Diesel cars could soon vanish from roads across the UK as manufacturers turn away from polluting vehicles in favour of electric vehicles.
New data has found that only 57 new diesel models remain available on the market from the UK’s 30 most popular manufacturers.
This is a huge drop compared to the 167 models that were on offer just five years ago, highlighting the switch to cleaner vehicles by drivers and brands.
The staggering 66 per cent decline in the number of new diesel models is likely to continue over the coming years as drivers change their purchasing habits.
Popularity for diesel vehicles appeared to peak in 2015, when 202 models were available, although year-on-year declines have been seen in the years since.
The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that diesel sales continue to fall, with just 12,609 new models registered in September.
The SMMT notes a 28.2 per cent drop in sales compared to the same time last year, while petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles all see growth.
Since the start of the decade, the number of the UK’s 30 top manufacturers offering new electric vehicles has fallen dramatically from 28 to just 13.
Manufacturers are increasingly moving away from diesel vehicles
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Certain industry changes can account for the fall, including Mitsubishi leaving the UK market four years ago, and Jaguar pausing new models to prepare for its all-electric future.
So far this year, only 83,656 new diesel vehicles have been registered, compared to almost 98,000 in the 2024 year-to-date.
In comparison, petrol vehicles have seen a modest decline of 8.2 per cent compared to last year, although it has a total market share of 47.5 per cent.
Cleaner cars are also selling well, with electric almost 350,000 new electric vehicles hitting the road this year, in addition to 172,000 plug-in hybrids and 222,0000 hybrids.
Chris Knapman, editorial director of CarGurus UK, said the recent research highlighted the “rapid decline” of new diesel vehicles across the country.
However, he noted that diesel remains strong in specific segments, especially with drivers who need to drive long distances consistently, those carrying large loads, as well as those looking for optimal fuel efficiency.
He said: “For these buyers, the used car market continues to offer a broad range of diesel models, including many that meet Ulez requirements.
“For new car buyers, while the choice of diesel models has narrowed significantly, brands like Mercedes are pairing diesel with plug-in hybrid technology for added efficiency and Ulez compliance.”
Mercedes-Benz has increased the number of diesel vehicles it sells over the last 12 months
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PASome of the world’s most popular manufacturers are sticking with diesel vehicles, with Mercedes-Benz having the most available on the market with 16.
The premium German brand has remained popular with drivers looking for a luxury drive and impressive range. It is also focusing more heavily on plug-in hybrids, with many of these being diesel-powered.
BMW, Audi, Kia, Renault, Citroen, Land Rover, Skoda and Mazda have all kept the same number of diesel vehicles on the road as last year.
Despite this, automakers including Jaguar, Mitsubishi and Dacia delivered the final hammer blow to its diesel models over the last 12 years, with the three manufacturers no longer selling the fuel type.