Toyota Europe to discontinue passenger car diesel engines in 2018

Taking green mobility very seriously, Toyota will very soon replace its passenger diesel cars with hybrids in Europe.

At an executive meeting with media on the eve of the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, Toyota Europe confirmed that it will phase out diesel engines from its passenger cars in 2018.

The Japanese company claims that this decision has been taken because of the strong customer demand for hybrid versions of its core models. In 2017, hybrids represented 41 per cent of Toyota Europe’s total sales, increasing 38 per cent year-on-year to 406,000 units. In contrast, the diesel passenger car share was less than 10 per cent in 2017.

Toyota’s hybrid passenger car sales already equalled their diesel car sales in Europe in 2015. Since then, hybrids have substantially exceeded diesel sales.

Toyota’s new fuel strategy in Europe was first seen 2016, when it introduced the C-HR crossover without a diesel version. Now, the just revealed new Auris has also ditched a diesel powertrain in favour of two hybrid options.

However, in commercial vehicles, where personal and business needs remain, Toyota Europe will continue to offer the latest technology diesels. The company has confirmed that Hilux, Proace and Land Cruiser will continue to be sold with diesel engines.