Toyota says it is ending diesel car production

Toyota is phasing out diesel engines from its new cars in Europe.

The announcement was made by Toyota at the Geneva Motor Show 2018 to mark the launch of the all-new Toyota Auris, which is now diesel-free for the first time in its history.  

"You may ask, where’s the diesel powertrain? The answer is simple : there isn’t one," declared Dr Johan Van Zyl, president and CEO of Toyota Europe. 

"We are building on the success of our hybrid line-up, and phasing out diesel engines from our passenger cars in Europe"

"We are carrying on a strategy we started with the launch of the C-HR. We are building on the success of our hybrid line-up, and phasing out diesel engines from our passenger cars in Europe. Customer demand is a clear sign that our petrol-electric hybrids are a strong and popular alternative."

The Japanese car manufacturer – which has two plants in the UK – will focus on petrol and hybrid powertrains for future models. A spokesperson for the company has told HonestJohn.co.uk that commercial vehicles, like the Hilux pick-up and Proace panel van, will continue to be diesel-powered for the foreseeable future. 

Toyota's decision to start phasing out diesel engines from its passenger vehicles, however, will not come as a surprise to car dealers in the UK: demand has slumped by 17 per cent in 2017, with 220,000 fewer new diesels being registered compared to the year before. 

Diesels have struggled in 2018 too, with VED changes, diesel showroom tax and DPF problems diminishing their appeal with buyers. As a result sales are expected to continue their downward trend. 

Petrol and diesel vehicle sales could be banned altogether after 2040, as part of Government plans to tackle air pollution. The ambitious proposals are part of the UK’s Clean Air Strategy, which is focused on lowering nitrogen dioxide (NO2).