This year, as in 2022, all brands are seeing a continued decline in sales of their diesel cars in Europe, even if the fuel is still in good shape in some channels. However, under the pressure of the legislator and standards, some manufacturers have even stopped offering this energy in their catalog.

However, after the Dieselgate scandal in 2015, this engine experienced an inexorable decline. However, one brand is an exception to this rule, taking advantage of the continued popularity of diesel models among some customers to gain an advantage. This brand this is Skoda.

An assortment that fleets like

In 2023 diesel accounts for just over 10% of total new car sales in Francewhile petrol reaches 38% and hybrids, whether plug-in or not, rise to 32%.

Among the 20 main manufacturers in the French market, Skoda is the only one to record a significant increase in diesel sales in 2023. It must be said that the Czech brand has a diverse range of diesel models, including the Karoq, the recently updated Kodiaq or even the Octavia, models that are popular with fleets for which diesel still offers serious savings.

Since the beginning of the year, Skoda sold 5,975 diesel carsregistering a growth of 31.9% compared to the same period in 2022. The share of diesel sales in total Skoda sales reached 25%while other manufacturers try to exceed 10%.

Does diesel still have its place in France and Europe?

As we regularly discuss on Auto Plus, the diesel’s place in France and Europe in general is clearly compromised. This energy is now aimed at a very specific clientele, and diesel should be phased out as its tax benefits disappear.

However, despite this hunt for diesel, this fuel still has many advantages, including CO emissions.₂ reduced and significantly lower consumption than petrol and PHEVs, two elements that obviously appeal to fleets.

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