Mazda to Launch World's Most Fuel-Efficient Engine in 2019

Tokyo, Aug. 8 (Jiji Press)--Japanese automaker Mazda Motor Corp. <7261> said Tuesday it will commercialize a next-generation gasoline engine in 2019 that will be between 20 and 30 pct more fuel efficient than existing models, making it the world's least gas-eating engine. It will be the world's first gasoline engine to adopt a compression ignition system, a technology used for a diesel engine to enable combustion without a spark plug, the company said. The plan was included in Mazda's "long-term vision for technology development" through 2030. The company believes that gasoline engines will continue to be a key power source even if electric vehicles become more widespread. While developing electric vehicles as part of its efforts to combat global warming, Mazda believes that continual improvement of the fuel efficiency of gasoline engines will be the most efficient way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, informed sources said. Mazda will develop basic technologies for electric vehicles alongside Toyota Motor Corp. <7203> and plans to launch a long-traveling model in 2019 that will use a rotary engine, Mazda's unique technology, as an alternator. The company also aims to start demonstration tests of its automated driving technology in 2020 and make it a standard feature for its vehicles by 2025. END