Porsche stops production of diesel vehicles

Porsche has become the first German car brand to abandon diesel fuels. In a press release, the company said it wanted to focus on hybrid and electric cars.

Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche, said diesel is still an important technology, but that it was largely secondary in the field of sports cars and noted that demand for diesel vehicles has been declining for some time.

"Porsche does not demonize diesel. This is and will remain an important propulsion technology, "said Blume. "As a manufacturer of sports cars, however, for whom diesel has always played a secondary role, we came to the conclusion that we would like our future to be without diesel. Naturally, we will continue to take care of our existing diesel customers with the professionalism that they expect. "

Although Porsche has nothing against diesel cars, it is clear that sales figures have been declining for some time. A report from European Auto News notes that diesel sales have declined in recent years. In Germany, the home country of Porsche, diesel sales have fallen to a record 38% in ten years. Traditional gasoline cars account for about 58% of the market. Alternative options, such as hybrid or electric cars, double or triple volume, but are fewer in number than other options.

It should be noted that many diesel issues may apply to the policy. The EU has imposed stricter environmental regulations on diesel vehicles. The automakers have rebuffed these rules arguing that they are too broad. Automakers recognize that older diesel vehicles have problems, but claim that they can be improved, while new diesel vehicles are more environmentally friendly.

However, a recent study published by the International Council on Clean Transportation has shown that diesel cars do not meet EU emission standards. Their study revealed that diesel cars, even the most efficient ones, exceeded "twice the homologation limits". Less efficient models were 18 times the approved limit.

Regardless of the reasoning, Porsche's decision to end diesel cars may encourage other companies to do the same. On the other hand, a hole in the market might offer an opening for competitors, so diesel fans will likely have some options at the moment.