Is Diesel Officially Doomed? Porsche Recalls 60,000 SUVs Due to Illegal Software [News]

Is Diesel Nearing Its Ultimate Downfall?

Diesel technology has had a rough go over the past few years. It all started with Dieselgate in September, 2015 where Volkswagen was caught cheating on emissions tests for over 11 million vehicles worldwide. Since, they have paid out billions, with a ‘b’, in fines and compensation for their wrongdoings. Other companies have come under fire, including Ram, who was temporarily forced to stop selling their EcoDiesel models for some time, until their investigations were complete.

More Bad News

Now it seems the Volkswagen group will come under more fire as a German regulatory board, the KBA, has found over 60,000 Porsche Macans and Cayennes with cheat software, according to Automotive News, Europe. Audi is also expecting the KBA to issue more recalls over the coming months.

The recall of yet more vehicles is just another strike for diesel technology. But it may not be the worst news for diesel. While diesel engines emit less carbon dioxide, they also happen to churn out more nitrous oxides that can cause disease in humans. Autoblog is reporting that German officials have given cities the ability to ban diesel vehicles effective immediately in order to keep up with European clean air regulations. Specifically, German cities are, “entitled to ban older diesel vehicles from streets with immediate effect to bring air pollution levels in line with European Union rules”, according to a court ruling on Friday. While this news doesn’t directly affect the status of diesels in the US, it provides good evidence that we may see a similar result in the near future.

Automakers Taking Action

Automakers around the world are listening to the public’s diminishing opinion on diesel. As public opinion shifts, many are beginning to pull diesel models from their lineup in favor of more eco-friendly technology. Volkswagen, once a prominent seller of diesel vehicles, has pulled all of their TDI models from sale in the US. That comes despite the company’s settlement to fix issues that spurred Dieselgate. Other automakers, like Volvo, are following suit as well. Starting in 2019, the Volvo S60 will be the first Volvo model to be produced sans-diesel option globally. Volvo cites this change as a part of their electrification strategy, but it may be the case that this is also in response to the mounting evidence that diesel is still a dirty, undesirable technology.

What is the Fate of Diesel?

Diesel may hold on for a bit longer. Though, the trend towards electrification suggests that this technology may be on its last leg for passenger vehicles.

For more news on the developing Porsche scandal, as well as more coverage on the decline of diesel, be sure to stay tuned to TFLcar.com.

What do you think about diesel technology? Are you willing to give it a chance? Or should American cities also try to ban the technology? Let us know in the comments below!

For more perspective on diesel technology in the industry today, check out this old vs. new diesel comparison below: