In a statement BMW has said that the progress achieved so far in CO2 reduction in Europe is largely due to the use of diesel technology and that diesels are essential to further progress. BMW’s defence of diesel comes in the wake of the diesel emissions scandal that has embroiled VW alongside rising concern over harmful diesel emissions such as NOx and the effectiveness of testing regimes.

BMW said that “meeting future requirements will not be feasible without diesel drive trains, since a diesel engine emits roughly 15 to 20 per cent less CO2 on average than a comparable petrol engine”.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

BMW maintains that the EU’s 2020 CO2 target (average 95g/km) in Europe “can only be fulfilled through extensive use of modern diesel engines and further electrification”.

Just Auto Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Auto Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Continental has secured the Window Displays Innovation Award in the 2025 Just Auto Excellence Awards for its Window Projection solution, transforming side windows into dynamic, data-rich canvases. Discover how this compact projection technology and intelligent software are reshaping in-car UX and opening fresh revenue streams for OEMs and mobility providers.

Discover the Impact