"Diesel cars could cost twice as much as hybrids", propulsion chief at Toyota

Koei Saga, propulsion chief at Toyota, predicts a drop in diesel engine production due to the high cost of the emissions-reduction systems they incorporate.

Stricter emissions regulations are forcing manufacturers to fit their diesel cars with exhaust-gas reduction systems. These expensive systems could significantly increase the economic value of diesel vehicles. Traditionally, diesels have been more expensive than petrol cars, but never more expensive than hybrids.

“I think diesels are facing a major challenge. Emissions treatment for diesels is very complicated; you need a lot of technology to tackle their polluting problems, and the regulations are becoming increasingly unsustainable. I believe future diesels could cost twice as much as what we pay for hybrids. I therefore think building diesel engines is going to become more and more complicated,” states Koei Saga, propulsion chief at Toyota.

Although he predicts a rise in the manufacturing cost of diesel engines, Saga has also spoken about the importance they still hold in certain sectors and demographic markets.

“There are buses, trucks and ships that depend on diesel fuel, so we are carrying out research with the aim of reducing the cost of these engines. Even if regulations become stricter in industrialised countries such as the USA, Japan, Europe or China, there will still be regions and countries where diesel cars are needed. I believe there will be demand for efficient diesel vehicles with high torque in emerging markets,” says Saga.

The propulsion chief at Toyota also wanted to play down his initial remarks, expressing hope for diesel engines.

“We are continuously working to build more efficient and environmentally friendly diesel cars. I don’t think diesels are going to die,” concludes Saga.

In Spain specifically, we have gone from 70% of new cars registered being diesel to less than 60% over the last 10 years. Everything suggests that diesel vehicle sales will continue to fall in our country.

Source: Autocar