The head of Citroen: the fate of diesel cars will solve corporate clients

12 February 2018

The demand for diesel cars falls even in Europe

Unfolding in 2015, the scandal of diesel engines, Volkswagen is still far from complete. Recently opened new details of the so-called "disilicate": funded by the German research company, alleged experimented on monkeys. The governments of developed countries have condemned the Volkswagen, whose expenses on the courts, fines and compensation already tens of billions of dollars. But consumer reaction was not so rapid. Contrary to expectations, sales of Volkswagen and its sister brands continue to grow. However, the demand for diesel cars falls even in Europe. The head of Citroen Linda Jackson (Linda Jackson) believes that the future of this transport depends on the corporate customers.

In conversation with journalists of the British newspaper autocar.co.uk Ms. Jackson said that in October of 2017, around 75% sold in Europe of crossover Citroen C3 Aircross was equipped with petrol engines. This fact is evidence that private buyers (C3 Aircross rarely buy companies) turned his attention to petrol cars.

"But if corporate buyers prefer to go for petrol, then for the segment of diesel cars will be very difficult to recover. Should something dramatic happen to a diesel car has a new lease of life," — said Linda Jackson.

In 2017 sales of vehicles with diesel engines in the UK fell by 17 %. This trend was exacerbated in the second half. So, in December the demand was 31.1 %. At the same time, registration of new diesel cars rose by 2.7 %.

Also the head of Citroen, said that electric vehicles still have to prove their "viability in the long term." "I'm sure they are part of the solution, but still have questions that need answers. For example, who should build the infrastructure for a sustainable supply of lithium-ion elements, or how to provide clean energy".