FCA to Reportedly Eliminate Diesel from Its Passenger Cars by 2022
Larger FCA vehicles that utilize diesel, like the Ram 1500 and Jeep Wrangler, won't be affected by the decision
Utilizing diesel in passenger vehicles is definitely a controversial issue right now, especially following the Volkswagen emissions scandal. The fallout from the “Dieselgate” incident has resulted in many automakers starting to shy away from diesel fuel usage for their cars.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles appears to be the latest automotive manufacturer to consider abandoning diesel. In fact, the Financial Times has reported that FCA plans to eliminate diesel from its passenger cars by 2022.
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The decision is set to be officially announced when the automaker’s upcoming four-year plan is unveiled on June 1. Nevertheless, sources familiar with the issue reportedly reached out to the Financial Times with information surrounding the company’s decision.
This decision will impact Europe more than any other region of the world that FCA operates in. In fact, FCA doesn’t currently sell any diesel versions of its passenger cars in the United States.
As for the upcoming diesel models of the Ram 1500 and Jeep Wrangler, these larger vehicles will not be affected by FCA’s new diesel strategy. Rather, the elimination of diesel from FCA’s lineup will be limited to smaller passenger cars, whereas larger vehicles will reportedly still come offered with diesel-based powertrains.
The popularity of diesel is on a rapid declined throughout the European continent. In January of 2017, 45.1% of vehicles sold in Germany were diesel-based. By January of 2018, that market share had shrunk to 33.3%.
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It should be noted that FCA is involved in something of a diesel-based controversy at the moment as well. The U.S. Justice Department is currently seeking substantial penalties and vehicle recalls based on allegations of FCA using emissions cheating during testing for some of its diesel vehicle options.
While this decision will have minimal affects for the American automotive market, it does signal an industry-wide shift away from diesel as a fuel option.
News Source: USA Today, Reuters, The Financial Times (subscription required)
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