Jaguar Land Rover Sees A Future In Diesel

Once considered a long term pollution solution in European cities, diesel is fast becoming a dirty word in the wake of Volkswagen’s diesel emissions scandal. Despite that Jaguar Land Rover CEO Ralf Speth believes the fuel deserves another chance.

In an interview with Britain’s Autocar, Speth pointed to tightening emissions standards around the world as an opportunity for modern turbo diesel technology - particularly as a way of achieving more stringent fuel economy targets. 

Speth believes modern diesel engine has the potential to bridge the gap between the current crop of conventional internal combustion and emerging electric vehicle technologies.

"The latest diesel technology is really such a step in emissions, performance, particulates; it's better for the environment when compared to petrol," Speth told Autocar. "Diesel has to - needs to - have a future."

But Speth admitted that diesel’s reputation has suffered, not only as a result of the Volkswagen Group’s emissions scandal but also on the back of planned diesel passenger vehicle bans under discussion in cities including Paris, Madrid, Athens and Mexico City.

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