Analysis: Why Aren't Diesel Engines More Popular in the States?

Unlike European motorists, the vast majority of U.S. car buyers prefer their vehicles’ engines to consume gasoline and not diesel. Across the pond, diesel-powered models account for half of all vehicle sales, reaching at times as high as 70 percent of the market in countries like Italy and France.

Residents of the Old Continent have been choosing diesel over gasoline models for a very obvious reason: a diesel engine is on average 40 percent more efficient than a gasoline unit.

With the emissions problems that plagued previous generation diesel engines now solved and the added benefit of low-end torque, which is quite useful in real world driving, opting for a diesel is the obvious choice when it comes to everyday models.

Manufacturers are also investing heavily on diesel technology. Even Porsche - of all makers, offers diesel versions of its Panamera and Cayenne models. BMW recently rolled out M-Performance badged diesel models (albeit with three turbos). But it’s not power they’re after, but the need to comply with fuel consumption and CO2 emission regulations.

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