US Diesel Car Sales Jump 27% in 2011 as New Models Arrive
Sales of diesel-powered cars in the United States climbed by more than a quarter in 2011, with manufacturers set to launch additional diesel models in the coming years.
Sales of new diesel cars in the United States rose 27.4 percent in 2011 compared with the previous year, according to figures from HybridCars.com and Baum and Associates. The increase marks the strongest annual growth for diesel passenger vehicles in the US in recent memory, as buyers responded to higher fuel prices and a wider choice of models.
The diesel passenger car market in the US remains small by European standards, but the 2011 surge signals renewed interest in the technology. Industry groups pointed to the appeal of modern clean diesel engines, which offer better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions than their petrol counterparts. The Diesel Technology Forum, citing the sales data, described 2011 as a pivotal year for diesel’s reintroduction to American buyers.
Manufacturers expand diesel offerings
A wave of new diesel models is set to arrive in the US market over the next two years. Jeep will launch a diesel Grand Cherokee for 2013-2014, while Porsche’s Cayenne diesel is scheduled for 2012. Chevrolet plans to introduce a diesel Cruze in 2013, and Mercedes-Benz will add the S350 BlueTEC. Cadillac is also preparing a diesel version of the ATS. Mazda will become the first Asian brand to offer a diesel passenger car in the US, with its SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre engine due later in 2012.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel (2013-2014)
- Porsche Cayenne diesel (2012)
- Chevrolet Cruze diesel (2013)
- Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTEC (2012)
- Mazda SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre (2012)
- Cadillac ATS diesel (date to be confirmed)
The arrival of these models reflects manufacturers’ efforts to diversify US powertrain options and meet stricter federal fuel economy standards. The US government’s target of 54.5 mpg average fuel efficiency by 2025 is expected to favour diesel, as these engines typically deliver 20 to 40 percent better fuel economy than equivalent petrol units.
What the growth means for the US market
For manufacturers, the sales increase provides evidence that diesel technology can find a place in the US beyond the heavy-duty pickup and commercial segments. The expanded diesel range will give buyers more choice, particularly those seeking long-distance efficiency without switching to hybrid or electric vehicles. Suppliers of diesel components and aftertreatment systems could also benefit from the trend, as demand for emissions-compliant technology rises.
Analysts expect the diesel market to continue growing as new models reach showrooms and fuel economy remains a priority for US buyers. The next two years will test whether diesel’s recent momentum can be sustained in a market still dominated by petrol engines and increasingly by hybrids and electric vehicles.
