With the diesel segments witnessing high growth at the expense of petrol, Honda which does not have diesel in its portfolio yet is hesitant on entering the segment. “The emission norms will get more strict in 2010 with the introduction of Euro IV emission norms and while we do have the technology we are not sure about the quality of diesel available in the country today. Hence we are waiting for the fuel quality to improve and once it happens we will be ready with our products,” Takedagawa said. First to come off the block would be the Honda CR-V diesel.

He, however believed that the situation is still not the same as Europe and Honda is not missing out on an opportunity. “An Indian consumer drives an average 18,000 kilometers per year while a European drives in excess of 40,000 kilometers. The huge gap is due to the difference in infrastructure and diesel is more attractive for those who travel more. The demand here will be much more once infrastructure improves,” he said.