► Toyota stops selling diesel in Italy
► User demand for derv collapses
► Only diesel vans and pick-ups left
Here’s further proof that diesel is waning in many markets: Toyota has stopped selling derv models of its heartland cars in Italy.
For 2018 the world’s biggest car maker has suspended sales of diesel Yaris, Auris and RAV4 models, concentrating instead on its cleanest petrol and hybrid models.
Toyota Italy is offering incentives up to €7000 to persuade customers to trade-in old diesels for a new Toyota hybrid.
Why is Toyota stopping selling diesels in Italy?
Because in 2017 just 6% of its sales were oil-burners, the company said in a statement. It will, however, continue to sell Hilux and Land Cruiser models as diesels.
It’s a further example of car manufacturers reacting to changing customer demand. ‘The core of our strategy is hybrid,’ a spokesman told Automotive News Europe. ‘The more we move forward, the less the need for diesels.’
In the UK, the move is more gradual; most Toyota model ranges already don’t offer diesel models – only the Avensis and Land Cruiser offer a derv option of the car ranges. We’re not expecting Toyota to go diesel-free in Britain any time soon, although this is the natural direction of travel.
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