Toyota has announced it's getting rid of diesel engines from its passenger cars by the end of the year, instead choosing to focus on petrol-electric hybrid models as the demand for diesel-engined cars continues to tank.
The decision was disclosed as Toyota revealed its engine lineup for its upcoming second-generation Auris, which the company has committed to continue building in the UK.
Gallery: Toyota Auris at the 2018 Geneva motor show
Only one conventional petrol engine will be offered in the family hatchback – a 114bhp 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. The other two offerings for the new Auris will be a 1.8-litre petrol/electric hybrid powertrain that's also used in the Prius, and a new 2-litre petrol/electric setup that will be rolled out to other models as they're upgraded.
As a consequence, Toyota has decided that there's no more room for diesels in its range as the fuel option becomes an increasingly niche proportion of new car sales.
Last year, 41 percent of Toyota's sales in Europe came from hybrids, which marked an increase of 38 per cent year-on-year to a total of 406,000 units. Meanwhile, diesel sales made up less than 10 percent of Toyota's total.
'Toyota has been pioneering hybrid electric vehicle technology for more than 20 years. For several years, hybrids have been the dominant powertrain where they have been offered,' said Johan van Zyl, CEO of Toyota Motor Europe. 'As part of our electrified vehicle strategy, we are expanding our hybrid offering with a second, more powerful 2-litre engine.
'Starting with the new-generation Auris, this expanded line-up is a natural reaction to our customers’ demands,' he added. 'Toyota’s hybrid mix in passenger cars reached equality with the diesel mix in 2015. Since then, hybrid sales have substantially exceeded those of our diesels. In commercial vehicles, where personal and business needs remain, we will continue to offer the latest-technology diesels.'
Despite the move, Toyota has confirmed that it will will offer diesel engines in commercial vehicles – including the Hilux, Proace and Land Cruiser.