One in three motorists sticking with diesel models

Car manufacturers are currently offering significant scrappage deals on old diesel cars to tempt buyers to upgrade to a new model, but new research suggests that it will need major price reductions in order for motorists to ditch the diesel.

A study released by Kwik Fit has found that only one in six (16 per cent) of those considering a new car in the next two years are planning on buying a diesel, compared to 42 per cent opting for petrol, 19 per cent choosing a hybrid, and eight per cent preparing to go fully electric1.

More than half (51 per cent) of diesel car owners are considering changing their car in the next two years. However, of the 11.4million drivers whose main car is a diesel, only just over a third (36 per cent) will choose another diesel car. In contrast, almost half (46 per cent) will switch to other engine types - 19 per cent to hybrids, 18 per cent to petrol and 9 per cent to electric motors.

The research found that some car buyers could be tempted to opt for the latest diesel models. However, they would need hefty discounts to do so. The average motorist would want a new diesel car to be 18.4 per cent cheaper than the petrol equivalent for them to consider buying it. Those who currently drive a diesel would not need as large an incentive to stick with a diesel car, but would still want an average 13.5 per cent off the windscreen sticker price, compared to the 21.7 per cent discount wanted by the average petrol car driver.

Thirty-five per cent say they would not buy a new diesel car, no matter how cheap it was. Conversely, 12 per cent, or 5.9 million people, say that they would not need any discount compared to a petrol version to consider a new diesel car. This is over three times more likely to be the case for current diesel drivers than those with petrol cars (27 per cent v 8 per cent).

Kwik Fit’s study also looked at whether motorists felt that the recent announcement by the government of its plan to eradicate petrol and diesel cars by 2040 was an achievable goal.

The nation is even split on the issue, with 45 per cent saying that it is likely that the government will achieve its plan and 42 per cent believing it is unlikely (17 per cent think it is extremely unlikely).

Those drivers who have experience of alternative fuel are much more positive about reaching the target - 74 per cent of hybrid drivers and 81 per cent of those with electric cars think the government will achieve its aim.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, says: “This study shows that the recent media coverage of diesel engines has had a real impact on people’s plans for their next car. Clearly not everyone can afford to buy a new car and many people will be concerned about how they can ensure their existing car runs as efficiently and affordably as possible.

“Whatever type of car drivers have, whether it’s diesel, petrol, hybrid or fully electric, it’s important to have it regularly serviced as this is vital in maintaining performance levels.”