Manufacturers are increasingly swapping diesel cars for electric vehicles to turn away from pollution, new data has shown. As a result, automakers including Jaguar, Mitsubishi, and Dacia discontinued their diesel cars altogether. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal that only 57 new diesel models remain available on the market from the UK's 30 most popular manufacturers. This represents a huge drop compared to just five years ago, when 167 models were on offer. Popularity of diesel cars peaked in 2015, when 202 models were available. Since then, year-on-year declines have prevailed.
The figures also show that diesel sales continue to decline, with only 12,609 new models registered in September – a 28.2% drop in sales compared to the same time last year. Meanwhile, petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles all see growth, according to SMMT.
Cleaner cars are performing strongly, with almost 350,000 new electric vehicles registered this year, alongside around 172,000 plug-in hybrids and approximately 222,000 hybrids.
Chris Knapman, editorial director of CarGurus UK, told GB News that diesel remains strong among drivers who need to drive long distances consistently, those carrying large loads, as well as those looking for optimal fuel efficiency.
He said: "For these buyers, the used car market continues to offer a broad range of diesel models, including many that meet Ulez requirements.
"For new car buyers, while the choice of diesel models has narrowed significantly, brands like Mercedes are pairing diesel with plug-in hybrid technology for added efficiency and Ulez compliance."
Some of the world's most popular manufacturers are sticking with diesel vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Kia, Renault, Citroen, Land Rover, Skoda and Mazda.
However, over the past 12 years, the diesel market has steadily dwindled, with brands such as Jaguar, Mitsubishi and Dacia ultimately discontinuing their diesel ranges altogether. Today, none of these manufacturers offer diesel models in their line-ups.
