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Diesel is doing a lot to reduce CO2 emissions in Europe

Diesel is doing a lot to reduce CO2 emissions in Europe

Technological and product development has transformed the diesel engine in the last 20 years: it is quiet, durable, fuel efficient, environmentally friendly, comfortable and it offers a performance comparable to a car with a petrol engine.

These changes have been so well received by European drivers that there are diesel engines in 50% of all cars sold in Europe. Market shares are even higher in France (71%) and Belgium (75%) and Spain (68%). Diesels power pretty much every car segment these days, from micro to luxury.

Dieselisation contributes significantly to Europe’s strategy for reducing CO2 emissions from cars. The substantial progress the automotive industry has made in cutting average CO2 emissions since 1995 would not have been possible without the diesel.

Fuel-economy is the key because fuel consumption relates directly to CO2 emissions. In general, a diesel engine consumes 30% less fuel than its petrol equivalent and emits 25% less CO2. These environmental gains mean that diesel is often superior to hybrid vehicles, especially outside cities. Diesels will continue to improve their environmental performance as particulate matters are being standardised, emissions of nitrogen oxide will further diminish and cleaner fuels are introduced in the coming years.

The environmental benefits of the diesel engine extend also to light and medium and heavy trucks. In these sectors there is no competition that can match diesel’s level of efficiency.

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