UK diesel car sales have been predicted to drop from a peak of 50% to just 15% of total car sales. Aston University has predicted that a drop in diesel car sales will be driven by environmental pressures. Not only that, but there is a great deal of consumer confusion regarding the future of diesel vehicles in general.
Professor David Bailey, an expert in the automotive field, stated that confusion among consumers and environmental pressures will ultimately lead to the end of diesel fuel in cars and other road vehicles. He stated that the government should set up a scheme whereby drivers can scrap their existing diesel vehicles and switch to electric cars. UK diesel car sales will plummet.
Will UK Diesel Car Sales Crash?
It would obviously not be possible to do that at this time, since there are insufficient electric car charging stations around the country. However, it is becoming apparent that:
- Diesel vehicles will become obsolete
- Regular gas/petrol vehicles and hybrids will initially take their place and
- Ultimately, electric vehicles will become the norm on British and European roads.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (AMMO) have released figures showing that there was a 17.1% drop in diesel car sales last year. Higher taxes were given as one reason, another being fears of diesel pollution. Aston University expects to see a drop in 10% this year in comparison to last year. It also expressed the view that by 2020, diesel vehicles will represent only one-third of those sold.
Diesel Emissions Are Lower Than From Petrol Emissions!
What is the reason for this? Why is the outlook for diesel vehicles in the UK and Europe so bleak? The reason should not come as a surprise to those aware of the environmental issue involved. The major issue is that diesel emissions are considered more harmful than emissions from regular petrol cars.
“Considered” is the correct term! The anti-diesel campaigns waged by many governments are not well-informed ones. Many people have been brainwashed to believe that they will be punished if they purchase a diesel vehicle. They believe they will be hit with rises in tax, higher gas costs and even be banned from city centers. Or all of these!
Time will tell, and will report shortly on how the demand for diesel vehicles is dropping and how the automotive industry is reacting to this. One thing is sure: no industry will sit by while it is being systematically dismantled.
