I don't know about you, but if I was looking at buying a new/used car, I'd have no idea what to go for - even though I work with people from the automotive industry every day and consider myself quite a petrol (electric/diesel) head! There's so many conflicting articles in the media about Diesel, Petrol and Electric vehicles, it's hard to know which way to jump.
I suppose with this in mind, it's becoming more of a reality that consumers, whether buying for themselves or a fleet of vehicles for their company, are tending to look at shorter-term solutions regarding their vehicle purchases and opting for more flexible options like flexi contract hire/rental due to the choice they now have. This gives the consumer the ability to switch cars more frequently and choose alternative fuel options to align with the latest regulations to maximise their fuel efficiency & environmental impact.
I came across this article that highlights the European Commissioner, Elzbieta Bienkowska's thoughts on the matter and also announces some vehicle manufacturers that are planning on removing Diesels from their ranges in the next few years. That's right, the next few years!
I guess that would take at least one option out of the equation when deciding on what new car to buy!
Other manufacturers, such as Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar Land Rover, have come to diesel's defence, citing that diesel is vital to combating global warming due to its lower CO2 output. JLR boss Ralf Speth said recently: “The latest diesel technology is really such a step in emissions, performance, particulates; it’s better for the environment when compared to [an equivalent] petrol. Diesel has — needs — to have a future.”
Read the original article here