Diesel makes a comeback in Europe: Stellantis plans new engines for its models

Just a decade ago, models with diesel engines were very popular, and their registrations accounted for more than 50% of sales worldwide. But last year, in 2025, that share fell to less than 10% in many European countries. Although this type of engine has suffered a very high level of rejection due to several factors, it seems to be resisting extinction.

Apparently, Stellantis wants to reintroduce diesel engines to the European market. To do so, it has announced the development and manufacture of seven new diesel engines for some of its models. Although it may seem like a risky move, with a market for these engines on the verge of disappearing, it makes a lot of sense in the current scenario.

Diesel has always been the choice of many users who need continuous use and long-distance driving. Transport fleets, families who use their vehicle a lot, and professionals who need to make very long journeys opted for this engine type because fuel consumption is lower and range is greater than with petrol.

At present, SUVs, MPVs (which are gradually returning to the market), and high-end saloons are the models that usually use this type of engine and that can benefit from the latest technology applied to them. This technology makes it possible to manufacture diesel engines with lower polluting emissions that can comply with the new regulations.

This lies in the hands of the major European manufacturers, which have a great deal of experience in the sector and have made significant investments in the past to advance in this direction. Chinese manufacturers cannot afford those investments and are left out of the diesel segment, something European brands can take advantage of for now.

Stellantis’s strategy will focus on six brands: Citroën, Peugeot, Fiat, Opel, DS Automobiles and Alfa Romeo. Diesel engines will be aimed at family vehicles and high-end SUVs. In these segments there are many drivers who are not yet prepared for the transition to electric mobility, and so they will maintain a significant market share against their competitors.

This will allow them to offer a fairly wide range and continue selling models that are moving toward electrification at more competitive costs until the transition to sustainable mobility is available to everyone. In addition, those most reluctant to buy an electric car will be able to have a vehicle with lower fuel costs and good range.