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Honda is to launch a new diesel engine specifically for the US market.

The six-cylinder power plant will be fitted to the manufacturer's larger models in the States, including the Accord and 4x4 range.

Strict US and Japanese emissions regulations mean that the six-cylinder oil burner that is currently fitted to European Accords and CR-Vs cannot be used in vehicles bound for these countries.

Honda also believes that at 2.2-litres it is not powerful enough to propel the Pilot, Ridgeline or Element.

According to Honda's chief executive, Takeo Fukui, the new diesel engine is just the beginning of a range of petrol alternatives that could be introduced over the coming years.

"Looking at Honda's line-up, for the smaller, more compact cars, it should be hybrids. But for the larger ones, it would be more towards environmentally-friendly diesel," he explained to Automotive News, going on to imply that a V6 diesel may be on the way.

Honda's decision follows an announcement from Ford that it plans to introduce a beefy 3.6-litre diesel engine to the reluctant US market.

The new engine is destined for the Ford group's high-end vehicles in the States and will be partnered by a range of petrol-electric hybrid options.