Accord Diesel Auto Launch

Honda will launch its first automatic transmission for a diesel engine in 2009, with the new gearbox featuring in the Accord. The Honda Accord i-DTEC automatic will go on sale in January 2009.

The Japanese manufacturer expects automatic transmission in the Accord to appeal to a new segment of customers, particularly in the corporate market, where it considers high mileage user choosers often will only consider an automatic transmission.

Graham Avent, manager - corporate sales, cars, Honda UK, said:

Company car tax legislation has driven much growth in diesel sales and resulted in traditional petrol heads re-assessing their choice of powertrain, For many of these drivers, the final hurdle in their transition to driving a diesel is whether or not it is available as an automatic.