Bosch UK says the current debate surrounding diesel in Europe is being hampered by emotion and cites rapidly improving technology, which is reducing emissions.
The European Automobile Manufacturers Association, ACEA recently noted diesel cars have lower CO2 emissions per kilometre than equivalent petrol-powered vehicles and aid producers to reach the EU’s 2021 CO2 fleet average targets, but some are claiming the fuel can add to pollution challenges.
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“The current discussion about diesel is unfortunately detached from the facts and has become emotional,” Bosch UK president, Steffen Hoffmann told just-auto at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in London.
“The progress in diesel engines over the last 10-15-20 years is substantial.
“If you look at the facts how emissions have reduced, everybody is going to be impressed. There is still – even though we strongly believe in electromobility – there is still a future in the internal combustion engine both for diesel and gasoline.”
Hoffmann has recently taken up his post as head of the Bosch in the UK following a five-year posting to South Africa, a country he describes as “unbeatable” for diesel suitability.
And despite a certain perceived reticence by younger people in mature markets for automobiles, Hoffmann related how South Africans still viewed cars with relative enthusiasm as means of transport.
“Young people don’t want to own a car – this is true for a few urban areas,” he noted. “If you look globally, I spent my last five years in Africa – it is a totally different story.
“There is still enthusiasm for cars.”
Last week ACEA said it was “surprised and disappointed” at the announcement Euro 6 diesel cars will not be included in Category 1 of the new French colour coding scheme, which classifies vehicles according to their pollution levels.
The association said European vehicle manufacturers and suppliers have led the world in the development of state of the art diesel engine technology, including the implementation of high-efficiency engines and particulate filters.
