Diesel has lost its edge of petrol as the emission scandal continues. Based on the data provided by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, for the first time since 2009, sales of petrol-powered cars this year have surpassed those of diesels in Europe (which used to be the highest consumers of diesel powered vehicles).
It seems highly unlikely the situation will be reverted in the near future, not just because customers are moving away from diesels, but also due to the reason some automakers are seriously thinking about stopping development of diesel engines.
Volvo and Porsche, with both already announcing their current-generation diesels are being put into retirement, with no replacement in sight.
Sales of new cars equipped with petrol engines rose from 45.8% to 48.5% in the first half of 2017 in Europe, representing an additional 328,615 cars compared the same period of last year. As for diesels, demand dropped from 50.2% to 46.3%, or 152,323 fewer cars than in H1 2016.
Malaysia has already seen a drop in diesel car sales by European car brands, however the Korean and Japanese brands have started introducing clean diesel engines this year. The fact remains that diesel power is addictive with its impressive torque from small 2.0L or 2.2L turbocharged engines and with great fuel sipping.
