New diesel cars now face higher first-year taxes.
This is the latest in a number blows from the authorities against the fuel in recent years, which have left many believing diesel is now running on fumes.
With cities across Europe considering bans on older models, the UK Government proposing charging zones for ageing diesel cars and councils introducing various diesel surcharges, new diesel sales have slumped in the UK. February’s new car registrations show new diesel accounts for just 35 per cent of the market – six years ago, this figure was above the 50 per cent mark.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is scrambling to defend diesel, and with good reason –it’s still the fuel of choice for 12 million Brits.