2013 Nissan Altima: First Drive

Europeans still choose petrol over diesel

 
2 1,260 views Oct 1, 2007
Follow Viknesh

Europeans still choose petrol over diesel

Europeans still choose petrol over diesel

Enlarge Photo
Diesels are known for their excellent fuel efficiency and strong torque characteristics so it’s not surprising roughly half of new car sales in Europe are diesel. However, the same can’t be said for the rest world where sales of petrol powered cars still dominate. A new study conducted by German research firm Dataforce goes some way to resolving the discrepancy.

According to the findings, 72% of German fleet buyers pick diesel cars whereas only a third of private buyers pick the oil-burners. In the Netherlands, fleet buyers are six times more likely to go for diesel than private buyers, reports Automotive News.

Despite the economical sense of diesels, Dataforce explains that private buyers still go for petrol because of bad memories and old habits. “Diesels used to be noisy and smelly. Now they are better. But for many people, diesel is still like a food that doesn’t taste good,” one researcher explained.

One thing is for certain, however, the popularity of diesels are rising for both fleet and private buyers in nearly all parts of Europe.



Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (2)

  1. By Tim Posted: 10/1/2007 2:00pm PDT

    It is crap, actually, here in Europe we dont buy diesel cars for private use because:
    - such cars are much more expensive (normally 3-4 teuros)
    - the fuel price diff. today is smth like 10 cents i.e.
    - it pays off, only when you travel more than 15 tkm per year, which is rarely the case and
    - (subjective) it is still a tractor :)))

    --
    Cheers
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. By Gus Posted: 10/1/2007 8:21pm PDT

    See, I thought just about every car in Europe was a diesel.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.