Diesel is rapidly disappearing in the European product matrix.

In new luxury vehicles, Rudolf Diesel’s engine technology might soon become a rarity.

Once the industry darling in terms of powertrain, turbodiesels are being rapidly displaced in most passenger car segments. The latest data from Europe is a stark indication of how swiftly this change is happening.

Europeans have for decades been the most loyal turbodiesel customers, preferring the diesel engine configuration to petrol. With generous government incentives and diesel fuel subsidies, the ownership benefits of running a turbodiesel vehicle were many.

Since the diesel emissions crisis in North America, regulators have hurried to undo most of the incentives for diesel vehicle ownership in Europe. And that also influences South Africa, which sources most of its luxury turbodiesel vehicles, from Europe.

What do the numbers indicate? According to data from Schmidt Automotive, European diesel sales have now been surpassed by EVs. And those numbers electric numbers aren’t hybrids, they are pure electric vehicles.

Pure electric powertrain sales in Europe reached just over 20% in December, passing the 19% of diesels. And the diesel numbers include diesel-hybrids – although those are very much a niche product.

With customers demanding more pure electric vehicles, and fewer diesels, product planners will react accordingly. And that means fewer luxury SUVs and sedans, with diesel engines. Say goodbye to those German luxury cars with V6- and V8 turbodiesels that managed to provide a terrific balance of performance and economy.

In absolute terms, the South African market is very different due to the proportional size of our bakkie and rugged SUV segment. The bakkie and ladder-frame SUV market is dominated by diesel in South Africa, yet both those vehicle classes are negligible in Europe.

Powertrain choices for double-cab bakkie and SUV owners, especially locally produced vehicles, won’t be under pressure. Diesel engines will prevail for many more years.

But for those luxury vehicle owners who enjoy the long-distance cruising ability and overtaking performance of a turbodiesel. It is very much the witching hour – although BMW drivers, might have options.

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