Germans still prefer VW diesels despite climate concerns

Global sales numbers are out and the Volkswagen group as a whole has marginally pipped the Renault-Nissan alliance to claim the top spot in automotive sales. Volkswagen sold almost 6.25 million cars in 2018 while Audi, Skoda and Seat followed suit with 1.8 million, 1.25 million and a little over half a million cars respectively.

While the overall sales grew by just about 1 per cent, what has been surprising is the contribution of diesel cars to the total sales. According to reports, 43 per cent of the private buyers in Germany have chosen diesels, which registered a growth of over 4 per cent over the previous year. 

The increase in the number of diesels comes against the stark backdrop of Dieselgate where the German conglomerate was fined billions of dollars across the globe. The popularity of diesels does not seem to have been hit by the climate concerns and pollution as the practicality and economy of the diesel makes it much more feasible. 

Volkswagen group has claimed that the new diesel engines developed after the Dieselgate actually emit 15 per cent lower emissions than the corresponding petrols.