Diesel Collapse Gives Automakers Carbon Headache

[Adam Varga + 123]

The accelerating demise of diesel, long used by carmakers to boost fuel-efficiency, is undermining their plans to meet looming EU CO2 goals and avoid big annual fines. Executives are grappling with unpalatable choices: re-engineer existing vehicles at huge expense, restrict sales of some profitable models; or risk hundreds of millions of euros in penalties. Others are clinging to the hope that the image of the latest Euro 6 diesels may yet be rehabilitated, and their fortunes restored.

[Vlad Kovalenko + 115]

No wonder that executives in VW are worried. But still believing in  diesel revive. 

[Selva + 252]

I'm not sure about that. Their emissions test-cheating scandal from 2015 didn't help them. When the real levels of emissions were dicovered, it only deepened diesels slump.  

[Adam Varga + 123]

The consequences are already there. The sale of diesel cars fell 8% in Europe last year. And still falling. Additional 19% in Germany and 24% in Britain in last month. 

[Vlad Kovalenko + 115]

I bet people from Toyota are rubbing their hand satisfied for being the only automaker that for fulfilling regulatory targets for fleet emissions in 2021.