Global demand for diesel on the decline

Demand for diesel cars is decreasing globally as the shift towards electric vehicles ramps up.

Diesel cars have been around since the 1930s but really saw an increase in market share in the 1990s. Diesel engines were originally used as a replacement for stationary steam engines before eventually making their way into cars.

Now, demand for diesel is dropping which is leading diesel engine manufacturers to switch gears. In France, the world’s biggest diesel engine factory in Tremery is beginning this process.

“2021 is going to be a pivotal year, the first real transition towards the world of electric models,” said Laetitia Uzan, a representative for the CFTC union at Tremery, according to TimesLive.

The company is expanding its electric motor output to 180,000 in 2021, with 900,000 planned by 2025.

This transition has been fuelled by a number of events including the 2015 pollution scandal, increased EU regulations and requirements, and multiple government pledges to reach net-zero carbon by the mid-2020s.

In South Africa, diesel cars have grown in popularity due to their fuel efficiency and relatively affordable price. Although they have not surpassed petrol, the slow growth and infrastructure support of electric vehicles means the country is unlikely to see a shift equal to what is happening in Europe.

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