Nissan to Launch Diesel X-Trail in Japan Next Year

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. says it will retail a diesel-powered X-Trail in Japan next year.

The diesel version of Nissan’s small cross/utility vehicle will debut in fall 2008.

The engine is based on Nissan and alliance partner Renault’s SA’s M9R design. To meet Japan’s new emissions standards, Nissan’s original clean-diesel technologies, such as high-performance catalysts and advanced engine-management technologies, will be employed, the auto maker says.

Nissan last year announced its intention to begin sales of vehicles with clean-diesel engines as part of its Green Program 2010, which includes plans for other alternative technologies such as fuel-cell and hybrid-electric vehicles.

In April, Nissan announced plans to begin selling a diesel version of its Maxima large sedan in the U.S. by 2010.