13 Automakers That Have Completely Ditched Diesel
13 Automakers That Have Completely Ditched Diesel
DRIVE_WORLDScandals and restrictions have taken its toll on a number of automakers.
Diesel fuel has been a huge part of the automotive industry. The performance this fuel type brings to the table and its relative fuel economy made diesel a favorite among car-buyers, to the point that almost every brand has a diesel option in their vehicle lineup.
But, that's a thing of the past now. Scandals that involve diesel emissions have tarnished the use of the fuel type and stricter regulations from several countries have forced manufacturers to ultimately veer away from including diesel-fed cars in their range. With that, sales numbers of diesel-powered cars continue to drop, particularly in Europe. It's a sad story, but one that we've had coming, as it's almost impossible to come clean while using diesel.
To date, there are 13 automakers that have announced to put a stop to make cars that consume diesel in their vehicle range. Browse through the gallery to see the list.
Jeep has a huge plan on its course, but diesel isn't part of it. The North American brand is up to launch a model slated below the Renegade, size-wise, along with the comeback of the Wagoneer and the introduction of a seven-seater Grand Cherokee. Jeep also plans to launch 10 new models by 2022, each with electrified variants to boot.
One by one, Volvo cars are each losing diesel options. The S60 and the next-generation XC90 won't have it anymore, and that's in line with brand's future plans of electrification. “Volvo will not develop a new generation of diesel engines,” said Volvo CEO, Hakan Samuelsson.
As part of the five-year plan of the FCA Group, diesel-powered cars have been confirmed to be replaced by hybrid plug-in and electric vehicles. Included in this plan is Alfa Romeo and its range of sultry Italian cars.
Among the first to reject diesel in its range is Lexus. It has halted production of diesel-fed cars back in 2013 in favor of hybrid technology, in which the brand has been known for since. We don't expect the brand to look back in using diesel soon.
Just like competitors BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Maserati has banked on the popularity of diesel to boost its sales in the past few years. However, as part of the FCA Group, it is facing electrification towards its horizon, ultimately dropping diesel in its lineup. The Italian marque will develop the Maserati Blue strategy, which will include a new modular platform, a total traction system, and an electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Mitsubishi is among the latest Japanese brand to join the crusade against diesel, joining Suzuki, Toyota, and Nissan in the list. The ban is enforced particularly in the United Kingdom and Germany, where in the marque has stopped selling diesel-powered cars. However, diesel-fed pickup trucks and light commercial vehicles are still being sold for the time being.
Nissan has the best-selling electric car in the world with the Leaf. With that, the Japanese marque looks to bank on that premise, ditching diesel in the process. It has reportedly announced that it will end diesel engine development, with commercial vehicles to use diesel power plant sourced from other brands.
Owned by Chinese company Geely and a subsidiary of Volvo, Polestar is a new premium brand that won't use diesel in its range. In fact, it will only use plug-in and electric hybrid powertrains, starting with the Polestar 1, a hybrid plug-in coupe with 600 horsepower and 93 miles (150 kilometers) of electric range.
Porsche is resolving to electrification with the upcoming Taycan and Mission E Cross Turismo, ultimately ditching diesel in the process. The brand sees that the scandals brought about by dieselgate proved to tarnish the fuel type's popularity, and the marque isn't having any of that.
Smart is reportedly going to be axed by Daimler by 2026, with a smaller model than the Mercedes A-Class to fill the void. However, the city-car brand will go full electric worldwide by 2022, which isn't really a surprise with the nature of its small cars.
Diesel-powered Suzuki cars aren't really selling well in Europe, barely reaching 10% and gradually decreasing in time. With that, the brand is removing the diesel-powered option in its range, such as the coveted Jimny mini off-roader, which is only offered with a gasoline power plant.
During this year's Geneva Motor Show, Toyota announced that it will get rid of diesel engines in its vehicle lineup. This is due to the fact that the demand for diesel-fed cars is continually dwindling down. With that, the Japanese marque will proceed on making gasoline-powered hybrid models moving forward.
As part of the FCA Group, Fiat has been specializing in making small cars wherein electric and hybrid plug-ins are becoming a trend. In fact, the Italian marque has announced that it will halt making diesel-powered cars by 2022.
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