it even tougher for diesel vehicles to be sold.

“The government is not making it easy, and if anything it’s just going
to get worse. The oversight that’s coming is about to make it even more difficult,” said Sullivan.

Bloomberg reached out to Mazda who said engineers in the U.S. are still hard at work on the engine. Mazda says they don't a have a timetable as to when the engine will be introduced, nor will they be changing their plans in light of the Volkswagen mess.

Source: Bloomberg