For years carmakers considered diesel models as strictly Europe's domain, with low demand and a poor reputation in the U.S. doing little to help the cause. This attitude, however, is set to change according to Volkswagen, which is predicting more diesel sales this year with the release of the new MkVI Golf.

In fact, VW is banking on about 30% of sales for its new Golf to be a diesel based on high demand seen for current Jetta diesel. Currently, VW is selling around half of its wagon Jettas as diesel models, while around 30% of the sedan variants sold are diesels - far greater than initial expectations for the U.S. market.

But not all diesels are equal, according to market statistics. While VW isn't strictly an economy car brand, its vehicles are certainly placed below major luxury carmakers such as BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi. It is these luxury brands that are failing to convince the market to swap their petrol engines for diesel engines, reports Automotive News.

BMW diesels are struggling to shine in the market, mostly from a combination of lack of advertising and an unreceptive market. Mercedes Benz is facing similar problems, with sales for its diesel E-class sedan and diesel SUVs struggling to reach double-figures.

Audi, meanwhile, is expecting around 25% of sales for its new Q7 to be diesel models, but whether or not this statistic turns out to be too optimistic remains to be seen. It will be on the back of the diesel Q7 sales that Audi will decide on whether to bring more diesels to the U.S. market or not.