Nissan to Slowly Stop Selling Diesel Cars in Europe

Nissan has announced it will slowly stop selling diesel passenger vehicles in Europe as regulators look to crack down on emissions.

In a statement made to Reuters, a Nissan spokesperson said that while there is still strong demand for diesel cars in Europe, it would slowly phase them out in coming years as their popularity wanes in favor of hybrids and EVs.

“Along with other manufacturers and industry bodies we can see the progressive decline of diesel but we do not anticipate its sudden end in the short-term,” the spokesperson said. “At this point in time and for many customers, modern diesel engines will remain in demand and continue to be available within Nissan’s powertrain offering.”

“In Europe, where our diesel sales are concentrated, our electrification push will allow us to discontinue diesel gradually from passenger cars at the time of each vehicle renewal,” Nissan added.

Nissan joins Fiat Chrysler and Toyota in committing to on day halting the sale of diesel vehicles in Europe. Earlier this year, Toyota announced it would stop selling all diesel passenger car models in Europe by the end of 2018. Fiat Chrysler said it will halt the sale of all oil-burning cars by 2022. Unlike Toyota and FCA, though, Nissan has yet to provide a timeframe for the change.

Nissan’s anti-diesel pledge is significant, as it’s currently in a strategic partnership with Renault – one of the largest automakers in Europe and a large purveyor of diesel cars.

[Source: Reuters]