U.S. Diesel Car Market Regained Momentum In 2nd Half Of 2016

U.S. Diesel Car Market Regained Momentum In 2nd Half Of 2016

"SUVs and light trucks largely carried the U.S. diesel market in 2016 in addition to smaller numbers of luxury cars and SUV diesel options," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum.


Prior to the
2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, issued the following statement regarding the status of diesel passenger vehicle sales in the U.S.:

“Much has been said and predicted about the viability of diesel in passenger cars, trucks and SUVs in the U.S. in the wake of the ‘dieselgate’ emissions scandal. Diesel sales started 2016 at their lowest point – 0.43 percent of all vehicle sales in January, according to Hybrid Cars.com data – and some analysts issued dire projections about diesel’s future here.

“However, by the end of 2016 the diesel ‘take rate’ almost doubled to 0.81 percent in December. Cumulatively, 115,337 diesels were sold in the U.S. in 2016, and this does not include many of the domestic heavy-duty diesel pickup truck sales, where diesel has over 10 percent of the market share.

“Even with the loss of 13 VW Group of America vehicles from the U.S. market, as well as delays in government product certifications for other manufacturers, 2016 diesel sales have regained about 20 percent of VW’s previous diesel market share.

“It is to be expected that with fewer choices and lower fuel prices, the sales of fuel-efficient clean diesels might decline, but what we’re seeing is that consumers have not lost confidence in diesel.

“SUVs and light trucks largely carried the U.S. diesel market in 2016 in addition to smaller numbers of luxury cars and SUV diesel options.”

American Public Remains Open to Consider Clean Diesel Vehicles

“In the past 18 months, our public opinion research has continued to reinforce the idea that Americans continue to keep an open mind about potential clean diesel vehicle purchases – even in the wake of the recent emissions scandal. The 2016 sales trends validate those perceptions.

“On the eve of the 2017 North American International Auto Show, we remain optimistic about the momentum for diesels in the coming years. In 2017, we anticipate new product launches to boost the market, ranging from the Chevrolet’s Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, Cruze Hatchback Clean Turbo Diesel and Equinox Clean Turbo Diesel, to the highly-anticipated Mazda SKYACTIV-D CX-5 diesel SUV.

“These are in addition to other automakers who have made recent moves to expand the U.S. diesel market like GMC, Mercedes, Ford, Ram, Jeep, Land Rover, Jaguar and Nissan.

Clean Diesel’s Fuel Efficiency a Major Selling Point

“With tighter fuel efficiency standards coming into play in the U.S. along with growing demand for greener choices, we have no doubt that the new and established diesels will play a major role in the expanding growth of clean diesel technology in the domestic market.

“The new generation of clean diesel passenger vehicles with proven real world fuel efficiency offer about 30 percent better fuel efficiency than comparable gasoline vehicles. These vehicles are clean with low CO2 emissions, they provide great performance, and they are renewable fuel ready. Because of all this, we are extremely optimistic about the future of diesel passenger vehicles in the U.S.”

To learn more about the clean diesel vehicles currently available in the U.S., click here.

You May Also Like

Jacki Lutz Named Content Director at Auto Care Association

Lutz will lead a cross-functional and multimedia content strategy.

The Auto Care Association today announced the addition of Jacki Lutz as director of content to its communications team.

As the director of content, Lutz will be tasked with leading a cross-functional and multimedia content strategy, development and execution across all platforms. Lutz also will be responsible for shaping and driving content initiatives to meet the association’s business objectives; enhancing brand presence; and engaging with current and prospective members.

MEMA Celebrates 120th Anniversary

Milestone underscores MEMA’s legacy supporting vehicle suppliers’ interests.

Castrol Turns 125, Debuts New Market Strategy

Castrol plans to explore additional innovative technological opportunities.

Auto-Wares Group Wins TCED Super Bowl Contest

Auto-Wares winners will be accompanied by TCED President Elise Rozon.

Valvoline Global to Debut Ad During Super Bowl Pre-Game

Restore & Protect motor oil showcased in ad before Super Bowl LVIII.

Other Posts

MPA To Offer Free Part Smart Training in 2024

All training sessions are free and will be captured on video. Certificates of completion will be provided.

PRT Launches 22 New Products on Complete Strut Assemblies

Portfolio expands to more than 12 million vehicles in new coverage.

BendPak to Debut Eight-Armed Car Lift Concept at NADA

Octa-Flex improves technician productivity, convenience and ergonomics, according to BendPak.

PRT Heavy Duty Presenting Innovations at HDAW ‘24

PRT is exhibiting a full line of shocks and air springs for heavy-duty applications.