INTERVIEW:
VW CEO on the future of diesel cars
The firm that broke this engine still believes in the fuel, but not for everyone
Diesel power will still be critical to meet emission regulations, Volkswagen’s boss says, but he insists small diesels are dead in the water. With a marked shift away from new diesel cars across Europe, VW brand chairman Herbert Diess believes petrol engines with 48V mild-hybrid electric boosting systems will take over in small cars. But high-mileage cars and larger, more expensive cars and sport utility vehicles will still need diesel power to meet 2020 European emissions laws and to help countries meet their Paris Accord CO2 obligations. "We don’t believe in small displacement diesel so the emissions are too hard to do with them for the price," Diess insists. "We wouldn’t put so much money into a 1.6l diesel for the future but we will make it compliant for as long as we have got it." Diess’s overview of the future of small cars is that their powertrain options will narrow to mild-hybrid systems. He says people who drive less than 25,000km a year will not benefit from diesel power ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.